Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 12.djvu/57

 Reynolds's Brigade — Correction. 47

been composed of Tennesseeans. It may not have had a single Ten- nessee regiment or company in it. I only state what was given to me as a fact by one who was presumed to know. I trust that you will consider me as desiring only to chronicle the truths of history as furnished by what I considered the most reliable source of informa- tion. And certainly the General of the army should be presumed to be the best repository of all important information touching the army under his command. At least I feel that you will relieve me of any motive or disposition to mistake important facts, when it is seen that the statements I make are backed by the authority of the General commanding. I wished only to speak of the facts as they were rep- resented to me, " Nothing extenuate, nor set down aught in malice."

Very respectfully,

E. T. Sykes.

Nashville, November 20, 1883. Major E. T. Sykes :

Dear Sir, — I inclose a communication from General M. J. Wright, of the War Records Office, Washington, D. C, in which he gives the organization of Reynolds's brigade from the re- cords of the Confederate States War Department. You will see from this that there were no Tennessee troops in Reynolds's brigade. I also enclose a letter from General Frank Cheatham to the same effect; and to-day I was informed by ex-Governor John C.Brown that he had personal knowledge of the fact that Reynolds's brigade was formed of regiments from North Carolina and Virginia. My own opinion is that Reynolds's brigade was in no wise responsible for the disaster at Mission Ridge ; but you will understand that my object just now is to ask you to examine the evidence I furnish and to make the correction due to Tennessee.

Very respectfully,

James D. Porter.

Columbus, Miss., November 22, 18S3.

Governor James D. Porter, Nashville, Tenn.:

Dear Sir, — Your letter of the 20th instant, with inclo- sures, reached me to-day, and, as requested therein, I hasten to reply. From your statement, fully indorsed and supported by the statements