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Page 1 of 2 Archive of 90 documents, July 30–September 28, 1863. A series of dramatic battlefield orders and sometimes scolding communications from Gen. Braxton Bragg’s headquarters to Lt. Gen. Leonidas Polk during the Chickamauga Campaign. Most written and signed by adjutants, George W. Brent or Kinlock Falconer. Inventory# 20368 $57,500 Selected items described below, followed by a complete inventory:
Bragg Orders his Army to Watch for a Union Advance on Chattanooga [Braxton Bragg], letter signed by George William Brent (“George Wm Brent”) as Assistant Adjutant General, Head Quarters, Chattanooga, Tennessee, August 24, 1863. 1p. Transcript:
Hd Qrs. Army of Tenn
Chattanooga, Tenn.
Aug 24th, 1863
General:
The General Commanding desires you will picket the [Tennessee] River with infantry from Wauhatchee to this place.
I am General
very Resptly
your obt svt.
George Wm Brent
A.A. Genl.
Lt Genl Polk. )
Comdg &c. )
[docketing not transcribed] Historical Background:
In August 1863, the Union’s Army of the Cumberland (commanded by Maj. Gen. William S. Rosecrans) had forced the Confederacy’s Army of Tennessee (led by Gen. Braxton Bragg) southward, from their base in Tullahoma, Tennessee to Chattanooga. Here, Bragg orders his forces to watch for Federals crossing the Tennessee River to attack the city. When Bragg’s troops see the Union’s 21st Corps (Maj. Gen. Thomas L. Crittenden) upriver from Chattanooga, Bragg assumes that this is the main movement, and prepares to defend the city against an attack from this direction. However, the 21st Corps is followed by the main force of the Army of the Cumberland crossing downstream, and turning to the southwest to threaten Bragg’s supply and communication lines to Atlanta. Bragg is forced to withdraw into northern Georgia and reform his army. The Union 21st Corps occupies Chattanooga on September 9.
Bragg Orders Polk to Advance towards the Federals near Lee & Gordon’s Mill [Braxton Bragg], letter signed (“George Wm Brent”) as Assistant Adjutant General, Head Quarters, Lafayette, Georgia, September 12, 1863, 8:30 a.m. 1 p. Transcript:
Hd Qrs Army [of] Tenn
Lafayette, Tenn. [sic]
Septr 12th, 1863, 8½ o’c A.M.
General
The Genl. Commdg directs, that you will at once proceed with Cheatham’s Division and take position at Rock Spring. You will order forward also the rest of your Corps as soon as practicable.
I am, General,
very Respectfully,
your obt svt.
George Wm Brent
A.A. Genl.
Lt Genl Polk )
Commdg Corps )
[docketing not transcribed] Historical Background:
After taking Chattanooga, Rosecrans leaves his 21st Corps (Crittenden) to occupy the city, and orders his 14th Corps (Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas) and 20th Corps (Maj. Gen. Alexander M. McCook) to pursue the Confederates into Georgia. The three corps of Federals become spread apart too far to support each other. Bragg orders a counter-attack, initially with Lt. General D.H. Hill’s Corps and a division of Maj. General Simon B. Buckner’s Corps against the Union’s 14th Corps. The place is McLemore’s Cove, Georgia, where ridges around the Union position would make it difficult for them to retreat. However, these units fail to attack as ordered, and Thomas is able to move the 14th Corps to a safe position on the west side of Chickamauga Creek. Now Bragg orders Polk’s Corps, with the support of Buckner’s Corps, to advance on the Federal 21st Corps near Chickamauga Creek. Bragg Again Orders Polk to Attack: “We must force him to fight” Braxton Bragg. Autographed letter signed (“Braxton Bragg”), Lafayette, Georgia, September 12–13, 1863, 12:00 midnight. 2 pp. Transcript:
12 o’c at night, 12 & 13 Sept ‘63
Lafayette, Geo.
