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from the great physical exertion in climbing, which rendered them powerless, and the slightest effort would have destroyed them.
Having secured much of our artillery they availed themselves of our panic, and turning our guns upon us enfiladed our lines both right and left, rendering them entirely untenable.
Had all parts of the line been maintained by equal gallantry and persistance, no enemy could ever have dislodged us; and but one possible reason presents itself to my mind in explanation of this bad conduct in veteran troops, who had never before failed in any duty assigned them, however difficult and hazardous.
They had for two days confronted the enemy marshalling his immense forces in plain view, and exhibiting to their sight such a superiority in numbers as may have intimidated weak minds and untried soldiers.
But our veterans had so often encountered similar hosts, when the strength of position was against us, and with perfect success, that not a doubt crosssed my mind.
As yet, I am not fully informed as to the commands which first fled and brought this great disaster and disgrace upon our arms; an investigation will bring out the truth, however, and full justice shall be done to the good and the bad.
After arriving at Chickamauga and informing myself of the full condition of affairs, it was decided to put the army in motion for a point farther removed from a powerful and victorious army, that we might have some little time to replenish and recuperate for another struggle.
The enemy made pursuit as far as Ringgold, but was so handsomely checked by Major-General Cleburne and Brigadier-General Gist, in command of their respective divisions, that he gave us but little annoyance.
Our losses are not yet ascertained, but in killed and wounded it is known to be very small.
In stragglers and prisoners, I fear it is much larger.
The Chief of Artillery reports the loss of forty pieces.
I am, Sir, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
Braxton Bragg, General Commanding.
Note.—As a matter of justice to General Anderson's Division, charged in the above report as breaking at Missionary Ridge, we append the following extract from an autograph letter of General Bragg to Major E. T. Sykes, of 