Headquarters, District of Louisiana cover addressed from Union General Lovell Rousseau to Confederate General Braxton Bragg. New Orleans, Louisiana. Modern pencil inscription indicates the letter inside was dated September 23, 1863. 

Though the context of the communication between the opposing Generals is unknown, the fact that "Official Business" has been crossed out and Personal has been written beside it is deeply intriguing. The Confederate victory at Chickamauga had occurred a mere three days before the date inscribed, after which Bragg began to lay siege to Chattanooga, where the Union soldiers under Rosecrans had retreated to.

After helping to prevent Kentucky's secession, Lovell Harrison Rousseau (1818 - 1869) resigned his position and raised two regiments of Kentuckians, known as the Louisville Legion, who defended Louisville from Confederate forces. Rousseau was appointed colonel of the 5th Kentucky Infantry, later promoted to brigadier general and again to major general. After successes at Shiloh and Stones River, he held command of Nashville.

Braxton Bragg (1817 - 1876) was 'old Army,' with gallant service in the Mexican War. He climbed the ranks of the Confederate Army until he was appointed a full general in April 1862. Bragg is best remembered for commanding the Army of the Tennessee in 1862 and 1863. 

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