Civil War fact of the day. On this day in 1864, Braxton Bragg, who was visiting the Army of Tennessee near Atlanta, wrote to Jefferson Davis about the state of affairs and his opinion on whether a change in command was warranted. ATLANTA, July 15, 1864. His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS, President of Confederate States, Richmond: SIR: Unable to convey to you by telegraph all that you ought to learn from this quarter, and knowing the irregularity of the mail, I have determined to send a special messenger. I arrived here early on the 13th, and immediately waited on General Johnston, who received me kindly and courteously. Most of the day was spent with him in ascertaining the position of his army, its condition and strength, and in obtaining from him such information as he could give in regard to the enemy. The recent operations were explained to me more in detail, but in substance there was little but what you have learned by telegraph. Our forces occupy the southeast and the enemy the northwest bank of the Chattahoochee, on both sides of the railroad. The river is not fordable until you get twenty-five miles above here. Within the past two days three corps of infantry have crossed to this side, and are intrenched from nine to fifteen miles northeast of this and near the river. The number is about 25,000. A brigade of cavalry in addition accompanies them. On the 13th this brigade of the enemys cavalry crossed the river at a point opposite Newnan, and made a demonstration on the West Point railroad, but were met and driven back, and the bridge was burned by us. As far as I can learn we do not propose any offensive operations, but shall await the enemys approach and be governed, as heretofore, by the development in our front. All valuable stores and machinery have been removed, and most of the citizens able to go have left with their effects. Much disappointment and dissatisfaction prevails, but there is no open or imprudent expression. You will readily see the advantage the enemy has gained, and that it may not be his policy to strike us on this side of the river unless he sees his success insured. Alabama and Mississippi will be devastated and our army will melt away. Our railroad communication with Montgomery is now at the mercy of the enemy, and a mere raid may destroy Montgomery, and we would not even know it had moved. This is no fancy sketch, Mr. President, and, however painful, it is my duty to expose it to your view. There is but one remedy-offensive action. This would now be assumed under many disadvantages. Position, numbers, and morale are now with the enemy, but not to an extent to make me despair of success. We should drive the enemy from this side of the river, follow him down by an attack in flank, and force him to battle, at the same time throwing our cavalry on his communications. Generals Hood and Wheeler agree in this opinion and look for success. But the emergency is so pressing and the danger so great I think troops should be at once drawn from the Trans-MISSISSIPPI to hold the Trans-Chattahoochee Department. On these points I inclose you a copy of a note General Hood. The suggestion to General Smith I fear will not answer. It is impossible for him to appreciate the vital position here, and delay for explanations may be fatal. I shall proceed to-night or to-morrow to confer with General S. D. Lee-aid him, if possible, in any arrangements to defend his department. At the same time I will endeavor to open communications with General E. K. Smith. The partial returns I have received so far indicate a loss by us from Dalton of more than 20,000 of our effective force. The present effective of all arms and kinds may reach 52,000. The morale, though damaged of course, is still good, and the army would hail with delight an order of battle. The enemys morale has no doubt improved as ours has declined, but his losses have been heavy, and he operates with great caution. His force has always been overestimated. It is now about 60,000 infantry, 5,000 artillery, and 10,000 cavalry, the latter defeated by us in every conflict during the campaign. During the whole campaign, from and including our position in front of Dalton, General Hood has been in favor of giving battle, and mentions to me numerous instances of opportunities lost. He assures me that Lieutenant-General Polk, after leaving Dalton, invariably sustained the same views. On the contrary, General Hardee generally favored the retiring policy, though he was frequently non- committal. Lieutenant-General Stewart, since his promotion, has firmly and uniformly sustained the aggressive policy. The commanding general, from the best information I can gain, has ever been opposed to seeking battle, though willing to receive it on his own terms in his chosen position. You will see at once that the removal of the commander, should such a measure be considered, would produce no change of policy, and it would be attended with some serious evils. A general denunciation by the disorganization, civil and military, would follow. I do not believe the second in rank has the confidence of the army to the extent of the chief. If any change is made Lieutenant-General Hood, would give unlimited satisfaction, and my estimate of him, always high, has been raised by his conduct in this campaign. Do not understand me as proposing him as a man of genius, or a great general, but as far better in the present emergency than any one we have available. * * * * * * It affords me great pleasure to report to you the entire and perfect satisfaction which has been given by your recent appointments in the army. I have not heard of a complaint, and in General Stewarts case the feeling is most gratifying. I would like to refer to some other matters, but must close to get my messenger off by the train. I am, sir, most respectfully, your obedient servant, BRAXTON BRAGG. As General J. has not sought my advice, nor ever afforded me a fair opportunity of giving my opinion, I have obtruded neither upon him. Such will continue to be my course. B. B.
Posted on: Tue, 15 Jul 2014 13:18:41 +0000
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