Johnston, Joseph Eggleston (1807-1891) to Jefferson Davis
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00914 Author/Creator: Johnston, Joseph Eggleston (1807-1891) Place Written: Tullahoma, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 28 March 1863 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 25.1 x 20.3 cm. Order a Copy
Johnston, Commander of the Department of the West, replies to two recent communications from Davis, President of the Confederacy. States "At Mobile, in Mississippi, & in Middle Tennessee, we cannot foresee attack long enough before hand to be able to reinforce the Threatened Army from either of the others. At the two first the enemy's appearance May, & probably would be, the first indication of this intention to attack." Estimates the amount of time it would take to transport wagons, infantry, and horses from Jackson to Tullahoma. Possibly referring to General Simon Bolivar Buckner, states "besides the garrisons of the forts & batteries for water defence, General Buckner has but 3000 infantry- to hold the land side." Relates that he recently ordered General Daniel Smith Donelson to change the disposition of his troops, sending his cavalry into Kentucky where they can collect cattle for the army and to learn of the Union's military intentions in the area. Mentions orders Donelson received from General Cooper (possibly Samuel Cooper, Adjutant General and Inspector General of the Confederate Army). Refers to Generals Braxton Bragg (Confederate), and the troop movements of Generals Cox, and Rosecranz (possibly Union commanders Jacob Dolson Cox and William Starke Rosecrans). Cites an inspection carried out by Colonel Johnston.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.