Bragg, Braxton, 1817-1876 to Ulysses S. Grant

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GLC#
GLC04208
Type
Letters
Date
20 November 1863
Author/Creator
Bragg, Braxton, 1817-1876
Title
to Ulysses S. Grant
Place Written
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Pagination
1 p. : docket Height: 24.7 cm, Width: 19.8 cm
Primary time period
Civil War and Reconstruction, 1861-1877
Sub-Era
The American Civil War

Confederate commander Bragg tells Grant that "As there may still be some non-combatants in Chattanooga, I deem it proper to notify you that prudence would dictate their early withdrawal". Grant received this brief letter while preparing to attack Bragg's nearby forces at Chattanooga. Grant's endorsement reflects his obvious skepticism of Bragg's motives. In his memoirs Grant discussed this particular letter. He immediately realized Bragg sent the letter to deceive him, and eventually decided the letter was sent to stall Grant and allow Bragg to perform other military maneuvers. The letter did not succeed in slowing Grant down, but terrible weather did force him to put off his attack for a few days. The Battle of Chattanooga began on 23 November, and ended in a Union victory. Docket written and signed by Grant.

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