GENERAL ORDERS No. 128.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT
No. 2,
Sparta, Tenn., September
5, 1862.
I. The signal triumph of our arms in Virginia over the
combined forces of McClellan and Pope had hardly been announced to the whole of
this command before we are again called upon to rejoice and give thanks to God
for a victory as brilliant and complete achieved in our own campaign by the
troops under Maj. Gen. E. Kirby Smith at Richmond, Ky., on the 30th ultimo. The
enemy, under Major-General Nelson, was completely routed, with the commander
wounded, one general killed, and one captured, with 3,000 other prisoners. Not
the least important of the fruits secured was the whole of the enemy's
artillery, small-arms, and transportation.
II. Comrades, our campaign opens most auspiciously and
promises complete success. Your general is happy and proud to witness the tone
and conduct of his army. Contented and cheerful under privations and strictly
regardful of the rights of citizens, you have achieved a victory over yourselves
which insures success against every foe. The enemy is in full retreat, with
consternation and demoralization devastating his ranks. To secure the full
fruits of this condition we must press on vigorously and unceasingly. You will
be called on to make greater sacrifices still, to suffer other, perhaps
greater, privations, but your generals will share them and a grateful people
will reward you. Alabamians, your State is redeemed. An arrogant foe no longer
treads her soil. Tennesseeans, the restoration of your capital and State
government is almost accomplished without firing a gun. You return to your
invaded homes conquerors and heroes. Kentuckians, the first great blow has been
struck for your freedom. The manacles will soon fall from your limbs, when we
know you will arise and strike for your freedom, your women, and your altars.
Soldiers from the Gulf, South Carolina, Georgia, and Arkansas, we share the
happiness of our more fortunate brothers, and will press on with them,
rejoicing in the hope that a brighter future is in store for the fruitful
fields, happy homes, and fair daughters of our own sunny South.
BRAXTON BRAGG,
General, Commanding.
SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of
the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume
16, Part 1 (Serial No. 22), p. 936-7
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