“101 More Things…”

In item 36 of “101 More Things …” Dr. Garraty states that Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas was given the nickname of Slow Trot because of his methodical preparation for battle. Francis F. McKinney’s biography of General Thomas, Education in Violence , gives a differing account.

McKinney’s explanation is that Thomas, while an instructor at West Point, in an effort to spare the post’s horses from excessively vigorous riding, constantly reminded the cadet riders, “Slow trot, slow trot!” This was subsequently picked up as a nickname.

Who is right?