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 is one of approximately 1000 military telegrams in P.G.T. Beauregard’s papers at the Rosenbach.
Transcript:
Petersburg May 9th, 1864
To Genl Beauregard
Your presence is much needed—force everything to yield to that and get here—We have had some good fortune that is all though we are hopeful—Harris agrees with me—our troops are arriving but we may have enough to suit your presence.
Saml B Paul
A.A.G.
Citation: Samuel B. Paul, telegram to G. T. Beauregard. Petersburg, 9 May 1864. AMs 1168/11