Basic HTML Version
RALLYING HIS SOLDIERS OF BULL RUN
202
●
BEAUREGARD, PIERRE G.T. Autograph Manuscript Signed, “G.T.
Beauregard / Gen’l Com’dg,” an address to the “Soldiers of the 1st Corps of the Army of
the Potomac,” explaining that he must leave the Army of the Potomac temporarily, calling
upon his men to endure and resume their duty to engage the enemy, expressing thanks to
the army of the Shenandoah for their assistance in July [the Battle of Bull Run], and offer-
ing encouragement to those soldiers who have not yet met the enemy in battle. 2 pages,
tall 4to, ruled paper, written on the recto and verso of a single sheet; short separations at
folds, faint scattered dampstaining, minor loss to corners. (AKF)
“Head Quarters 1st Corps AofP Near Centreville,” 30 January 1862
[4,000/6,000]
“
. . . You are now undergoing the severest trial of a soldier’s life; . . . My faith in your patrio-
tism, your devotion and determination, and in your high soldierly qualities is so great, that I
shall rest assured you will pass through the ordeal resolutely . . . . Still, I cannot quit you with-
out . . . deep anxiety, in the moment of our country’s trials and dangers. . . . [T]his is no time
for the army of the Potomac—the men of Manassas—to stack their arms and quit . . . .
“
To the army of Shenandoah, I desire to return my thanks for their assistance, last July, their
timely, decisive arrival . . . .
“
Those . . . not so fortunate as yet to have been with us in conflict with our enemy, I leave with
all confidence that on occasion they will show themselves fit comrades for the men of Manassas,
Bull Run, and Ball’s Bluff.”
In the winter of 1861-62, the decision was made to transfer Beauregard to Tennessee to share
command of the Army of the Mississippi. Since the term of enlistment was about to expire for
many of the soldiers in Beauregard’s former army, the General turned the occasion of his
farewell into an opportunity to inspire the ranks to fight on.