July 7, 1864: P. G. T. Beauregard telegram to Robert E. Lee

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.

Transcript:

G. T. B.

July 1864

Dispatch to Gen. R. E. Lee relative

To movements of The Enemy

Near Petersburg, Va

July 7, 1864, 12h. No.

General,

I think we may discover something of the Enemy’s forces in the lines on our ground, by ordering our artillery at all points to open for five or ten minutes this afternoon say 5h. Then all firing (including infantry) should cease suddenly on our part when our men should cheer as if about to attack while a few men will show themselves partially here & there on the parapets

The chances are that the Yankees will soon expose themselves to view in [illeg.]

This stratagem was used by me with success at Bermuda Hundred’s Neck the day before sending off Lt. Hokes’s Division to re-inforce you.

Yours Truly

G. T. Beauregard

Citation: G. T. Beauregard (1818-1893), autograph telegram signed to Robert E. Lee. Petersburg, Va.; 7 July 1864. AMs 358/17