June 3, 1864: Note from Cold Harbor

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:

Dated: Battle Field Cold Harbor June 3, 1864 4 ½ PM

Genl Early Commanding Ewells Corps attacked enemy right yesterday afternoon and drove him with Great Slaughter out of his intrenchments. Confederate Loss slight though including Genl Doles of Ga. killed at same time Breckenridge supported by Wilcox attacked enemys on Turkey Hill on right and drove him away. Thus securing important positions, this morning at daylight Enemy made furious assault upon Renshaws Fields & Hoke of Anderson’s Corps and Breckenridge of Hills Corps he renewed the assault seven 7 times upon Renshaw and Fields. He attacked Early also but was everywhere repulsed with frightful loss. Confederate loss is less than in any Battle of the War Anderson’s loss not five hundred. Enemy gained salient in Breckenridge’s front for few minutes but was swept back by Finegans Floridians like whirl wind. Battle raged until 11 when Enemy retired fully beaten. Heavy skirmishing since & still continues” Genls Law Kirkland & Lane wounded. We have the Ground [illeg] Enemy and he could use but little artillery.

Citation:Unidentified author, autograph note. Cold Harbor, Va.; 3 June 1864. AMs 1168/11