Bragg, Braxton (1817-1876) to Ulysses S. Grant
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04208 Author/Creator: Bragg, Braxton (1817-1876) Place Written: Chattanooga, Tennessee Type: Manuscript letter signed Date: 20 November 1863 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 24.7 x 19.8 cm. Order a Copy
Confederate commander Bragg tells Grant that "As there may still be some non-combatants in Chattanooga, I deem it proper to notify you that prudence would dictate their early withdrawal". Grant received this brief letter while preparing to attack Bragg's nearby forces at Chattanooga. Grant's endorsement reflects his obvious skepticism of Bragg's motives. In his memoirs Grant discussed this particular letter. He immediately realized Bragg sent the letter to deceive him, and eventually decided the letter was sent to stall Grant and allow Bragg to perform other military maneuvers. The letter did not succeed in slowing Grant down, but terrible weather did force him to put off his attack for a few days. The Battle of Chattanooga began on 23 November, and ended in a Union victory. Docket written and signed by Grant.
[excerpt]
…As there may still be some non-combatants in Chattanooga, I deem [inserted: it] proper to notify you that prudence would dictate their early withdrawal - …
[docket]
Refered to Gen.
Thomas for infor-
mation. "Good joke
that Bragg waits until
we get up all our
troops before attacking"…
U.S. Grant
Nov. 20th
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