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 23 1864
To Maj. J. M. Oley
I am using my best endeavors get up Telegh communication. Mr. Driscoll superintendent of the telegraph line at this place will offer me every assistance. This accomplished we can keep up daily communication with the enemy near.
Respy,
J. F. Milligan
Maj. &c
Citation:J. F. Milligan , telegram to John M. Oley. Petersburg, Va., 23 May 1864. AMs 1168/11