General,
I have your dispatch giving me your position and the dispositions of the enemy opposite to you. Your position seems to be a strong one for defense, but I hope will not be held unless the enemy attacks early. We must force him to fight at the earliest moment, and before his combination can be carried out. Your generals who advise the concentration of the [illegible] position of the Army with you only know of Crittenden’s [21st] Corps being offered to you, and did not know of the advance again of a heavy Inf[antr]y force in the cove upon this place, and of another force from the south, preceded by a very large Cavalry force. However, to avoid all danger, I shall put Buckner in motion in the morning, and run the risk here. You must not delay attack from his arrival or another golden opportunity may be lost by the withdrawal of our game. Had you and the generals with you had the information in my possession at the date of your dispatch your conclusions might have varied [2] But I trust the Cavalry sent south may hold the enemy in check until you can finish the job entrusted to you.
Action prompt and decided is all that can save us. The troops are ready to respond.
I am General
Very truly yrs,
Braxton Bragg
Lt. Genl. Polk/ Comg &c at/ Rock Spring [docketing:]
Hd Qrs. A.T. Midnight Sept. 12# 1863
Braxton Bragg/ Genl Comm’dg. Instruction in regard to fight with enemy at Rock Springs &c &c [A.G.O.?]/ Recd. Sept. 13# 1863. Historical Background:
Despite Bragg’s orders to attack, Polk and his corps are taking a defensive position near Rock Springs and do not attack. (Note: For more on this maneuver, see next page.) Bragg Warns of Approaching Federals and Orders a Decisive Attack [Braxton Bragg]. Letter signed (“George Wm Brent”) as Assistant Adjutant General, Head Quarters, Army of Tennessee, Lafayette, Georgia, September 13, 1863. 12:30 a.m. 1 p. Transcript:
Head Quarters A.T.
In the Field
Lafayette, Ga.
Septr 13th 1863
12½ A.M.
General,
The enemy is approaching from the south, and it is highly important your attack in the morning should be quick and decided.
Let no time be lost.
I am General,
Most respectfully
Your obdt. svt.
George Wm Brent
A.A.G.
Lieut. Genl. Polk)/ Cmdg Corps)
[docketing not transcribed] Historical Background:
Polk does not attack, despite repeated orders to do so. Faced with this failure to destroy the Army of the Cumberland as planned, Bragg is forced to withdraw his army and regroup. Bragg’s Message to his Troops before the Battle of Chickamauga Braxton Bragg. Document clerically signed as General Commanding. Also signed by George William Brent (“George Wm Brent”) as Assistant Adjutant General; Head Quarters, Lafayette, Georgia, September 16, 1863. 2 pp. Transcript:
Head Quarters Army of Tenn
In the Field
Lafayette Ga
Sept 16th. 1863
General Orders )
No 180 ) The troops will be held ready for an immediate move against the enemy. His demonstration on our flank has been thwarted, and twice has he retired before us when offered battle.
We must now force him to the issue.
Soldiers! You are largely reinforced. You must now seek the contest. In so doing, I know you will be content to suffer frustrations and encounter hardships.
Heretofore you have never failed to respond to your General, when he has asked sacrifices at your hands.
Relying on your gallantry & patriotism, he asks you to add the crowning glory to the wreath you wear.
Our cause is in your keeping. Your enemy boasts that you are demoralized and retreating before him.
Having accomplished our object by driving back his flank movement, let us now turn on his main force, and crush it in its fancied security. Your Generals will lead you, you have but to respond to assure us a glorious triumph over an insolent foe. I know what [2] your response will be. Trusting in God and the justice of our cause, and reserved by the love of the dear ones at home, failure is impossible and victory must be ours.
(Signed) Braxton Bragg
Genl Comdg
Official/ George Wm Brent/ A.A. Genl.
Lt. Genl Polk )/ Comdg Corps)
[docketing not transcribed] Bragg Gives the Confederate Battle Plan for Chickamauga [Braxton Bragg]. Document signed (“George Wm Brent”) as Assistant Adjutant General, Head Quarters, Leet’s Tan Yard, Georgia, September 18, 1863. 4 pp. Transcript:
Hd Qrs Army of Tenn
In the Field
Circular Leet’s Tan Yard
Sept 18th. 1863 1 Johnson’s column on crossing [Chickamauga Creek] at or near Reed’s Bridge will turn to the left by the most practicable route and sweep up the Chickamauga towards Lee & Gordon’s Mills.
