Beauregard, G. T. (Gustave Toutant) (1818-1893) to Thomas Jordan
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00039 Author/Creator: Beauregard, G. T. (Gustave Toutant) (1818-1893) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 15 January 1862 Pagination: 4 p. ; 21 x 13 cm. Order a Copy
Lists eight items he intends to have General Samuel Cooper pay special attention to during his inspection. Advises Jordan not to cast blame on anyone when talking to Cooper. Notes accusations against himself that he is usurping power. Venting his disaffection with Confederate leaders, he writes: "Bah! What men to direct affairs in our struggle for Independence! Compare them to Washington, Lafayette...?" Beauregard was then commanding general of the Potomac District, Department of Northern Virginia. Jordan was on Beauregard's staff through much of the Civil War; at the time he was a colonel and assistant adjutant general.
Shveath house. Jany 15th. 1862
Dear Col.
I understand that Genl. Cooper is at Manassa(s) and I have just sent to offer him a room in my house-I suppose he has come on a our of Inspection. I am going to ask his special attention to the following points-
1. want of Engr.& Ordnance officers
2. defective fuzes and powder
3. " carriages and caissons
4. want of Rockets and Rocket Batteries
5. " " Pontoon braces& battalions for offensive operations in the Spring
6. " pf wagpms amd ambulances
7. " " new (tents?) for the spring
8. Drafting at once in the several states to fill up present Regiments-to a maximum and for a Reserve to come in two weeks before expiration of 12 (thousand?) men.
Please add whatever else you may think of on the other page& return me this letter.
In speaking to him of the reorganization of this Army I wish you to be careful not to commit yourself in saying anything which might cause blame or reproach on anyone here. We have enough difficulties to contend with, without turning up new ones to fight with.
[2] I understand that the great complaint against me at Richd is that I am& have been usurping power not granted to me& setting all laws at defiance in appg persons to positions they are not entitled to i.e. making of Alexander an ordnance off is one instance!!!
I wonder what they have to say about my not appearing more anxious to assume command here? That does not look like overambitiousness! Bah! HWat me to direct affairs in our struggle for Independence! Compare them with Washington, Lafayette, Kosciusko, Cavaignac, Garibaldi,& c. and what do we find? Patriotism hiding its face and weeping bitter tears of disappointment.
Yours& c
G.T. Beauregard
Col. Th. Jordan
P.S. Not being able to go out to day I wish you would call around here-
Ask Capt. Alexander to make me a very concise Report at once on my first five points. B.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.