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Beauregard Writes, "I do not hold myself responsible for the results."

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:475.00 USD Estimated At:950.00 - 1,250.00 USD
Beauregard Writes,  I do not hold myself responsible for the results.
Significant telegram, in clerical hand, from Confederate A(jt.) & I(nspector) Gen. S(amuel) Cooper, highest ranking officer in the Confederate Army. On partly printed form of South-Western Telegraph Co., Richmond, Mar. 9, 1862, 5 1/2 x 8 1/2. To Gen. (P.)G.T. Beauregard, with lengthy pencil notes on verso in Beauregard's hand, signed twice with his initials, once crossed out by him, and again with paraph. Cooper writes, "The following officers have been nominated for your command, viz:- J.P. Brown as Maj. Genl. & J.M. Hawes, J.E. Slaughter & S.M. Walker as Brigs., Hawes for Cavalry, Ransom appointed Brig. Genl. & sent to North Carolina where his presence at this time is of the first importance. S. Jones is also nominated as Major Genl., but he cannot be spared from Mobile." On verso, six lines in Beauregard's characteristic hand, with corrections, one word in ink - and a second set of initials crossed out by him, where he added further remarks: "We have called for 10 Generals as indispensible, four are granted, & only two of these are present. The Enemy being already engaged with our left at New Madrid 'Tenn.], I do not hold myself responsible for the results. G.T.B." Beauregard has individually underlined each word in his final sentence, for unmistakable emphasis. In the same month as their bombardment of Fort Sumter - commanded by Beauregard - the Confederates began construction of positions at New Madrid and Island No. 10 in the Mississippi River, to block Union navigation. On Mar. 3, 1862, Union Gen. Pope arrived at New Madrid; ten days later, he commenced bombardment, the Confederates evacuating that same day. "Pope's victory opened the Mississippi to Fort Pillow, and gave him a reputation which led to his being selected by Lincoln...to command the Army of Va. (2nd Bull Run Campaign)"--Boatner. Intriguing pencil notations, in another contemporary hand, above some Generals' names. Amber staining from old tipping with glassine tape along most of right margin, chipping lending an irregular edge but no loss of text, uniform toning, else very satisfactory. The lengthiest Beauregard endorsement we recall seeing in about forty years. Believed ex-Thomas J. Madigan, celebrated pioneer New York autograph dealer, and author of "Word Shadows of the Great." With modern color copy of his inventory folder of Confederate telegrams.