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 General Breckinridge' s Reply to General Bragg. 475

^_;._^ In testimony whereof, I have signed these presents and

I L. s. I caused the seal of the Confederate States of America to be

'• w-v—^ -' affixed thereto, at the city of Richmond, on this 23d day of

December, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and

sixty-two.

(Signed) Jefferson Davis.

By the President,

J. P. Benjamin, Secretary of State.

General Breckinridge's Reply to General Bragg's Report of the Battle of

Murfreesboro.

[It is, perhaps, proper that we should supplement our publication of General Breckinridge's report by the following letter:]

Headquarters Breckinridge's Division,

Tiillahoma, March 31, 1863.

To S. Cooper, Adjutant and Inspector- General, Richmond, Va.:

Sir, — Two days ago I read General Braxton Bragg's official report of the battles of Stone River, before Murfreesboro, and after a proper time for reflection think it my duty to send you this com- munication.

I cannot conceal from myself the fact that so much of the report as refers to my command (except some general compliments to the courage of a portion of my troops on Wednesday, the 31st Decem- ber) is in tone and spirit a thorough disparagement of both. This tone runs through all its parts, and lies like a broad foundation un- derneath the whole. At the same time the narrative of events is made to sustain the general spirit.

While the report of the Commanding General fails, as I think, to do justice to the behavior of my division on Friday, the 2d of January; yet its strictures are chiefly leveled at my own conduct as an officer during all the operations. By direct statement and by unmistakable innu- endo, it is throughout a reflection upon my capacity and conduct.

Without referring to its contents in detail, I have to say, in respect- ful terms, that neither its material statements nor its equally material innuendoes can be maintained by proof; that its omission of impor- tant facts creditable to my division and myself is as remarkable as many of its affirmative statements; in a word, that in spirit and sub- stance it is erroneous and unjust.