The President, accompanied by two of his aids, set off
quietly day before yesterday for the Southwest — to Bragg's army, no doubt,
where it is understood dissensions have arisen among the chieftains.
By telegraph we learn that one of Bragg's batteries, on Lookout
Mountain, opened fire on the Federals in Chattanooga on the 5th inst., which
was replied to briskly.
Night before last an attempt was made to destroy the enemy's
steamer Ironsides at Charleston, but failed. The torpedo, however, may have
done it some injury.
From Lee and Meade we have nothing.
A rather startling letter was read by the Secretary of War
to-day from ——, Lieut.-Gen. Bragg's ——d in command. It was dated the 26th of
September, and stated that Chickamauga was one of the most complete victories of
the war, but has not been “followed up.” On the 21st (day after the battle),
Gen. Bragg asked Gen. ——'s advice, which was promptly given: “that he should
immediately strike Burnside a blow; or if Burnside escaped, then to march on
Rosecrans's communications in the rear of Nashville.” Gen. Bragg seemed to
adopt the plan, and gave orders accordingly. But the right wing had not marched
more than eight or ten miles the next day, before it was halted, and ordered to
march toward Chattanooga, after giving the enemy two and a half days to
strengthen the fortifications. Bragg's army remains in front of the enemy's
defenses, with orders not to assault him. The only thing Bragg has done well
(says Gen. ——) was to order the attack on the 19th of September; everything else
has been wrong: and now only God can save us or help us — while Bragg commands.
He begs that Gen. Lee be sent there, while the Army of Virginia remains on the
defensive, to prosecute offensive measures against Rosecrans. He says Bragg's
army has neither organization nor mobility; and B. cannot remedy the evil. He
cannot adopt or adhere to any course, and he invokes the government to
interpose speedily. This letter is on file in the archives.
The question now is, who is right? If it be ——, Bragg ought certainly
to be relieved without delay; and the President cannot arrive in the field a
moment too soon. As it is, while others are exulting in the conviction that
Rosecrans will be speedily destroyed, I
am filled with alarm for the fate of Bragg's army, and for the
cause! I am reluctant to attribute the weakness of personal pique or
professional jealousy to ——; yet I still hope that events will speedily prove
that Bragg's plan was the best, and that he had really adopted and advised to
the wisest course.
SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's
Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p.
65-6
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