or escape is impossible. You are therefore offered I an opportunity by capitulation of avoiding the terrible consequences of an assault. The bearer, Lieutenant Colonel [H. W.] Walter, of my staff, will receive your reply.

I am,sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

BRAXTON BRAGG,

General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES, Camp Dunham, near Munfordville, Ky., September 16, 1862.

General BRAXTON BRAGG,
Commanding Confederate States Forces:

SIR: Your note of this date is received. As much as I shall regret the terrible consequences of an assault upon the works under my command I shall defend them to the utmost, and God help the right.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. L. DUNHAM,

Colonel, Commanding U. S. Forces near Munfordville, Ky.

P. S.-I regret to say since your note has been received two Confederate officers have been observed near our works with glasses making observation thereof. I regard this as a violation of the true spirit of a flag of truce.

Respectfully,

C. L. D.

HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES, Munfordville, Ky.

General BRAXTON BRAGG,
Commanding Confederate Forces near Munfordville, Ky.:

SIR: On further reflection I ask a further suspension of hostilities until I can hold a council of war with officers of equal rank now with these forces.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. L. DUNHAM,

Colonel, Commanding U. S. Forces.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Near Munfordville, Ky., September 16, 1862.

Colonel C. L. DUNHAM, Commanding U. S. Forces:

SIR: Your request is granted, and no firing will take place, if you troops keep within their lines, before 9 p.m. I sincerely trust an honorable arrangement may be made which will prevent an unnecessary effusion of blood. And I must say, in all candor, no chance exists for your escape, successful resistance, or re-enforcement.

Please forward the inclosed note to my forces in your rear, so as to prevent any accident. My route being circuitous is the reason of this request.

BRAXTON BRAGG,
General, Commanding.