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Dargan, Edmund Strother (1805-1879) probably to Jefferson Davis

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03065 Author/Creator: Dargan, Edmund Strother (1805-1879) Place Written: Mobile, Alabama Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 August 1863 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 25 x 20.5 cm. Order a Copy

States that there is strong public opposition to General John C. Pemberton. Informs Davis that both Pemberton's own troops and the citizens of Alabama and Mississippi have turned against Pemberton, following his recent surrender at Vicksburg. Believes this negative public opposition will decrease his ability to be an effective military commander. Expresses his personal opinion that he believes in Pemberton, but thinks he may have to be replaced to appease public opinion.

DARGAN

Mobile 10 August 1863 Dear Sir
I wrote Mr Watts requesting him to Show you the letter but upon reflection I feel it is my duty to write you the Substance I wrote him for I am satisfied you should be appTised of the State of publick opinion in Ala & Miss. in reference to Genl Pemberton. For myself however I entertain no prejudices against him do not undertake to criticise his military operations, yet I do not think he provided for his army as he could have done, nor has he exercised his powers over the country with Judgment and discretion in prohibiting the exportation of grain much of which has been lost.
But publick Censure both in the community & the army he Surrendered at Vicksburgh is so great that I am satisfied he can never reorganize 1/3 of it. Nay more, I doubt if his commands would not be disregarded & mutiny & death follow to may you cannot conceive the extent of the censure against him, and iVi his retention in command, however worthy he may in fact be, I fear will be one of the greatest calamities that could befall us we cannot carry on this struggle with-out the Support of publick sentiment , it is true. You should not vary with every publick whim or Caprice. But when publick Sentiment is firmly fixed against an officer, it is impossible he can be of the same Service
as if he Oiiiii possessed the full & entire confidence of the Army &
the people

I do not write you from any feeling of unkindness towards Pemberton, but to put you in possession of publick Sentiment, that you may act advisedly
The recent Congressional election Satisfies me there is a great change in the publick mind, and one that I fear I do not clearly see its tendency but fear it is to seek peace, upon any terms whatever. I hope however this may not be So
Yours truly
E S DARGAN

Davis, Jefferson, 1808-1889
Dargan, Edmund Strother, 1805-1879
Pemberton, John Clifford, 1814-1881

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