As I mentioned when I ventured into this discussion, I was trying to provide another
perspective to the incident based on my research. I appreciate your detailed response
and the passion in it, on a number of levels. First of all, it proves my observation that
one can certainly spark controversy on any topic dealing with the Civil War. Secondly,
it confirms my hesitation as a novice to put my opinions out there, but best of all, yours
is the first confirmation of a part of my thesis that the saber was a valuable weapon in
the hands of the Cavalry - particularly the 4th U. S. and Minty’s “Saber Brigade”. I
would be very interested in your views on this subject and any sources you could direct
me to.

As to the topic at hand, you are obviously much better versed in Southern history and
Forrest than I, and, as a matter of fact, I was planning to spend some time next week
in our University library with some of Forrest’s birogaphers. I want my history of the
4th Regiment to be as accurate as possible and will now certainly include information
this discussion has generated. As a student of history I have long understood that it
is very difficult to find the “truth” in any situation - particularly one filled with the passion
of war. The best one can do, in fairness, is present as many sides or versions as can
be found and leave the conclusions to the reader. One impression I have gained from
my readings on the Civil War is that beneath the words, I sense a simmering of hatred
on both sides which led to questionable acts of violence.

With regard to the controversy over sharpened sabers, Colonel Robert H. G. Minty
himself discusses the conversations he had with Brig. Gen. David S. Stanley and
General Rosecrans regarding correspondence from General Buell. It originally
appeared in an article written for the Los Angeles Times, September 29, 1901. All
of Minty’s correspondence is included in Rand Bitter’s recently (2006) self published
biography, “Minty and His Cavalry”. I am in correspondence with Rand to see if he
can provide an additional sources.

I am not aware of any substantial attacks on Captain Vale’s overall accuracy, but, as
you point out, there certainly are some discrepancies. His is a personal observation
of the War as he experienced it and is certainly subject to his biases. In the end it’s
in the “eye of the beholder” and human nature being what it is . . .. Your comment
on Vale’s writing as if Minty had won the war in the West single handedly reminded me
of my thoughts when reading the History of the 7th Pennsylvania, by Colonel William
Sipes. It was the 7th Pa., the 4th Michigan, and the 4th U. S. who primarily made
up the “Saber Brigade”. Sipes titled his book, “The Saber Regiment”, and you’d think
they rode alone! This seems typical for these early memoirs. I have also noticed when
reading the Official Records of both sides regarding a specific action, there are often
significant differences of opinion and results. It seems they understood “spin” even
back then.

I will certainly do more research and hope to have a further response soon.