June 17, 1864: Lee Telegrams to Beauregard

Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard was a Louisiana-born general of the Confederate States Army. He had graduated second in his class from West Point in 1838 and was an admirer of Napoleon. He achieved fame early in the Civil War for commanding the Fort Sumter bombardment and as the victor of the first battle of Manassas. He later served in the Western Theater (including Shiloh and Corinth), Charleston, and the defense of Richmond, but his career was hampered by friction with Jefferson Davis and other generals.

This telegram is from The Telegraphic History of the Civil War; a compiled album of telegrams to Beauregard from Davis, Lee, Johnston and others.

Transcript:

Received at June 1864

By telegraph from Clay’s House 17 To Gen Beauregard

1-45 pm

5^th corps Warrens crossed Chickahominy at long bridge on 13^th was driven from Riddles (Fiddler?) shops by Gen’l Hill leaving many dead & prisoners on our hands. That night marched to western western. Some prisoners were taken from it on the 14^th. Have not heard of it since. All prisoners taken here are from 10^th corps.

R E Lee

61/coll 15.25

ZV

Received at June 1864

By telegraph from Clay’s House 17 To Gen’l G.T. Beauregard

(via Drewrys Bluff)

5—P.M.—At 4 P.M. was compelled to assault center of our former line held by enemy. We now hold entire line from Howletts to Dunn’s Mill. All prisoners from 10^th corps

R.E. Lee

official W. H. Taylor A.A.G.

31/coll 620

Citation:Robert E. Lee (1807-1870), telegrams to G.T. Beauregard. 17 June 1864. In The telegraphic history of the Civil War, 1861-1865. AMs 434/16