2 Walker crossing at Alexander’s Bridge or the fords near, will unite in this move and push vigorously on the enemy’s flank & rear in the same direction.
3 Buckner crossing at Tedford’s ford will join in the movement to the left and press the enemy up the stream from Polk’s front at Lee & Gordon’s Mill.
4 Polk will press his forces to the front of Lee & Gordon’s, and if met by too much resistance to cross, will bear to the right & cross at Dalton’s ford or Tedford’s [ford], as may be necessary & join in the attack[2] wherever the enemy may be.
5 Hill will cover our left flank from any advance of the enemy from the cove upon our rear, and by pressing the cavalry in his front ascertain if the enemy is reinforcing at Lee & Gordon’s, in which event he will attack them in flank.
6 Wheeler’s Cavalry will hold the Gaps in Pigeon Mountain & cover our rear & left, and bring up all straglers &c. &c.
7 All trains &c not with troops should go towards Ringgold and Dalton [Georgia], beyond Taylor’s Ridge. All cooking should be done at the trains, rations when cooked will be forwarded to the troops.
8 The above movements will be executed with the utmost promptness, vigor & persistence.
By Command of Genl Bragg
George Wm Brent
Lt Gen Polk A.A.G.
Comdg Corps
[3]
Genl,
The crossing of the Chickamauga on our right has begun.
Respectfully
George Wm Brent
A.A.G.
Lt Gen Polk
[docketing not transcribed] Historical Background:
Bragg orders the Army of Tennessee to take the bridges and fords at Chickamauga Creek—the bridges being necessary to move his artillery. Then they are to attack and destroy the corps of the Army of the Cumberland, one at a time. The maneuver is scheduled to begin on September 18, but the Confederates move slowly, so that there would be little more than isolated skirmishes until the 19th. Bragg is unaware that in the days since his last encounter with the Federals, the three corps have moved closer together. Rosecrans, meanwhile, is expecting his army to move forward and skirmish with the Confederate rear guard. He is unaware that Bragg has rallied his troops and is preparing for an attack. Bragg Arrives at Front, Asks for Report on the “state of affairs” [Braxton Bragg] Letter signed (“George Wm Brent”) as Assistant Adjutant General, Head Quarters, Telford Ford, Georgia, September 19, 1863. 1p. Transcript:
Hd Qrs A T
In field, Sept 19/63
Telford Ford General,
The General Comdg has arrived at this place & has established Hd Qrs here.
Gen buckner has crossed [Chickamauga Creek], Gen Cheatham will follow in his rear.
The General wishes to know the state of affairs on your front.
I am Genl
very respectfully
yr obdt servt
George Wm Brent
AAG
Lt Gen Polk
Rock Spring
[address and docketing not transcribed]
Historical Background:
On September 19, a unit of the Union’s 14th Corps (Thomas) encounters and attacks what they believe to be a small, isolated unit of Confederates at Reed’s Bridge on Chickamauga Creek. In fact, it is Forrest’s Cavalry Corps from the Army of Tennessee, and some brigades of Walker’s Corps (led by Brig. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forest and Maj. Gen. W.H.T. Walker, respectively). Each side sends in more troops until most of each army is committed to what becomes the Battle of Chickamauga. The strength of Bragg’s Army of Tennessee is increased by the arrival of Lt. General James Longstreet’s Corps from the Army of Northern Virginia, some of whom arrive on September 18 and some on the 19th. Bragg is able to put over 66,000 men on the field, against approximately 57,000 for Rosecrans’ Army of the Cumberland, making this one of the few battles in the war where the Confederates have numerical superiority. On the Confederate side, Lt. Gen. Polk is commanding the right wing of the line of battle, and Lt. Gen. Longstreet the left wing. On the 19th, the Confederates make repeated attacks on the Federals, but each time they are repelled, until sunset ends fighting for the day. Overnight, the Federals strengthen their barricades. On the morning of the 20th, Bragg orders fighting to resume at dawn with an assault by Hill’s Corps in Polk’s right wing. This begins late as its commander, Lt. Gen. D.H. Hill, does not receive the order in a timely manner through the chain of command. Hill’s attack reaches the rear of the Union left (Thomas), but is turned back, as are succeeding attacks from Polk’s right wing. The deciding event in the battle occurs at about 11:00 a.m., when Rosecrans orders Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Wood to move his division (part of Crittenden’s 21st Corps) from the center of the Union lines to reinforce the left. This creates a weak point at the hour when, coincidentally, General Longstreet is ordering an attack into the Union center, which breaks through the line. Generals Rosecrans, Crittenden, and McCook, along with many of their troops, retreat from the field, giving victory to the Confederates. General Thomas and the Union left prevent their loss from becoming greater by continuing to hold the left side of the barricade, and a new position on Snodgrass Hill to their rear, covering the Federal retreat. Thomas would afterward be given the nickname “The Rock of Chickamauga.” The Aftermath of Chickamauga [Braxton Bragg]. Letter signed (“George Wm Brent”) as Assistant Adjutant General, Head Quarters, south of Chattanooga, Tennessee, September 21, 1863. 1 p. Transcript:
Hd Qrs., Army of Tenn.,
10 miles S. of Chattanooga,
Sept. 21, 1863.
