| Headquarters Department No. 2 |
| Chattanooga, Tenn. |
| August 14, 1862
|
| |
| Adjutant-General C. S. Army |
| Richmond, Va. |
| |
| Sir,
|
| The recent movement of troops to this
point illustrates the great importance of the route across Alabama
from Meridian, Miss. The progress now making from Demopolis west
gives assurance the work will soon be completed and with
satisfaction to all parties. Military control has been so exercised
as to give no offense, as far as I can learn,
and do no damage to any one, while both the company {Alabama
& Mississippi Rivers RR} and the Government will be
benefited. From Jacksonville, Ala., to Rome, Ga., another important
link is now wanting {the extension of the
Alabama & Tennessee River RR}, which could soon be
supplied by the aid of
a little Government credit. This would not only facilitate
transportation, but open to us large resources now cut off for want
of it. While we may hope to recover the country in advance of us and
avail ourselves of its great resources, it is prudent to secure all
necessary means in our rear to avoid disaster should our
well-grounded expectations not be realized.
|
| I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
|
| Braxton Bragg
|
| General, Commanding
|
|