Beauregard, Pierre Gustave Toutant

Autograph endorsement signed, in pencil, written on the final page of an autograph letter signed of Major Giles B. Cooke, 2 pages (7 7/8 x 5 in., 201 x 126mm), Petersburg, Virginia, 17 March 1874, incorporating a five-page extract from Major Cooke's diary kept between 15 and 18 June 1864 with insertions in pencil by General Beauregard in both the letter and the extract; minor soiling and yellowing. Black linen folding case, black morocco spine, grey morocco lettering pieces.

History of the Defense of Petersburg. At the request of General Beauregard, Major Giles B. Cooke encloses excerpts from his diary covering the period of 15-18 June 1864 which provide detailed information on the defense of Petersburg. He concludes: "On my way to Genl: Lee's Hd: Qrs:, I called at Genl: Anderson's Hd: Qrs: at the Hancock House, to tell him of my mission to Genl: Lee and to impress him with the importance of having some of his troops ready to march to General Beauregard's assistance. On my return called at Genl: Anderson's again, and joined Kersham's Division of his Command that had been ordered by Genl: Lee to proceed at once to Petersburg. Reached Petersburg about 7 A.M. at the head of Kersham's Division . . . ." Just beneath Cooke's text, Beauregard writes: "N.B. Kersham's Division did not get into position until about 10 h. A.M- a short while before the Enemy commenced their last determined efforts. G.T.B."