Braxton Bragg to William S. Rosecrans, December 2, 1862

Maj. Gen. W. S. ROSECRANS, Commanding United States Forces, Nashville, Tenn. :

GENERAL: I am in receipt of your communication of the 29th ultimo, in answer to mine of same date respecting the case of Adjutant Hawkins.

Your suggestions in regard to the uses of the flag as a means of communication between commanding officers of the opposing forces meet my entire concurrence, and will be enforced inthis command. The case to which your attention was called was one between distant commanders, and of which I had no other knowledge than that derived from the papers transmitted to you.

I fully agree with you that the flag should come from the senior officer commanding, and should follow the most direct route. This is essential, no less as a matter of official courtesy than as a precaution against an abuse of the legitimate use of the flag. I was surprised, therefore to receive from one of your subordinate officers a communication signed by himself and addressed to me, bearing equal date with your own. I inclose a copy of the same, from which you will perceive that MajorGeneral McCook has violated both of the important features of your suggestion, the Franklin pike being one which no one really desirous of communicating directly with Murfreesborough would in ordinary times select. On the day after the receipt of your dispatch, I also received one from another of your subordinates, General Negley, which was returned. The object as well as the mode of communication was very objectionable, but was, nevertheless, accomplished by similar use of the flag, on yesterday, without my knowledge or consent. Taken in connection with your suggestion that “the flag must come from the senior officer commanding, and by the most direct route,” I am led to believe that these violations of courtesy and proper form were without your knowledge, and will be provided against hereafter.

114 K. Y., MID. AND E. TENN., N. ALA., AND S. W. V. A. (Cuar. XXX0L.

I regret also toJearn from Federal newspapers that, on a former occasion, two of General McCook’s staff officers escorted a lady through the rebel lines and obtained valuable information. The system of official supervision exercised over the press induces me to call your attention to this extract, which, if true, is reprehensible beyond measure, and certainly not an exploit to be boasted of. If any abuses, such as I have referred to, have occurred in this command, they are unknown to me, and will meet with prompt correction when brought to my attention.

I shall hereafter direct that all flags from my lines shall seek yours by way of the Murfreesborough and Nashville pike, as the nearest and most direct route, and shall decline to receive communications by any other, so long as we hold our present positions and relations.

In conclusion, I most cordially reciprocate your intention “in this as in all other things to conform to the laws and usages of war.”

very respectfully, your obedient servant,