Col. J. Stoddard Johnston, Confederate Military History, a library of Confederate States Military History: Volume 9.1, Kentucky
Clement Anselm Evans, Ed.

[133] well as by those not expert in the art of war; and their criticism has been unfavorable to him. But how far this is due to his failure to secure success afterward, or to the merits of the argument, cannot be decided. Some argue that he should have turned on General Buell and fought a decisive battle for the State. A knowledge of the topography of the country and of other conditions would not sustain this suggestion. Had he gone out to meet General Buell he would have had a river at his back with banks like a cannon and only one ford. It would have been the battle of Fishing Creek reproduced. To fight in front of a defile, or with such a river in the rear, is condemned by the first principles of military strategy and by the common sense of good soldiers, whom it demoralizes. Then again if Buell had declined battle, and retired toward Bowling Green, Bragg could not have followed for the want of subsistence. The region about Munfordville is rough and only moderately productive. For a year previous it had been foraged and exhausted of its surplus, first by the Confederates on the south side and then by the Federals on both sides. On the other hand it would not have been wise to march to Louisville without a junction with Kirby Smith, whose force was scattered watching Gen. Geo. W. Morgan and threatening Cincinnati. He could not communicate in time to effect this speedily. The distance to Lexington was about one hundred and twenty-five miles, with neither telegraphic nor railroad communication. Even courier service was doubtful on account of bushwhacking home guards. He was confronted with a problem requiring prompt solution.

A study of the map will show to the military student, judging by abstract rules, and not by the light of after occurrences, that his movement to Bardstown, where he could obtain immediate supplies, be in position to effect early junction with Kirby Smith for advance upon Louisville, and to connect himself with his new line of communication south, via Cumberland Gap, was the best alternative.