Autograph letter signed by General Braxton Bragg to President Jefferson Davis. Knoxville, Tennessee, 23 October 1862. 1 page, 4to. Inscription to verso. Modern stamp to verso which reads “Examined for War Records/ Copied.”

In this remarkable war-date letter from October 23, 1862, General Braxton Bragg (1817-1876), being in charge of the defense of Tennessee and the surrounding area, writes to Confederate President Jefferson Davis (1808-1889) concerning Confederate strategic objectives in the Western Theater of War. 

General Bragg writes, “It is proposed to occupy Middle Tennessee in force, and, if possible, to hold for the coming Winter the country between the Cumberland and the Tennessee Rivers. This is of the first importance for the security of the provisions so abundant in that country and which are not only accessory to us but would be very advantageous to the enemy….” 

While acknowledging what would be most advantageous, General Bragg is aware of the difficulty that will ensue in ensuring the occupation of Middle Tennessee from encroaching Union forces:

 
“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 give me a correct idea of what strength we may assemble there, but it cannot exceed 40,000 men, part raw recruits…In a short time [the enemy] will be largely superior to us in numbers, but by a Union of all our forces in West Tennessee may be kept in place….”

General Braxton Bragg, one of the most controversial figures in the Confederate army, was known for his strict and domineering attitude while in command. After assuming the position as commander of the Confederate Army of Mississippi, Bragg accomplished a number of partial victories in Perryville, Stones River, and Chickamauga. Despite some success, he was never quite able to accomplish an entire victory, something that angered his subordinates who were already frustrated with combative nature in command. President Davis would continue to support Braggs in his position, until the infamous defeat at Chattanooga in November of 1863. It was after this failure that President Davis finally accepted the resignation of Bragg. General Braxton Bragg would remain involved in the Confederacy, despite his loss of position, serving as a military advisor to President Davis.    

A fine letter between President Davis and a senior general discussing matters of grand strategy during the Civil War. 

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Manuscripts, Documents, Letters, Ephemera, Signatures, Autographs]