His soldiers and the country might have been better off if Burnside had been more of a quitter, but that was one defect which he lacked.
In Bruce Catton's book "Glory Road," the author reflects on General Burnside's character and leadership during the Civil War. He suggests that Burnside's tenacity, though admirable, may have led to unfavorable outcomes for both his soldiers and the nation. The implication is that a more decisive retreat or reconsideration of tactics could have resulted in better circumstances for his troops.
The critique points to a broader theme of leadership in challenging...