Richard Taylor's Message, January 23, 1865, Army of Tennessee

On January 23, 1865, Lieutenant General Richard Taylor informed the assistant adjutant general of the Confederacy that he had assumed command of the Army of Tennessee.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TENNESSEE
Tupelo, January 23, 1865.

COL. GEORGE WILLIAM BRENT,
Assistant Adjutant- General, Montgomery, Ala.:

COLONEL: General Hood desiring to leave, I have to-day assumed command of this army without waiting longer for a response from the President. Inclosed is a copy of the order from the general commanding, under which I have assumed command, the original having been left with me with blank date, with directions to advise you of the date of its going into effect. General Hood left this morning for Richmond.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant

R. TAYLOR,
Lieutenant-General

Written by Harry Searles