[Non-Sequitur]

I think you can make the argument Albert Sidney Johnston was one of the top two or three flag rank officers in the entire CSA. Would that have carried the day against Buell and Wallace’s additional troops?

I don't think you can make that case at all. Johnston will remain one of the great unknowns of the Civil War since he was killed midway through his first day in battle. In July 1861 you could say that Joe Johnston and P.T.G. Beauregard were the team to beat, but history has proven otherwise. When he was first appointed McClellan was supposed to be the boy genius of the battlefield and again, history proved otherwise. With the other Johnston we will just never know.

[Badeye]

‘With the other Johnston we will just never know.’

Fair point. Those that knew him in the Union Army sure thought highly of him, and were greatly concerned he was the guy they were up against.