Alfred Roman, The military operations of General Beauregard in the war between the states, 1861 to 1865

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General Beauregard, C. S. A., will report to General Johnston, commanding, etc., for assignment to such duty as he deems most advisable.

By command of General R. E. Lee.

W. H. Taylor, A. A. G. Genl. G. T. Beauregard, Commanding, etc.

Headquarters, armies C. S., Feb. 23d, 1865.
Genl. G. T. Beauregard, Comdg., etc.:

General,—I enclose a copy of the order assigning General Johnston to command, of which you have already been notified by telegram. I did not need the assurance contained in your reply to my despatch, of your cheerful acquiescence and willing co-operation in a measure deemed necessary for the good of the service, knowing as I do that personal considerations have no place in your mind when the welfare of the country is concerned. The situation of affairs in my judgment requires that we should put forth our best efforts, and I was desirous that we should not, in such an emergency, be without the assistance of the skill and ability of one of our most distinguished officers. The reports that have reached me of the precarious condition of your health made me the more anxious lest the arduous and responsible duties that have devolved upon you should prove too great for your physical capacity, and I could not but feel apprehensive of the consequences of being deprived of your services at a critical moment. I trust, however, that you will how be able, without injury to yourself, to afford General Johnston the full benefit of your support.

I beg to return you my thanks for the gratification I derive from the knowledge that the course I have thought most judicious is not misunderstood or unappreciated by yourself.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. E. Lee, Genl.

Headquarters, Military division of the West, Charlotte, N. C., Feb. 22d, 1865.

Colonel,—General Beauregard directs that you proceed forthwith and without delay to Cheraw, S. C., with the despatch placed in your charge, and deliver it to Lieutenant-General Hardee. Should General Hardee not have arrived there you will have the same telegraphed to him wherever he may be, if practicable, and obtain from him an acknowledgment of its receipt.

Should you not be able to telegraph to General Hardee, you will call upon the Superintendent of the Darlington and Cheraw Railroad for a locomotive to convey you to the headquarters of that officer. As it is all important that you reach General Hardee at the earliest practicable moment, you are authorized to call on citizens along the road for relays of horses, and, if necessary, you are authorized to resort to impressment. Care must be taken by you to return to the owners their animals on your return.

Citizens along the route, from Charlotte, N. C., to Cheraw, S. C., are requested to render Colonel Cook every assistance in the performance of his duty.

Respectfully, Colonel, your obedient servant,

Jno. M. Otey, A. A. G. Lieut.-Col. Cook, 8th Texas Cavalry, Bearer of despatch to General Hardee.