Confederate general (1817–1876) who was relieved of field duty after his unsuccessful siege of Chattanooga. His mixed legacy as a skilled organizer but a poor commander remains one of the great topics of debate among Civil War historians. ALS signed “Braxton Bragg, Lt. Col. US Army,” one page, 8 x 6.25, September 19, 1849. Letter to an unknown recipient certifying the bravery of a sergeant. In full: “Sergeant Love was joined to my company at Monterey in Mexico in the assault on that town he displayed Courage activity and presence of mind I had every reason to be satisfied with his conduct.
In the great Battle at ‘Buena Vista’ he commanded a gun in my battery and in the darkest hour of that eventful conflict his cheerfulness and contempt for danger infused a spirit in the men which was highly beneficial and conductive to the fortunes of the day. Sergt. Love deserves well of his country for his gallantry long services and good conduct.” Letter is affixed by its upper corners to a slightly larger card. In very good condition, with intersecting folds, scattered mild toning, wrinkling, and creasing, a bit of light spotting, and slight show-through from writing on reverse.
It was during the 1847 Battle of Buena Vista, that Bragg and the future president of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis, established a longtime bond. During that “darkest hour of the eventful conflict,” Bragg came to the aid of an outmatched Davis, whose troops were on the verge of being overrun by Mexican troops. Just as Davis' regiment began to fall back under the Mexican assault, Bragg and his soldiers—men like Sgt. Love— arrived in force to hold off the onslaught, allowing Davis to reorganize and hold his position. The two men forged a mutual respect for each other following the fight, with Davis clearly admiring Braggs’ bravery and selfless qualities. It was those memories that undoubtedly came to mind as Confederate President Davis chose Bragg to be a brigadier general during the Civil War. Great content referencing a key battle in the officer’s military career. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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