General:
You will be ready to move your command at 2 o'clock, P.M., today. If necessary, small detachments will be left to bury the dead.
By command of
Genl Bragg,
George Wm Brent
A.A. Genl
Lt. Genl. L. Polk,/ Comdg. Right Wing.
[docketing not transcribed] [Braxton Bragg]. Letter signed by George William Brent (“George Wm Brent”) as Assistant Adjutant General, Head Quarters, September 21, 1863. 1 p. Transcript:
Hd. Qrs Army of Tenn
In the Field,
Sept 21st. 1863
General
The Genl. Comdg. desires that you will at daylight tomorrow, send a Division from your command on the Chickamauga Station Road to press upon the enemy & drive him as far as possible. Cavalry will be upon your flank to protect it.
The General is advised that large numbers of arms & munitions of war are scattered throughout the country in front. He desires that every effort shall be made to collect & save them.
I am General
Very Respectfully
Lt Genl Polk) Yr. obdt. Servt.
Comdg Corps) George Wm Brent
A.A.G.
[docketing not transcribed] Historical Background:
The Confederates have lost over 17,800 men (nearly 2,400 killed). The Union has lost almost 16,200 (over 1,600 killed). Bragg’s Victory Message to his Troops [Braxton Bragg]. Document clerically signed (“George Wm Brent”) as Assistant Adjutant General, Head Quarters, Field of Chickamauga, Georgia, September 22, 1863. 2 pp. Transcript:
Head Quarters Army of Tenn
Field of Chickamauga
Sept. 22d. 1863 It has pleased Almighty-God to reward the valor & endurance of our troops, by giving to our arms a complete victory over the enemy’s superior numbers:
Homage is due and is rendered unto Him who giveth not the battle to the strong.
Soldiers: After two days of severe battle, preceded by heavy & important out post affairs, you have stormed the barricades and breastworks of the enemy, and driven before you in complete confusion and disorder an Army largely superior in numbers, and whose constant theme was your demoralization and whose constant boast was your defeat.
Your patient endurance under privations, your fortitude and your valor, displayed at all times and under all trials have been meetly rewarded.
Your Commander acknowledges his obligations and promises to you in advance [of] the country’s gratitude. [2]
But our task is not ended. We must drop a soldier’s tear upon the graves of the noble men who have fallen by our sides, and move forward.
Much has been accomplished. More remains to be done before we can enjoy the blessings of Peace and Freedom.
(signed) Braxton Bragg
Official
George Wm Brent/A.A.G. Lt. Genl. Polk )/ Comdg/ Right Wing)
[docketing not transcribed] Historical Background:
Despite Bragg’s boast that the Army of Tennessee has beaten a numerically larger enemy, it was the Confederates who have had the strength of numbers on the field at Chickamauga. Bragg Orders an Advance to Chattanooga [Braxton Bragg]. Document signed (“George Wm Brent”) as Assistant Adjutant General, Head Quarters, Red House, [Georgia?], September 22, 1863. 1 p. Transcript:
Head Qrs Army of Tenn
Red House
Sept 22d. 1863
“Circular”
The Army will move upon Chattanooga at 7 A.M. tomorrow.
The right wing by the Shallow Ford & Mission Mill roads from Chickamauga Station; the left wing by the Rossville Road.
