in saying that you can without difficulty still secure their earnest co-operation and support.

In this view I would consider it most unfortunate if I should take any step which might tend to aggravate the feeling which public rumor imputes as existing between you and some of your subordinate commanders. I think the public interests, which with every patriot should be superior to individual preferences or favor, are deeply concerned in harmonious action between you and them. You have been sustained in your position, I understand, by the Government. You therefore better than any one else can afford to abide the judgment which history may pronounce on your actions. Whatever may be the asperities of feeling existing between you and your generals, I feel assured from my personal knowledge of them that they are as little disposed as you are to set their own interests above the good of the country. I believe that a frank personal explanation with them will be the means of removing any cause of dissatisfaction which may naturally exist, will harmonize the discordant elements which may now be present in your army, and at the expense of little personal pride on either part result in great public good.

Though I have no claims to your intimacy I profess to be sufficiently a patriot and sufficiently your friend to advise a course which would in my opinion, without any sacrifice of your personal dignity, redound so much to the advantage of the Republic.

Believing that you will appreciate the motives which have induced me reluctantly to urge upon you these views and that you will justify me in the candid manner in which I have conveyed them, I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. B. BUCKNER.

[Indorsement Numbers 1.]

KNOXVILLE, TENN., May 24, 1863.

This copy is confidentially communicated to Lieutenant-General Hardee, who, after perusing it, will please transmit to Lieutenant-General Polk, who informs me that he desires to retain it as part of the history of the events connected with the campaign.

Truly,

S. B. BUCKNER.

[Indorsement Numbers 2.]

MAY 28, 1863.

Respectfully referred to General Polk, with the compliments of Lieutenant-General Hardee.

W. J. HARDEE.

SHELBYVILLE, April 20, 1863.

General BRAXTON BRAGG:

GENERAL: Your letter of the 13th, in reference to the councils of officers called by Lieutenant-General Polk at Bardstown and Perryville, was duly received. My sense of duty at least for the present, compels me to decline to answer what part I took in the councils referred to.

Yours, very respectfully,

B. F. CHEATHAM,

Major-General.