Alive to fight another day - PGT Beauregard (LOC - LC-DIG-ds-00120)
Grain of Salt Department
From The New-York Times May 14, 1861:
Where is Beauregard?
To the Editor of the New-York Times:
By referring to your file of the TIMES you will notice that after the battle of Fort Sumter the name of Gen. BEAUREGARD was rarely mentioned, and lately we have heard nothing of him. There is a rumor about that he was killed in the fight, and I know of one man who offers to bet a thousand dollars that it is true. I think there may be some truth in this report. C.E.W.
In common with the great mass of intelligent persons, we have always wondered how it was possible for the people of the Southern States to be so lamentably misled and deceived as to the real sentiments of the North. Our wonder ceases, when we see one or two newspapers in this City, in the face of evidence, and on the vaguest and most intangible rumors, convincing a large portion of the community that very great slaughter was committed upon the Southern troops in the attack upon Sumter.
This note about BEAUREGARD is a strong instance of the same delusion. If our correspondent will look back at the files of the TIMES, he will find that, during the action, Gen. BEAUREGARD was not in Fort Moultrie, nor any other fort; — he was in a house on the Battery, overlooking the scene, and entirely out of the range of shot and shell. He will find, moreover, a brief order issued by Gen. BEAUREGARD the day after the engagement, announcing the result; and he will find, also, a longer order, giving full details of the action, and bearing date April 27.
To our minds these facts afford satisfactory proof that he was not killed in the engagement referred to. With many, however, the wish is not only “father to the thought,” but it entirely overrides evidence of all kinds. Such persons will undoubtedly continue to believe in his death. But let them never complain hereafter of any opinion, which the South may form of us at the North.
I have to say this story reminds me of current [May 2011] events and the speculation that Osama bin Laden is not really dead and buried at sea.
And has anyone seen Beauregard’s birth certificate? Not a very American sounding name. I bet he was born in France.
Excellent point, Allen. I did not think that through yesterday. My only excuse is that it was a Friday morning, and for some reason I could not get my mind off Budweiser and Schalfly
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