July 2012 Auction Ends Tuesday, July 31st, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/31/2012
Fantastic letter by Confederate General Gustave Beauregard to President Jefferson Davis, regarding Beauregard's planned assault on General Butler's forces at Drewry's Bluff. The offensive, strategically executed by Beauregard to take advantage of Union delays, caused Butler to retreat from this advance upon Richmond. Letter is a retained copy, endorsed by Beauregard in pencil on the verso, ''Copy in Book & return it to me - G.T.B.'' Dated 15 May 1864, letter reads: ''...Upon further inquiry as to the shortest and safest route (via Newby's bridge) by which Major General Whiting could travel with his small force to this point, it was found he would require two days to reach here, the distance being at least 34 miles, with roads in a bad condition owing to the prevailing rains - In a telegram of this morning he expresses his fears of an immediate attack upon him by the enemy. At the same time Captain Davidson, of the Navy, informed me that a large fleet of Gun Boats and Transports of the enemy are about four miles below Chaffin's Bluff; probably to reinforce Butler and make a combined attack by land and water. Under these circumstances and in view of the fact that the enemy is diligently employed in erecting batteries and rifle pits around this place, further delay might be fatal to success and I have determined to attack the enemy [crossed out and replaced with] him at day break tomorrow morning with the forces at present available here, increased by Barton's Brigade, as authorized by you. I have ordered Major General Ransom [crossed out and replaced with] Whiting to cooperate with all his forces by attacking the enemy in rear from Swift Creek - a copy of my instructions to him and of my order of battle will be forwarded as soon as practicable to the War Department...I hope, under the protection of a Kind Providence that our efforts tomorrow will be successful...'' Letter measures 8'' x 10''. Separation along fold lines, else near fine.
P.G.T. Beauregard Autograph Endorsement Signed on May 1864 Letter to Jefferson Davis Regarding Drewry's Bluff -- ''...further delay might be fatal...I have determined to attack him at day break...''
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