A Controversial Confederate
Confederate General Braxton Bragg, was one of the more controversial officers in the Confederate Army.
Confederate President Jefferson Davis, relied heavily upon Bragg’s understanding of military affairs and institutions, though he did not always agree with Bragg, Davis consistently sought his expertise and opinion on a variety of matters. By untiringly assuming many of the duties and much of the criticism that had burdened and perplexed Davis, Bragg eased some of the president’s vexations.
Bragg (March 22, 1817 – September 27, 1876) was an American army officer during the Second Seminole War and Mexican–American War and Confederate general in the Civil War. In all his assignments he gained a reputation as a strict disciplinarian with a rather abrasive personality.
One example of his argumentative nature was when, as Company Commander and also Quartermaster of his company, he twice requested certain supplies as commander but as quartermaster he, both times, denied the request.
Bragg conducted himself well in his earlier assignments but as a General in the Civil War, he was found to be a lackluster strategist and an overly severe manager of men.
Bragg’s reassignment and replacement as Corps Commander was recommended several times by the other generals in the Confederate army and even by his own subordinate officers but President Davis had such faith in the man that he was kept in some assignments, often to the actual disadvantage of the Confederate army and his adopted nation.
As a side note, the author should not find too much fault with Braxton Bragg, as ancestral research proves the two men to be 5th cousins (5 times removed).
Recent Comments