Bragg, Braxton (1817-1876) to Eliza B. Ellis
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00910 Author/Creator: Bragg, Braxton (1817-1876) Place Written: Corinth, Mississippi Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 April 1862 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 21 x 16 cm. Order a Copy
General Bragg writes to his wife Eliza on the eve of the battle of Shiloh. He discusses preparing to engage the enemy, gives his own estimation of Union troop strength, and discusses Confederate deficiencies. Praises his own command as the best in the army. Bragg hopes to destroy the enemy forces nearby, then attack their reinforcements, which are only a few days off. Crossing the Mississippi River is their biggest obstacle, because the Union forces have all the boats. He writes that he wishes to share the fate of his army and his country.
Corinth. 3d. April.
My own dear Wife.
My troops moved this evening. I go to join them at day light to give the enemy battle. It is the earliest moment at which we could be ready, or rather at which we could move, for we are still deficient in much that is essential to the efficiency of an army. Action to me is of the first importance, & I have not ceased to urge the earliest possible movement. The enemys movements have been concealed from us by all means, and false, even fabulous accounts have reached us of his strength & means - We estimate him at about our own strength, closely confined to the banks of the river, & shall force him to fight or run him off. He is looking for large [2] re-inforcements which we know are but a few days off. We hope to beat this force first and then fall upon the other - In that event we may destroy both - Our great difficulty will be in crossing the river, all the boats being in their possession - My command has the post of honor, the main line, and is about one half the whole - All agree it is the flower of the Army, even the Mobile Army, which I considered a mob, is a model here; and I must say under the tuition of Gladden it has gotten to be a very respectable body.
All you hold dear in life is at stake, but your suspense will not be long for before this reaches you the telegraph will have reported the result - Whatever it may be I hope to share the fate of my Army and my country - Should it be the [3] will of Providence that we fall, I shall bow in submission, but never yield my faith in the ultimate triumph of our cause. It is impossible we can be permanently subjugated.
In life or in death, dearest wife, I am only and entirely yours.
Braxton
[docket]
Corinth 21st April
Written just before
the battle of [struck: Shiloh -] Farmington.
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