Details
[CIVIL WAR]. DAVIS, Jefferson. Autograph letter signed ("Jeffer. Davis") as President of the Confederacy to Secretary of War James A. Seddon, [Richmond, VA], 1 October 1863. 1 page, 8vo, evidence of attachment on verso with show through on page 1.
PEMBERTON, JOHNSTON AND THE LOSS OF VICKSBURG
An intriguing letter in which Davis suggests that his Secretary of War speak to General John C. Pemberton concerning accusations that he (Pemberton) mismanaged the Vicksburg Campaign. At the battle of Champion Hill (also called Baker's Creek), on May 15, 1863, Pemberton reportedly "looked as if he was confused" and was defeated by Grant. (Ballard, Michael, Pemberton, p. 160). Less than two months later, Vicksburg would fall. Here, President Davis responds to the recent controversy raised by Joseph Johnston's criticism of Pemberton's movements, by asking Seddon to look into the matter: "Recurring to our conversation in reference to genl. Pemberton's movements against the Enemy before the battle of Baker's Creek, and the correspondence between him & genl. Johnston, as set forth in Genl. Pemberton's report. I would suggest as genl. Pemberton is now in this city that you address a note to him making such inquiry as will induce an answer to remove all doubt as to the meaning of his report and the facts of the case." Pemberton defended his actions until his death. In a private letter written in 1865, he argued that public blame resulted from unfair criticisms in Johnston's official report, noting angrily that he "succeeded in maintaining his own reputation, at the expense of mine - I am utterly condemned" (Ballard, p. 194).
PEMBERTON, JOHNSTON AND THE LOSS OF VICKSBURG
An intriguing letter in which Davis suggests that his Secretary of War speak to General John C. Pemberton concerning accusations that he (Pemberton) mismanaged the Vicksburg Campaign. At the battle of Champion Hill (also called Baker's Creek), on May 15, 1863, Pemberton reportedly "looked as if he was confused" and was defeated by Grant. (Ballard, Michael, Pemberton, p. 160). Less than two months later, Vicksburg would fall. Here, President Davis responds to the recent controversy raised by Joseph Johnston's criticism of Pemberton's movements, by asking Seddon to look into the matter: "Recurring to our conversation in reference to genl. Pemberton's movements against the Enemy before the battle of Baker's Creek, and the correspondence between him & genl. Johnston, as set forth in Genl. Pemberton's report. I would suggest as genl. Pemberton is now in this city that you address a note to him making such inquiry as will induce an answer to remove all doubt as to the meaning of his report and the facts of the case." Pemberton defended his actions until his death. In a private letter written in 1865, he argued that public blame resulted from unfair criticisms in Johnston's official report, noting angrily that he "succeeded in maintaining his own reputation, at the expense of mine - I am utterly condemned" (Ballard, p. 194).