Braxton Bragg

Braxton Bragg was the commander of the Confederate Army of Tennessee. He was commander for a little over a year. His effectiveness as a general is questioned by many. He was a West Point graduate, and gained his first military experience in the Seminole and Mexican Wars. In 1856, he retired from the military and became a planter. When the Civil War broke out, Jefferson Davis, whom Bragg fought with during the Mexican War, made him a brigadier general. Davis held Bragg in such high regard, because he saved his life during the Mexican War. Bragg eventually moved up the ranks and became a general. His task was to take back Tennessee for the Confederacy. Most of Bragg's men wanted him removed from command, due to his ineptness, but Davis would have none of it. It is believed that Bragg accidentally shot one of his men. Bragg was a very "by the book" commander. After his crucial "tactical" victory at Stones River, Bragg retreated due to the fact that he feared the river was rising, and he did not want to be trapped. In doing this he basically gave up Middle Tennessee, as well as all the momentum he had. To be fair to Bragg, his staff members suggested doing this. Following this incident, Bragg's senior generals Leonidas Polk, and William Hardee requested he be relieved of his duties. After retreating from Stones River, Bragg and his men went to Chattanooga. Bragg passed up a golden opportunity to "smash" the Union forces. Instead he let them retreat to Chattanooga. Nathan Bedford Forrest, who was at the battle, said to Bragg:
You have played the part of a damned scoundrel, and are a coward, and if you were any part of a man I would slap your jaws and force you to resent it. You may as well not issue any orders to me, for I will not obey them. . . I say to you that if you ever again try to interfere with me or cross my path it will be at the peril of your life.
Jefferson Davis continued to stick with Bragg, moving those who did not like him to different commands. Bragg was eventually fired by Joseph Johnston after the Battle of Missionary Ridge. Bragg was given a military advisory role with Jefferson Davis. After the war was over Bragg went home, where he lived out the rest of his days as a civil engineer. Braxton Bragg has gone down in history as one of the worst generals of the Civil War, and the most hated man of the Confederacy.

The book above is the latest book about Braxton Bragg. I won't comment much about it, since I haven't had the chance to read it. Based on reviews it is highly regarded by historians.

Stay tuned for more blog posts about tales from Tennessee and beyond. Go check out the Moore Historical Consulting page for all your historical research needs.