With the ending of winter, the campaign of 1864 was coming close, as careful observers could tell by two executive orders issued by Lincoln. The first on March 12, 1864 detailed the new command structure, with Grant made General-in-Chief, Sherman placed in command in the West, and McPherson commanding the Army of the Tennessee. Grant was depending upon his command team from the Army of the Tennessee to win the War in the West, while he took command of the Army of the Potomac. The useless Halleck was demoted from General-in-Chief and made Chief of Staff. It is characteristic of Lincoln that he spared the feelings of Halleck by indicating that the demotion was at his request and thanking him for his completely barren services. The second executive order, calling for a draft of 200,000 men, was issued on March 14, a sure sign that the fighting this year would…
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Practically Historical 