Most senior military leaders vowed to press on with the war, including commanding general Kirby Smith.

After the war, Kirby Smith was active in the telegraph business and education.

He confidently promised Kirby Smith, "The whole country can be secured, and 25,000 or 30,000 men will join you at once."

He blamed Kirby Smith for lack of support.

One Kirby Smith served as its postmaster for the tenure of the service.

Kirby Smith reported that Holmes was losing his memory, and that he needed to be replaced.

But the General told me that it was absolutely necessary to go at once to force the surrender of the Confederates under Kirby Smith.

Kirby Smith thought he could destroy Steele's force and perhaps still turn back and trap Banks later.

Nonetheless, Taylor could not convince Kirby Smith to change his plan.