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:
19th Richmond
19. Genl Beauregard
White Oak
Enemy cannot move in the route you suppose if you destroy all provisions this must be done thoroughly and completely. Send off everything in your rear not required by you – your cavalry can restrain his foraging parties and send him back.
R. E. Lee
42/1680 pd
Citation:Robert E. Lee (1807-1870), telegram to G.T. Beauregard. 19 February 1865. In The telegraphic history of the Civil War, 1861-1865. AMs 434/16