August 16, 1864: Lee Telegram to 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.

Transcript:

Dated New Market via Chaffins Bluff Aug 16^th 1864

Rec’d at 9 mins AM

To Gen Beauregard

If nothing prevents send one of A P Hill’s brigades to Richmond with orders to proceed down the Chas City Road to the fortifications. Send a regiment from Wilcox to Pickett.

31/ace 620

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