“marred in the transmission”

Confederates high on Missionary Ridge

President Davis got out of the office for a bit in October 1863 and toured South Carolina, Georgia, and General Bragg’s recently victorious Army of Tennessee on Missionary Ridge outside Chattanooga. Here’s a report that focuses on his speech to the troops, in which he congratulated the on Chickamauga and exhorted them to keep up the good work. General D.H. Hill has been replaced by John C. Breckinridge, and it’s been raining so hard Yankee pontoon bridges have been swept away. It sounds like there might have been some noise on the telegraph wire as President Davis’ words were transmitted back to Richmond. From the Richmond Daily Dispatch October 19, 1863:

From the Army of Tennessee.
Gen. Hill Superseded–flood in the Tennessee — Stirring Address from President Davis to the troops, &c.

Missionary Ridge, Oct.17.

–General D. H. Hill has been relieved from duty, and himself and Staff ordered to report to General Cooper, at Richmond, for duty. Gen. Breckinridge has been put in command of the corps recently commanded by Gen. Hill.

The recent heavy rains have produced a freshet in the Tennessee river. The valley of Chattanooga is one sheet of water. The bridges over Chickamauga and Chattanooga creeks have been swept away by the flood. The Tennessee is still rising.

[Second Dispatch.]

Missionary Ridge, Oct.17.

–For the first time in four days we are blessed with sunshine. The flooded creeks are gradually receding, and the bridges are rapidly being repaired.

The enemy’s pontoons were swept away again, and the trestle bridge above the town submerged. Gen. Adams was brought out under a flag of truce to-day. His wound is doing well, and his arm will be saved.

Siegel’s corps is represented to have been at Stevenson on the 14th inst.

[third Dispatch.]

Missionary Ridge, Oct.17.

–The following address from the President to the troops was published yesterday, producing the greatest enthusiasm:

Headq’rs Army of Tennessee,
October14, 1863.

mission on a ridge

Soldiers: A grateful country recognizes your arduous services, and rejoices over your glorious victory on the field of Chickamauga! When your countrymen shall more fully learn the adverse circumstances under which you attacked the enemy, though they cannot be more thankful, they may admire more the gallantry and patriotic devotion which secured your success. Representatives of every State of the Confederacy, your steps have been followed up with affectionate solicitude by friends in every portion of the country. Defenders of the heart of our territory, your movements have been an object of interest, anxiety, and hope.

Our cause depends on you, and happy it is that all can rely upon your achieving whatever, under the blessing of Providence, human power can effect.

Though you have done much, very much remains to be done. Behind you is a people providing for your support, and depending upon your protection. Before you is a country devastated by your ruthless invaders, where gentle women, feeble age, and helpless infancy, have been subjected to outrages without parallel in the warfare of civilized nations.

With eager eye they watch for your coming to their deliverance, and homeless refugees pine for the hour when your victorious arms shall restore their family shelters, from which they have been driven and forced to take up arms to vindicate their political rights — freedom, equality, and State sovereignty — which were a heritage purchased by the blood of your revolutionary sires.

You have but the alternative of being slaves of submission to a despotic usurpation, or of independence, which a vigorous, united, and persistent effort will secure.

All which fires a manly breast, nerves a patriot, or exalts a hero, is present to stimulate and sustain you. Nobly have you redeemed your pledges, given in the name of freedom, to the memory of your ancestors and the rights of your posterity.

That you may complete the mission to which you have devoted yourselves will require of you such exertions in the future as you have made in the past, and continuous self-denial, which rejects every consideration at variance with the public service as unworthy of the holy cause in which you are engaged.

When the war shall be ended the highest meed of praise will be due, and probably be given, to him who has claimed the least for himself in proportion to the service he has rendered; and the bitterest self-reproach which may hereafter haunt the memory of any one, will be to him who has allowed selfish aspirations to prevail over his desire for the public good.

United as we are, in a common destiny, obedience and cordial cooperation are essential. There is no higher duty than that which requires one to exert and render to all what is due to their station. He who sows the seeds of discontent and distrust prepares for a harvest of slaughter and defeat.

To your gallantry, energy, and fortitude you crown this harmony with due subordination and cheerful support of lawful authority. (!)

I fervently hope that this ferocious war, so unjustly waged against our country, may soon end, and that, with the blessing of peace, you may be restored to your homes and useful pursuits, and I pray our Heavenly Father may cover you with the shield of His protection in your battle, and endow you with the virtues which will close your trials in victory complete.
(Signed)

Jefferson Davis.

[Several passages of the address have been marred in the transmission. The copyist has given the best transcription the telegram admits.]