I am in receipt of your note of the 2d, 1 p. m., directing me to move with all my available force via Bloomfield to Frankfort to strike the enemy on his flank and rear. * * * I have called a council of wing and division commanders, to whom I have submitted the matter, and find that they unanimously indorse my views. I shall therefore pursue a different course assured that when the facts are submitted to you you will justify my decision.

In the official report of the battle of Perryville by the general, after stating that he was ordered to attack the enemy early in the morning, he says:

At a meeting of general officers held about daylight it was resolved, in view of the great disparity of our forces, to adopt the "defensive-offensive;" to await the movements of the enemy, and to be guided by events as they were developed.

As these councils (usually regarded as sacred among military men) are now publicly disclosed, and in a manner compromising you as advising a disobedience to my orders, the facts are laid before you, and I beg, if consistent with your sense of duty, you will inform me to what extent you sustained the general in his acknowledged disobedience. For your information I inclose a copy of my order directing him to give the enemy battle at Perryville "immediately," and request to be informed whether, in asking your advice, he informed you of the existence of this order.

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

BRAXTON BRAGG,

General, Commanding.

[Indorsement.]

General POLK, Commanding, &c.:

DEAR GENERAL: I send you this paper, received yesterday, as I fear you may not have received it from headquarters, and I think it right you should have it. My impression now is to decline answering it. First, because your "acknowledged disobedience" may lead to a courtmartial, and, second, because I cannot well do so without opening up the Kentucky campaign, which would lead to controversy, which at this time ought to be avoided. These are my present convictions. The paper has been sent to Cleburne and Wood, and I suppose to all the general officers who were under your command. If you choose to rip up the Kentucky campaign you can tear Bragg into tatters.

Truly, yours,

W. J. HARDEE,

Lieutenant-General.

[Inclosure.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF KENTUCKY, Harrodsburg, Ky., October 7, 1862-5.40 p. m.

General POLK:

GENERAL: In view of the news from Hardee you had better move with Cheatham's division to his support and give the enemy battle immediately. Rout him, and then move to our support at Versailles. * * * No time should be lost in these movements.

Respectfully and truly, yours,
BRAXTON BRAGG,

General, Commanding.