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.
Transcript:
Decbr 21/64
G. T. B. to Presdt.
Pocotaglio, S. C. Dec. 21, 1864
3h. P. M.
General Hardee reports today from Hanceville that Evacuation of Savannah as instructed by me was successfully accomplished last night. All the light artillery & most of the stored & munitions were brought off the heavy guns were specked & otherwise disabled. Line of defence behind Combahee River will be taken soon as practicable
G. T. Beauregard
President Jeff. Davis
Richmond Va.
Citation: G. T. Beauregard (1818-1893), autograph telegram signed to Jefferson Davis. Pocotaglio, S.C.; 21 December 1864. AMs 358/21