Beschreibung:

CIVIL WAR]. [POLK, Leonidas (1806-1864)]. [BRAGG, Braxton (1817-1876)]. Archive of 90 documents from Braxton Bragg to Leonidas Polk during the Chickamauga Campaign, 30 July - 28 September 1863. Together approximately 95 pages, 4to and 8vo, a few in pencil . BRAGG'S BRISTLING CORRESPONDENCE TO POLK DURING THE CHICKAMAUGA CAMPAIGN A series of dramatic battlefield orders and sometimes scolding communications from Gen. Braxton Bragg's headquarters (most signed by his adjutants, George W. Brant or Kinlock Falconer) to Lt. General Leonidas Polk. Bragg sends a sharp personal letter from Lafayette, Georgia on 12 September: "Your position seems to be a strong one for defense, but....you must not delay attack....Action prompt and decisive is all that can save us. The troops are ready to respond." The dramatic 18 September circular letter sets forth THE PLAN OF ATTACK FOR THE NEXT DAY'S BATTLE AT CHICKAMAUGA: "Polk will press his forces to the front of Lee & Gordon's [Mills] and if met by too much resistance to cross, will bear to the right and cross at Dalton's ford..." The commanders on both sides lost track of key elements of their command on the 19th and 20th. Here Bragg's staff sends an urgent scribbled message to Polk on 19 September from Tedford Ford: "The General wishes to know the state of affairs on your front." On the 20th, Rosecrans shifted Union reserves to positions that were already adequately manned and created gaps through which Bragg's troops plunged through to devastating effect. Polk, however, did not move at daybreak as ordered, and the desperate stand of Union General George Thomas (the "Rock of Chickamauga") averted an annihilating rout of the Bluecoats. Bragg won a tactical victory by forcing Rosecrans to retreat to Missionary Ridge, but both sides were badly blooded. Several items reflect the grim aftermath: 21 September: "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." 22 September: "Send statement of approximate loss and captures in Engagements Sept. 19 & 20 1863." Bragg was furious at Polk for not moving as ordered on the 20th and wanted him court-martialed. 25 September from Missionary Ridge: "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." Polk was relieved but later reinstated by his old friend Jefferson Davis. A gripping, unpublished record of a crucial chapter from the Western theatre of the war. Provenance : Polk Family, by descent to the present owner.