Breckinridge, John C. (John Cabell), 1821-1875 to Braxton Bragg
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03348 Author/Creator: Breckinridge, John C. (John Cabell), 1821-1875 Place Written: Louisiana Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 August 1862 Pagination: 2 p. : Height: 23 cm, Width: 18 cm Order a Copy
Discusses Battle of Baton Rouge and Bragg's planned invasion of Kentucky. Expects Bragg's invasion to be a success, "I feel that you will reach the Ohio River, if you don't do more." Would join Bragg, but cannot leave his own command, which has been reduced from 8,000 to 2,500 men. States "I did the best I could at Baton Rouge, and with inferior forces whipped them soundly. Under the circumstances it was impossible to accomplish more than we did." Written just after the Battle of Baton Rouge, where the Confederates were actually defeated by a force of equally small size in their attempt to recapture the city. Bragg's invasion of Kentucky would prove a failure. "Important" written in pencil at top of letter. Written "On Comite River."
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