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:
Corinth April 7th 1862
By telegram from Bethel 7 1862
To Commander of Post
Information doubtless reliable has reached me that our forces in the Tennessee River have been routed and are now scattered in squads seeking provisions Gen Buell having brought up strong reinforcements Our army was routed about three o’clock P.M. –a force of cavalry is hourly expected here we can muster about sixty men able to perform duty-what shall we do? I would like to receive instructions.
A.B. Cates
Capt. Commdg Post
67wcol
Citation: A.B. Cates, telegram to Commander of Post. Bethel, 7 April 1862. AMs 1168/11