and he sent another division under buckner to assist hindman. buckner was against bragg and hindman listened to him and decided not to do it. the result of that is a few hours later he sent an order to hindman giving him discretion, you can do it or not as you think right. and that is kind of the source of what i think you're referring to about an unclear set of directions. before that discretionary order bragg was clear you have to do it now. but once he reach that is point he gives him the option of backing out if he wants to. i agree with you that he shouldn't have done that. but on the other hand, i point out in the book if you're a commander and it's a risky endeavor and your local commander on the scene is hesitant about doing it and you force him to do it and disaster comes about, your butt is in the fire not his. right? does a commander have a right to force a reluctant subordinate in a risky situation. i can understand bragg caving in and sending the order, i don't think it was the right thing for him to do, but i believe you can craft