| Headquarters |
| Sweet Water, Tenn. |
| November 11, 1863 |
| |
| General Braxton Bragg |
| Commanding |
| |
| General, |
| I regret to report the
entire failure of the preparations ordered by you to advance and
facilitate our operations. Our railroad affairs {on
the East Tennessee & Georgia RR} have been so badly
managed that my troops could have marched up in half the time that
has been consumed in transporting them by rail. In fact, there is no
certainty that they will reach here at all by rail, and this is the
only means left, as our battery horses
were sent through by road, leaving the guns, &c., to be
transported by rail. Our wagons were sent through the same way,
leaving troops and baggage to come by rail. The supply train has not
joined us, and General Stevenson tells me that he was ordered not to
have rations on hand here. Instead of being prepared to make a
campaign, I find myself not more than half prepared to subsist. This
may be all for the better, however, as it gives me time to urge that
another division be sent upon this expedition with its artillery. By
the time it can arrive I hope that the troops that are to come by
rail may also reach here, and that we may have rations, &c., in
readiness to move on. There are many reasons for anticipating great
results from the expedition against General Burnside's army with a
proper force; but with the force that I now have I think it would be
unreasonable to expect much. In fact, it will, in all probability,
be another fine opportunity lost. His force should not be allowed to
escape without an effort to destroy it, and the force now here is
not strong enough to make any such effort; that is, with any
reasonable hope of success. With the balance of my corps, or any
good marching division, I think that we may make a great campaign.
Information received yesterday confirms General Stevenson's report
that the enemy's force about Knoxville is at least 23,000. |
| I remain, general, very respectfully,
your most obedient servant, |
| J. Longstreet |
| Lieutenat-General |
|