Davis, Jefferson (1808-1889) to John Bragg
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03384.01 Author/Creator: Davis, Jefferson (1808-1889) Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 September 1862 Pagination: 1 p. ; 20 x 17 cm. Order a Copy
Draft of a letter defending General Braxton Bragg (he had been criticized for his leadership in the campaign in Kentucky earlier that year). Written in response to an article his correspondent send about Bragg. Davis wrote the draft on the address leaf of another letter (not present) docketed received on 24 August from John Bragg (Braxton's brother), who is likely his correspondent. Signed with initials. Contains several pencil revisions.
Recd Augt. 24
Loundes boro, Ala.
Augt. 17, 1862:
John Bragg
In reference to insidious
attacks on Genl. Bragg &c.
Rich: Sept. 1. 1862
Dear Sir
Your letter of the 17th inst. enclosing the printed correspondence has been received. I have [struck: already] written Aus. wrote to Genl. Bragg in relation to the article, and concur [inserted: with you] in the regret that he should have noticed it. His whole mind and every faculty are required in the discharge of his duties.
Malignants cannot disturb the confidence of the govt. in his capacity and unselfish devotion to the cause of his country. Success will put them to shame, and is best assured by concentrating every power against the public enemy.
Friends may usefully combat slander by exhibiting truth the officer assailed can only effectually resist unjust assaults by adhering to his carefully chosen path of duty.
I have felt the attack upon myself because calculated to destroy the confidence of the people and thus diminish my ability to serve them, but have hoped that malice would defeat itself & tried to believe that the hostility was personal and would be short lived, as [struck: because if an] reason must show that the interest of the country [struck: was] [inserted: is] endangered by every injury inflicted upon its agent. With many thanks for your kind expressions I remain
Very respectfully Yours
J.D.
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