Beauregard, G. T. (Gustave Toutant) (1818-1893) to Mrs. O. W. Lebert
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06395 Author/Creator: Beauregard, G. T. (Gustave Toutant) (1818-1893) Place Written: Charleston, South Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 December 1863 Pagination: 4 p. ; 21 x 13 cm. Order a Copy
General Beauregard, Commander of the Department of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, writes to Mrs. Lebert in Alabama, on "the 158th day of the siege" (referring to military activity in Charleston Harbor). Relates that he transmits photographs (not included), and hopes to receive photographs of Mrs. Lebert and Octavia in return. Refers to Captain B., who regrets not being able to return to Mobile, Alabama. Reports that the ship Monitor sank in the Charleston Harbor during a gale two nights before. Referring to the Monitor as the "Weehawken," writes "Only 28 yankee liver men lost on board of the Weehawken... Satan allowed the other to escape- they certainly belonged to him! This, Mrs. Lebert, may appear cruel to you- but when I see that vile inhuman race firing nightly their destructive shells into a harmless city filled with women & children- my blood fairly boils within my veins, & I regret not to have the power of Heaven to crush at the elbow the whole of that barbarous nation! Can there be a punishment too severe for such outcasts of society? The fire of the infernal regime alone can purify them!" Relates that his son (possibly Henry Toutant Beauregard) recently returned from Dalton (possibly Georgia), and on the way was nearly captured by Union soldiers with the men he commanded. Sends his regards to Dr. Lebert.
Charleston, S.C. Dec. 14. 1863.
Dear Madam -
I seize a few moments "from the 138th day of the siege" to acknowledge your two kind letters of the 6th & 9th inst. & I send with pleasure the photographs you desire. In return I will be most happy to receive those of yourself & Miss Octavia. Please inform her that Capt B. regretted exceedingly not being able to return to Mobile. he spoke rather often of that ride on the Shell Road. I have no doubt he will speak [2] less about it when he gets back to New-Orleans, for very good reasons.
I have just been informed of the sinking of the Monitor "Weehawken" in our outer harbor during a gale a few [struck: days ago] [inserted: nights since] - its disappearance had been reported to me, but I could not believe so good a piece of news. Oh! that they all had but one fate & I had the decision of it! only 28 Yankee lives were lost on board of the Weehawken. I wonder how Satan allowed the others to escape - they certainly belonged [3] to him! This, Mr. Lebert, may appear cruel to you - but when I see that vile [inserted: in] human race firing nightly their destructive shells into [struck: a] [inserted: a harmless] city filled with women & children. my blood fairly boils within my veins, & I regret not to have the power of Heaven to crush at one blow the whole of that barbarous nation! Can there be a punishment too severe for such outcasts of society? the fire of the infernal regions alone can purify them!
My son has just returned for a few days from Dalton - he came [4] near being captured by the Yankees during the retreat from Chattanooga; they took his battery which was mired in & near a creek - his infantry support had disappeared - the Enemy came within 20 yards of him, fired a volley & charged on his Battery - he managed to effect his escape unhurt fortunately! & he said like Francois 1er at Pavia - "tout est perdu fors l'honneur." With my kind regards to Dr. Lebert, Miss Octavia & all inquiring friends - I remain,
very truly Yours -
G. T. Beauregard
Mrs O. W. Lebert
Mobile, Ala
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