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:
Received at Augusta Feb 6 1865 at 2 o’clock 30 minutes
By telegraph from Columbus To Col G W Brent
My reg’t made in the counties near Athens Ga will have to pass near there in going to their command Stovalls Brig. Will you authorize me to furlough the men for a few days. I assure you it will benefit the service. Please answer
J O Gailey Capt Cmdg 52nd Ga on detached service
Citation: John O. Gailey, telegram to George W. Brent. Columbus, Ga.; 6 February 1865. AMs 1168/11