Longstreet, James (1821-1904) to Colonel W. Preston Johnston
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07340 Author/Creator: Longstreet, James (1821-1904) Place Written: Blain's Crossing (Murfreesboro), Tennessee Type: Letter signed Date: 6 December 1863 Pagination: 2 p. 25.2 x 20 cm Order a Copy
Writing from Confederate Headquarters at "Blain's X Roads". Longstreet comments on how his decision to attack Knoxville was affected by General Braxton Bragg's retreat from Chattanooga to Dalton following the loss at Missionary Ridge. Longstreet could not, however, hold against the enemy and retreated to a position of safety near Bean Station in hopes of gaining an opportunity to stike an enemy column that might approach from Cumberland Gap. He comments that the roads are almost impassable and many of his men lack shoes. He feels obliged to make his way slowly back to Virginia.
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