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GENERAL BRAXTON BRAGG , 0. 8. A. FROM A WAR-TIME PHOTOGRAPH.
assumed objective point of his movement, General Bragg then explaining hisplan, which was discussed and approved by his lieutenants. Our advance wasthen resumed, leaving General Buell to pursue his march unmolested. Thisaction was subsequently severely criticised by military men, and at the timeit was greatly deplored by many officers of his command. At 1 o’clock onthe morning of the 18th of September, indeed, Bragg was on the point ofrescinding the order to continue the march, and of directing instead animmediate offensive movement against Buell. The importance of recoveringNashville induced the proposed change of operation. But, upon further con-sideration, he reverted to his previous plans, saying to me with emphasis,“ This campaign must be won by marching, not by fighting.” He used sim-dar language at subsequent stages of the campaign before the battle ofPerryville. At the moment he evinced no regret at having allowed Buell toPass on our left flank.
The success of the column under Kirby Smith in its combat at Rich-mond, Ky. , elated him. He was worried by the delays that retarded his
VOL. III. 39