Perhaps the ultimate explanation, however, was the Army of Tennessee’s dispirited morale which had spread downward from backbiting generals to the ranks. Bragg conceded as much in a private letter to Jefferson Davis tendering his resignation. “The disaster admits of no palliation,” he wrote. “I fear we both erred in the conclusion for me to retain command here after the clamor raised against me.”17 As the army went into winter quarters, Davis grasped the nettle and grudgingly appointed Johnston to the command. Meanwhile the repulse on November 29 of Longstreet’s attack against Knoxville
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