ALS, one page both sides, 5 x 8, March 4, 1872. Letter to General Braxton Bragg. In full: “Accept my thanks for your prompt compliance with my request for information in regard to Beauregard’s misrepresentation. My impression has been that the order to you caused this application for surgeon’s certificate because my recollection is that he told you that he, as an engineer officer, was not sufficiently acquainted with matters of organization etc. etc. to perform the duties required by the condition of the command at Tupelo, and that he would therefore devolve them upon you. Of this there would be no record, but if you have no objection to stating it, I would be glad to know if your memory is the same as my own. Please make my respects to Mrs. Bragg. I had hoped to have visited Mobile before this time, but things of sufficient importance to detain me have one after another occurred and postponed the projected trip.” On the reverse of the second integral page, Bragg has docketed, “Memphis, 4th March ‘72. Jeffer Davis. Beauregard’s public writing about his relief from command of army at Tupelo.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, some tape reinforcement along hinge, and light show-through from writing on opposing sides.
In this letter from the former president of the Confederacy to the general who took over command of the Army of Mississippi from Beauregard, Davis attempts to get Bragg's confirmation of remembrances of events. This was in response to Beauregard's publication of articles blaming Davis for the Confederate defeat and claiming to be wrongly relieved of command. The two men wrote numerous articles after the war bitterly accusing each other for the South's failure to win the war. The hostility between them maintained through the rest of their lives with Beauregard refusing the honor of heading Davis' funeral procession, saying "We have always been enemies. I cannot pretend I am sorry he is gone. I am no hypocrite." This is a unique letter involving several key players in the Confederacy and illustrating the disharmony between them that lasted long after the last shots were fired. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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