Beauregard, G. T. (Gustave Toutant) (1818-1893) to Charles Villere
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02129 Author/Creator: Beauregard, G. T. (Gustave Toutant) (1818-1893) Place Written: Savannah, Georgia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 26 May 1863 Pagination: 2 p. ; 25.5 x 20.4 cm. Order a Copy
Beauregard, in charge of the defense of the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina, replies to previous correspondence from his brother-in-law Villere. Writes "I am happy to hear of the confidence in me expressed every where, but I am always fearful not to justify it, for, besides my limited capacity, there are so many other causes of failure... I feel less confident in myself now than I did two years ago! For I Know that if I succeed I only increase the irritation of certain Persons against me- & if I fail, of their satisfaction & ire!" Offers his opinion on how the North should be defeated. Mentions Clement Laird Vallandigham, a Representative from Ohio who was banished to the South for committing treason. Refers to Generals Braxton Bragg (Confederate), Joseph Hooker (Union), Robert E. Lee, and William S. Rosecrans (Union). Declares "Battles without diplomacy will never end this War- history is there to support my assertion." Transmits a pamphlet (not included). Instructs Villere to raise a regiment.
Head Quarters Mil. Dis't Geo.,
Savannah, May 26th, 1863.
My dear Charlie -
Your favor of the 17th inst. came to hand here where I am on a tour of Inspection to pass away the time & get rid, for a while, of the routine troubles at my Hd Qrtrs. I may continue my visit to Ga. "Si bon Die[u] vulé"! [If good God wills!]
I am happy to hear of the confidence [inserted: in me] expressed everywhere, but I am always fearful not to justify it for, besides my limited capacity, there are so many other causes of failure in our want of sufficient means &c & that cordial support of, & good will towards, the comdg officer on the part of the Govt. Not withstanding my additional experience in the command of armies & Depts. I feel less confident in myself now than I did two years ago! For I know that if I succeed I only increase the irritation of certain Persons against me - & if I fail, of their satisfaction & ire! Without intending to flatter myself, I feel like "Samson shorn of his locks!"
You ask what should be done to end this exhausting war? We must take the offensive [2] as you suggest, & not by abandoning all other points, however, but by a proper selection of the Point of attack - the Yankees themselves tell us where. I see by the papers of this morning that [Clement L.] Vallandingham is being sent into Bragg's lines. [Joseph] Hooker is disposed of for the next six months at least. Well, let Lee act on the defensive, & send to Bragg 30,000 men for him to take the offensive with, at once: Let him (or whoever else is put in this place) destroy or capture (as is done in Europe) Rosecrans' Army then march into Kentucky, raise 30,000 men more there & in Tenn. - then get into Ohio, & call upon the friends of Vallandingham to rise for his defence & support. Then call upon Indiana Illinois & Missouri to throw off the yoke of the accursed Yankee nation. Then, upon the whole northwest to join in the movement - form a Confederacy of their own & join us by a treaty of alliance offensive & defensive! What would then become of the N. East? How long would it take us to bring it back to its senses! As I have once written to you, Battles without diplomacy, will never end this war - History is there to support my assertion.
I send you a pamphlet (military) I have just got up for my Genl. Officers. I teleg[raphe]d you about raising a Regt. Do so by all means.
Yours truly
G. T. Beauregard
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