May 30, 1864: Robert E. Lee 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 telegram is from The Telegraphic History of the Civil War; a compiled album of telegrams to Beauregard from Davis, Lee, Johnston and others.

Telegraphic

Atlees May 30th, 1864

Genl G T Beauregard

12 AM

Telegram of 1135

Recd” If satisfied of truth of report I recommend that Hoke be put in motion at once or Grant will receive Butler’s reinforcements before Your forces can get here.

R. E. Lee

Genl

The best way to prevent that [junction?] is to attack Grant forthwith G.T. B.

Citation:Robert E. lee (1807-1870), telegram to G.T. Beauregard. 30 May 1864. In The telegraphic history of the Civil War, 1861-1865. AMs 434/16