Brigadier General of the Confederate Provisional Army, placed in command at Charleston, where he ordered the bombardment of Fort Sumter. ALS signed “G. T. Beauregard,” one lightly-lined page, 6 x 9.5, Office of New Orleans and Carrollton R. R. Co. letterhead, October 26, 1874. Letter to General Abbott, thanking him for passing along a map of Manassas for him. In part, “Please accept my thanks for the Map of Manassas you were kind enough to give Mr. W. I. Marvin for me. I regret not to have had the pleasure of seeing you in New York last month. Should you visit this City, I will be happy to hear of your arrival that I may have the opportunity of renewing our acquaintance.” On July 21, 1861, the First Battle of Bull Run occurred. It was the first real major conflict of the American Civil War. A Union army, consisting of 28,000 men, commanded by General McDowell, fought 33,000 Confederates under General Beauregard. The Union army, under pressure to crush the rebellion in the South, marched towards Richmond, but met the Confederate forces coming north from Manassas, a Southern base. At the beginning of the five hour battle the Union soldiers had the Confederates on the retreat, except for one brigade commanded by General Jackson. General Johnston showed up with 9000 reinforcements to help out Beauregard near Henry House Hill. The arrival changed the course of the battle and soon the Union soldiers were fleeing back to Washington. However, because of the disorganization of Beauregard's army, they could not pursue McDowell any further. In fine condition, bisecting folds, some wear and toning to right edge, and a small red pencil notation to top right. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
