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Beauregard, G. T. (Gustave Toutant) (1818-1893) to Isaac Trimble

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02690 Author/Creator: Beauregard, G. T. (Gustave Toutant) (1818-1893) Place Written: Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 19 September 1861 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 19.5 x 12.5 cm. Order a Copy

General Beauregard, commanding the Confederate Army of the Potomac, writes to General Trimble, commander of forces located at Evansport, Virginia. States "It is more than probable that either another naval expedition is contemplated by the Federalists or a landing on the Eastern shore of Virginia, but not of the importance you contemplate for McClellan is aware that we could neutralize his expedition by a bold move across the Potomac & then on to Washington! which would be at our mercy. We can afford to lose even Richmond but they cannot. Washington and Maryland..." Instructs Trimble to watch for possible Union attacks in other locations. Reports that he has ordered Colonel Hampton "to effect that diversion on the Potomac above you- but I think he ought not to awaken their suspicions by showing himself too soon to their view- for secrecy is always a great element of success."

General George Brinton McClellan commanded forces in the Union Army of the Potomac.

Hd. Qrts,, 1st Corps A. of Potc.
Fairfax - C. H. Sepbr 19./61
Dear Genl,
Your favor of the 17th has been recd - It is more than probable that either another naval expedition is contemplated by the Federalists or a landing on the Eastern shore of Virginia, but not of the importance you contemplate for McClellan is aware that we could neutralize his expedition by a bold move across the Potomac & then, on to Washington! which would then be at our mercy. We can afford to lose even Richmond but they cannot. Washington & [2] Maryland, &c. &c. - But we must look out for less important ex[inserted:pe]ditions such as the destruction of the Batteries at Aquia Creek - Mathias Pt &c. &c. your own included - I hope you will soon have all your guns in position - & if necessary, [inserted: be able to] draw some more from the other batteries just named, which cannot command the Potomac - [inserted: whereas a few guns only] but maybe used only to prevent a landing at those points - a few point only would, I think, appeal that object -
I have ordered Col. Hampton to effect that diversion in the Potomac above you - but I think he ought not to awaken their suspicions by showing [3] himself too soon to their view - for secrecy is always a great element of success -
Everything is quiet here for the present -
Your very truly
G. T. Beauregard
Brig Gen.l I. R. Trimble
Comdg - at
Evansport, Va

[docket]
Hd, Qrs,, - 1st,, Corps
Army Potomac
Fairfax C. H. Sep 19. 1861 -
Genl Beauregard
to
Genl Trimble
Suggestions about
having his guns
mounted at Evansport

Beauregard, Pierre Gustave Toutant, 1818-1893
Trimble, Isaac Ridgeway, 1802-1888
McClellan, George B., 1826-1885

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