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Beauregard, Pierre Gustave Toutant, 1818-1893 to Charles Villere

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02129 Author/Creator: Beauregard, Pierre Gustave Toutant, 1818-1893 Place Written: Savannah, Georgia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: May 26, 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.

Beauregard, Pierre Gustave Toutant, 1818-1893
Villere, Charles J., 1830-1899
Vallandigham, Clement Laird, 1820-1871
Bragg, Braxton, 1817-1876
Hooker, Joseph, 1814-1879
Lee, Robert E., 1807-1870
Rosecrans, William S., 1819-1898

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