Note 8 — Chapter X · THE SIEGE OF KNOXVILLE.
Reading edition
Rev. J. William Jones, D.D., Secretary of the Southern Historical Society, kindly permitted the writer, when in Richmond, Va., in April, 1880, to copy from General Longstreet's letter-book two letters, which are of interest in this connection. The first is as follows:—
"Head-quarters, Nov. 28, 1863.
"General,—Your letter is received. I am not at all confident that General Bragg has had a serious battle at Chattanooga; but there is a report that he has, and fallen back to Tunnel Hill. Under this report I am entirely convinced that our only safety is in making the assault upon the enemy's position to-morrow at daylight; and it is the more important that I should have the entire support, and all the force that you may be possessed of, in the execution of my views. It is a great mistake to suppose that there is any safety for us in going to Virginia, if General Bragg has been defeated, for we leave him at the mercy of his victors; and with his army destroyed, our own had better be also, for we must not only be destroyed, but disgraced. There is neither safety nor honor in any other course than the one that I have already chosen and ordered.
"Very respectfully, your obedient servant, "J. LONGSTREET, Lieutenant-General.
"Major-General McLaws, Commanding.
"The assault must be made at the time appointed, and must be made with a determination which will ensure success.
J. L."
The second letter is as follows:—
"Head-quarters, Nov. 28, 1863.
"General,—Your letter is received. The work of the enemy is not enclosed. The ditch is probably at some points not more than three feet deep, and five or six feet wide. At least, we so judged it yesterday in looking at a man walk down the parapet and over the ditch. I thought that you saw the man, as you had been with us. I have no apprehension of the result of the attack, if we go at it with a determination to accomplish it. We should avail ourselves of everything, however, that may aid or relieve us.
"After our first brigade has gained the enemy's lines, I desire that it should wheel to the left, and pursue the attack to the left along the enemy's rear, and on to his right, and your other brigade should conform to this movement. Johnson's division will be ordered to follow it.
"Keep your men well at their work, and don't listen to the idea of failing, and we shall not fail. If we go in with the idea that we shall fail, we will be sure to do so. But no men who are determined to succeed can fail.
"Let me urge you not to entertain such feelings for a moment. Don't let any one fail, or anything.
"Most respectfully, "J. LONGSTREET, Lieutenant-General.
"General M. Jenkins, Commanding Division."