Breckinridge, John C. (John Cabell) (1821-1875) to Braxton Bragg
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.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03348 Author/Creator: Breckinridge, John C. (John Cabell) (1821-1875) Place Written: Louisiana Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 August 1862 Pagination: 2 p. ; 23 x 18 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses Battle of Baton Rouge and Bragg's planned invasion of Kentucky. Expects Bragg's invasion to be a success, "I feel that you will reach the Ohio River, if you don't do more." Would join Bragg, but cannot leave his own command, which has been reduced from 8,000 to 2,500 men. States "I did the best I could at Baton Rouge, and with inferior forces whipped them soundly. Under the circumstances it was impossible to accomplish more than we did." Written just after the Battle of Baton Rouge, where the Confederates were actually defeated by a force of equally small size in their attempt to recapture the city. Bragg's invasion of Kentucky would prove a failure. "Important" written in pencil at top of letter. Written "On Comite River."
John C. Breckinridge was a Confederate General who was a native of Kentucky. Before the war he was a Senator and Vice President.
On Comite River La
Aug 10 1862
My Dear General
I was much gratified to receive your note of the 8 Inst by the hands of my friend Mr Johnston, and to see that you are full of hope and resolution. I would make any sacrifice to join you, except leaving the remnant of my command. I will remain with it under all circumstances; My heart goes with you on your northward march. I feel that you will reach the Ohio River, if you don't do more. We must fight them next autumn in Ky, and make them begin at the line of the Ohio with their newly raised forces, or Ky and Tenn will be lost to us. A strong movement will give us large accessions in both these States.
My Division was over 8,000 strong at Tupelo, now I have not 2,500 for duty. I did the best I could at Baton Rouge, and with inferior forces whipped them soundly. Under the circumstances it was impossible to [2] accomplish more than we did.
I hope you will take Mr. Johnston with you to Kentucky. He is an excellent gentleman, able, and thoroughly informed in regard to the State.
Pardon this hasty note and believe me
yours very truly
John C. Breckinridge
Gen Braxton Bragg
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.