May 20, 1864: John A. Baker telegram to John M. Oley

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:

Hd Qrs 3d C. C. Cavalry

Fenley’s Farm May 20th 1864

10 oclock P.M.

Capt JM Oley

AA Genl

Sir

I have the honor to report unusual activity among the transports of the enemy. Quite a number of them have assembled at the Bluff in front of Howlett’s house and where the road runs to the river. Considerable noise is being made. Bugles are blowing the Assembly and there is every indication of a movement.

Very Respectfully,

Your obt servt

John A. Baker

Col. 3 N.C. Cavalry

Citation:John A Baker, telegram to John M. Oley. Fenley Farm, 20 May 1864. AMs 1168/11