Center for Archival Collections

Genl. Jas. S. Negley
40 Wall St.
New York, June 6th, 1889

Major Arnold McMahan

My dear Major:

I am exceedingly grateful for your thoughtfulness in addressing me a note of inquiry in regard to the battle of Chickamauga, also for the pleasure of perusing your articles. Boynton has been the most persistent and malicious of all the self appointed historians of the campaign of Chattanooga. I never knew and I cannot surmise why he has selected my division and myself as a target for his calumnies.

There are numerous other instances where he has ignored official reports and the testimony of distinguished officers like yourself to withold praise from those who earned it under the smoke of battle.

On last evening a group of gentlemen, among whom were several confederate officers, (one who had been a staff officer and was an eye witness of the whole battle), were discussing the movements which you refer to in your letter and article. The warmest praise was given to the 21st Ohio, it being recognized by the muskets they carried, also the services rendered by our movements on Saturday and Sunday morning.

Usually when a command is broken up in the face of the enemy to reinforce weaker lines elsewhere and each regiment of that command separately distinguishes itself for gallantry credit is bestowed without hesitation or qualification, in the case your regiment with others of my command have been slighted and there has been a determined purpose to appropriate their valuable services in favor of others.

I have been prevented by public duties from writing a criticism of the libellous articles which have appeared from time to time on this subject, I am, therefore, delighted to learn that you have assumed the task, I will cheerfully afford you any assistance within my control, feeling assured that it will be well done.

Yours very truly,
Jas S Negley