"G. T. B." (Gustave Toutant Beauregard), two pp. in pencil, lined on verso, octavo (7.75 x 5 in.), no location given, December 16, 1862, to an unknown colonel. The letter reads "Upon reflection I think Alexander had better hereafter drop the signature of 'Chief of Ordnance' for 'act'g Off'r Ordnance' for I suppose they hang their fiddle on the word Chief & we must give them no real cause of complaint. I think tho' that it must have been more manly to have informed us of their cause of complaint. I return him his report for a correction of his signature. Did I recommend those 3 co's of 28th Regt Va Vols as art'y Co's as stated by the Sec of War in his last letter. I do not recollect it." Presented in a 11 x 8.25 in. hinged gilt metal double-sided frame affixed to a 26.5 x 12.25 in. matching frame incorporating a portrait of General Beauregard. The officer referred to in this letter was none other than Edward Porter Alexander, famous for directing the devastating artillery barrage that preceded Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg. Beauregard's, already chaffing under President Davis' criticism, here seeks to avoid any further conflict with his superiors in Richmond.

The estate of Dorothy and the late Hamilton Jordan, chief of staff to President Jimmy Carter

small area of loss to lower left corner; horizontal fold. Clean, legible and in fine condition.

$500 - 800