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lvaces -> General Pope - A Rating Analysis (10/6/2006 10:42:08 AM)
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Taking on the implicit challange in Gil R.'s statement of surprise that no one is creating threads to discuss the generals' ratings going on, here is my analysis of Gen Pope's proper ratings.
Initiative - Pope is strong here. Both at Island No. 10 and later at 2nd Bull Run, Pope was quick to move. He certainly chased after Jackson at 2nd Bull Run with much enthusiasm and moved to the attack quickly once he caught him. He clearly deserves at least a 5 rating based on 2nd Bull Run alone, and if you throw in his victorious Island No. 10 attacks, a good case can be made for a 6 rating. Those of you who have voted him a 3 or less for initiative, defend yourselves if you can! ;)
Tactics - Nothing special here either way. He was beaten at 2nd Bull Run, but if Longstreet had not been there to rescue Jackson, Pope probably would have carried the field and won the day. An average rating of 3 seems in order, tho I would not argue with someone wanting to vote a 4.
Command - Here is where the problems start. His enthusiasm at 2nd Bull Run may show initiative, but it was handled in a way that caused much confusion. He could not keep track of Lee's army or keep a proper handle on his own, leading to much marching and counter-marching going on with its attendant disorder. Further, Pope's inability to understand the true nature of Lee's campaign against him resulted in his units being misplaced on the battlefield and a lost battle. His command ability is at best a 2. I see some people voting him 4's, 5's, and 6's. Are we talking about the same John Pope?
Leadership - Nothing in Pope's leadership style seems out of the ordinary good, and the bad has already been taken care of in command above, so a 3 for average here.
One general down ... 999 generals to go.
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