Davis, Jefferson (1808-1889) to Daniel Harvey Hill
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04545.03 Author/Creator: Davis, Jefferson (1808-1889) Place Written: Biloxi, Mississippi Type: Letter Date: 24 December 1886 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.6 x 25.2 cm. Order a Copy
Written from Beauvoir, the estate of former Confederate President Davis. Written and signed in the hand of Davis's wife, Varina. Davis relates, "I truly regret that you should have misconstrued my action in relieving you from duty with the army of Tennessee as a condemnation of your conduct in the battle of Chickamauga. That was not the question upon which I had to act... I assigned you to duty with the Army of Tennessee without an application from the commander of that Army... The relations which I found existing between yourself and the Commander of the Army of Tennessee, made it necessary that I should comply with his recommendation for your removal. This was done without change in my opinion as to your vigilance in campaign, or your gallantry in battle..." (General Braxton Bragg recommended Hill's removal). Claims that General Leonidas Polk was removed under similar circumstances, but was assigned to other duty due to his seniority. Asserts that General John Pemberton's case most closely resembled Hill's, and that Pemberton was only able to fill another command after he accepted a lower rank. Claims there was no vacant command for Hill to fill at the time he was relieved. Remembers Hill as "among the most faithful supporters of our Cause..."
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