April 23, 1864: Joel R Griffin telegram to P. G. T. 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 is one of approximately 1000 military telegrams in P.G.T. Beauregard’s papers at the Rosenbach.

Transcript:

Received at Weldon Apl 23 1864

By telegraph from Franklin Apl 23 to Genl Beauregard

I forward the following from a scout Maj F. Bordeman Cmdg CS Zouaves Battalion. Maj, In accordance with orders I proceed to Suffolk to gain information of the enemies movements. From a Gentleman who returned from the Enemies lines yesterday evening I of the 5^th Pa Cav commands the advance posts before Suffolk. I am Maj with Respect your obt Servt, Lt C.P. [Hatogap?] Co F CS 3 Batt. “I respectfully forward” If this is reliably my force is insufficient as I picket a line of 20 mileslearned that their forces in the immediate vicinity of the town consists of 5^th PA Cav stationed at Jerichs Run & 2^nd Maryland Inf stationed at Carnards Mills. The forces at [Wallys] Station is supposed to be about 15000 mostly cav under command of Gen Pickman. The negroes have all been sent to the Peninsula. Spears has also left for the same point Capt Cameron with 300 men Infantry & one Co of Cav.

Joel R Griffin

Citation: Joel R Griffin, telegram to G. T. Beauregard. Franklin, N.C.; 23 April 1864. AMs 1168/11