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Beauregard, G. T. (Gustave Toutant) (1818-1893) to Richard S. Ewell

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03782 Author/Creator: Beauregard, G. T. (Gustave Toutant) (1818-1893) Place Written: Manassas Junction, Virginia Type: Letter signed Date: 17 July 1861 Pagination: 1 p. 25.3 x 19.9 cm Order a Copy

Brigadier General Commanding Beauregard writes to General Ewell to give instructions on troop position and permit an attack on Centreville, if the opportunity arises. Written shortly before the First Battle of Bull Run.

Head Quarters, Army of the Potomac
Manassas Junction July 17th 1861
To General Ewell - Union Mills -
The enemy being in such force we may not be able to attack Centerville with safety - You will confine yourself to protecting the right flank and rear of Jones Brigade, and be careful to protect your own flank from any attack in the direction of Fairfax Station, keep strong pickets on roads leading in that direction, and let not the rear of [Jubal] Earley's Brigade move too far from the Union Mills Station, but, should you in the course of events find it practicable to make a sudden and successful attack on Centerville you are at liberty to do so -
Respectfully Your Obt Servt
G.T. Beauregard
Brig. Gen Comdg

Beauregard, Pierre Gustave Toutant, 1818-1893
Ewell, Richard Stoddert, 1817-1872

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