August 20, 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 Chaffins Bluff Aug 20^th 1864

To Genl G T Beauregard

7-15 am

Dispatch of 19^th announcing Hill’s success rec’d. Does Enemy still hold RR?

R E Lee

12/cu 24

Rec’d at 8.30 a.m.

Already answered this morning

G.T.B.

Citation:Robert E. Lee (1807-1870), telegrams to G.T. Beauregard. 20 August 1864. In The telegraphic history of the Civil War, 1861-1865. AMs 434/16