Description:

BRAXTON BRAGG
(1817-1876) Confederate major general who served under Albert Sidney Johnston in Kentucky, and led at Shiloh, Perryville and Stones River, relieved for his poor performance at Chickamauga and Chattanooga. Important war-date manuscript L.S. as 'Gen'l Comd'g', 2pp. 4to., Knoxville, Oct. 23, 1862, to JEFFERSON DAVIS (1808-1889), President of the Confederacy. In part: ‘…Col. Preston Smith, who will hand you this, has been selected by me to visit the seat of government and confer with the Department in regard to the future operations of the forces in this region. As soon as practicable it is proposed to occupy middle Tennessee in force, and, if possible to hold for the coming winter, the country between the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers. This is of the first importance for the security of the provisions so abundant in that country, and which are not only necessary to us, but would be very advantageous to the enemy. It will be an exposed and hazardous position, but with caution I hope it may be maintained. Our forces are not yet sufficiently assembled to enable me to give a correct idea of what strength we may assemble there, but it cannot exceed 40,000 men, part raw recruits…in a short time will be largely superior to us in numbers, but by a union of all our forces I hope to defeat Buell if the forces in West Tennessee can be kept in place. For matters of detail I must refer you to Col. Smith…' Control of the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers was important in gaining control of Tennessee. Tennessee relied on northbound riverboats to receive staple commodities from the Cumberland and Tennessee valleys. After this letter was written, Bragg would fight against Gen. William Rosecrans, Buell's replacement, at the Battle of Stones River in January of 1863, which served as a Union victory and with Bragg receiving almost universal scorn from his Confederate military colleagues; only the support of Joseph E. Johnston and President Jefferson Davis's inability to find a suitable replacement saved his command. The gentleman Bragg entrusted this letter to, Preston Smith, was later promoted to brigadier general but would lose his life at Chickamauga. Repaired splits with marginal chips and stains, otherwise very good.

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April 1, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

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