General Donaldson found himself in an awkward position in 1864, when he discovered that he would end up as the Nashville hero or Tennessee goat. Donaldson as the Quartermaster under General Thomas was commanded to acquire as many mules as possible in order to support the impending conflict.
Major General Donaldson summoned a trusted agent and ordered him to buy as many mules as possible immediately. Donaldson knew that the transportation and logistics, of the battle against Hood’s Confederates, could be the difference between victory and defeat .
Two weeks passed and Donaldson met the agent charged with procuring the mules. The Major General inquired on the progress of the “mule round-up” and his trusted associate proclaimed success, blurting out enthusiastically, that he had bought Twenty Thousand, of the beasts!
Major General Donaldson was flabbergasted, he was ruined, court-martialed, drummed out of the army. Why hadn’t he limited the number of mules to be purchased. He told the agent that it wasn’t his fault, that his orders weren’t specific, that the associate had only followed the Major-Generals request.
As Donaldson reached his headquarters, General Thomas requested an immediate audience. Surely his fate was sealed, doom foreshadowed his appearance before the commanding General.
On meeting with General Thomas, Donaldson’s worst fears were confirmed by the depressed mood of his commander. Thomas immediately inquired; “How many mules do you have?” Thomas’ Quartermaster hesitantly whispered; ” Upwards of Twenty Thousand General.”” Twenty Thousand, did you say Twenty Thousand?”, the General astonishingly queried.
General Thomas sighed relief and told his Quartermaster; “You have saved this army. I can now have transportation, and fight Hood, and will do so at once.”
Bummer
