...Mississippi. He wrote letters from "Headquarters in the Saddle," issued an address to his new command: "I have come to you from the West, where we have always seen the back of our enemies." His overconfidence ran into bombast. For Pope was facing two great proved fighters,...

...General Pope : "Should suppose not." Report on the Conduct of the War, Vol. 1, page 282. "Soldiers : "I have come to you from the West, where we have always...backs of our enemies, from an army whose business it is to seek the enemy and beat him wherever found, whose policy has been attack and not defense. "Disaster...

...spent two weeks in learning your whereabouts, your condition, and your wants; in 'preparing you for active operations, and in placing you in positions...from which you can act promptly and to the purpose. 66 1 have come from the West) iv/iere ive have always seen the backs of our enemies , — from an army...

...spent two weeks in learning your whereabouts, your condition, and your wants ; in preparing you for active operations, and in placing you in positions...from which you can act promptly and to the purpose. These labors are nearly completed, and I am about to join you in the field. Let us understand each...

...however. Soon after assuming command, he courted controversy with his legendary proclamation about coming from the West, "where we have always seen the backs of our enemies," and having his "headquarters in the saddle." In some ways, that sounded innocent enough, for he also...