All baggage will be left in Camp.
By Command of
Genl Bragg
George Wm Brent
A.A.G.
Lt. Genl. Polk)
Comdg. Right Wing) Historical Background:
The Army of Tennessee advances to occupy the heights south and east of Chattanooga, creating a siege into which it would become difficult for the Federals to move supplies. Bragg Orders an Explanation of Polk’s Failure to Attack on
September 20 [Braxton Bragg]. Letter signed (“George Wm Brent”) as Assistant Adjutant General, Head Quarters, top of Missionary Ridge, Tennessee, September 25, 1863. 1 p. Transcript:
Hd qrs A T
Top Missionary Ridge
Sept 25 1863
General,
The General Comdg instructs me to call your attention to the fact that a communication addressed to you several days [ago] from these Hd Qrs, calling for an explanation of your failure to attack the enemy at daylight on the morning of the 20th inst has been unanswered.
He desires that you will report without delay the causes which prevented or impeded the execution of your orders.
I am General
very respectfuly
George Wm Brent
AAG
Lt Gen Polk
Cmdg Corps [docketing on verso:]
Sept 25# 1863
Geo Wm Brent
A.A.G.
Calls for a report why the orders in regard to attacking the enemy at daylight on the morning of the 20# Historical Background:
After the Battle of Chickamauga, Bragg and his generals are quarreling. Bragg is furious at Polk for not moving as ordered on September 20, relieves him of his duties, and seeks to have him court-martialed. Polk would later be reinstated by his long-time friend, President Jefferson Davis. At the same time, there are disagreements between Bragg and Longstreet. Bragg would “solve” this by sending Longstreet’s Corps in an expedition against Knoxville, Tennessee on November 4, and in the process decrease the Army of Tennessee’s strength to about 32,000 men. At the same time, the Union army strength in besieged Chattanooga would increase. In October, Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant would be assigned command of the Western theater of the war, and the Army of the Cumberland would receive 20,000 additional troops. In November, they would be further reinforced by the 16,000-man Army of the Tennessee (Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman). The Federals would then retake the heights around the city in the Battle of Chattanooga (November 24–25), forcing the Confederates back into northern Georgia. Following the loss of Chattanooga, Bragg would be relieved of his command, at his own request, and Maj. Gen. Joseph Johnston would be assigned to command the Army of Tennessee. During the following spring, Sherman would be promoted to command of the Western theater, and the advance toward Atlanta would begin. Provenance: Polk Family, by descent to the present owner. Biography: Leonidas Polk (1806–1864) graduated from West Point in 1827, but resigned soon afterward to become an Episcopal minister, and later bishop. He enlisted in the Confederate Army with the rank of major general at the beginning of the Civil War, and was promoted to lieutenant general in 1862. He organized the Army of Mississippi and also served as a corps commander in the Army of Tennessee. In May 1864, while studying Union positions near Pine Mountain, Georgia, he was killed by a Union artillery shell. Braxton Bragg (1817–1876) graduated from West Point in the class of 1837, after which he served in the war against the Seminoles and the Mexican War. He retired from the U.S. Army in 1856 to become a farmer in Louisiana, but volunteered to serve in the Provisional Army of the Confederate States in 1861. He served as a corps commander at the Battle of Shiloh. In June 1862 he was appointed to command the Army of Tennessee, which he led through the unsuccessful invasion of Tennessee (August-October 1862), a defeat at Murfreesboro (January 1863), and the victory at Chickamauga. After defeat in the Battle of Chattanooga, and relief of his command, Bragg spent most of the remaining months of the war as military adviser to President Jefferson Davis. After the war he worked as chief engineer of Alabama. References:
Curt Johnson and Mark McLaughlin. Battles of the Civil War, New York: Barnes & Noble, Inc., 1995. Randy Golden and Samuel Taylor. “Chickamauga, Our Georgia History,” http://ourgeorgiahistory.com/wars/Civil_War/Chickamauga/. Ezra J. Warner. Generals in Gray, Lives of the Confederate Commanders, Baton Rouge, Louisiana: Louisiana State University Press, 1959. About North Georgia, http://ngeorgia.com/history/chickam.html.
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