On June 17, 1862, Confederate General Braxton Bragg issued General Orders, No. 76, announcing that he had assumed command of the Army of the Mississippi while General P. G. T. Beauregard was away on sick leave.
General Braxton Bragg. Image Source: Library of Congress.
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 76.
HEADQUARTERS WESTERN DEPARTMENT,
Tupelo, Miss., June 17, 1862.
During the absence from the department of General Beauregard the undersigned assumes chief command of the forces of the department.
BRAXTON BRAGG,
General, C. S. Army.
