December 9, 1861 (Sunday): Beauregard-Confidential to Johnston

General Braxton Bragg

PRIVATE.]                                            CENTREVILLE, VA., December 9, 1861.         

General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON:

   DEAR GENERAL:  To prevent spies and others from communicating to “George” our arrangements, I think it would be advisable to keep in reserve, at some safe place, our “wooden guns, “ to be put in position only when required.  I have so instructed Longstreet for the armament of his batteries.  I understand they are “preparing a case” at Richmond relative to the condition of the depot at Manassas, the bad arrangements for taking care of the sick arriving there, and of those on their way home or to other hospitals; also relative to our retreat from Fairfax Court-House, especially relative to the transportation of the sick on that occasion, and of the burning of some baggage and tents at Fairfax Station.  I mention these things to you to keep you on your guard.

   I heard it suggested there is in some quarter a great desire to send Bragg to command this army.  So far as I am personally concerned they can do so, if they please, after our next battle, but not before.  With regard to the condition of the quartermaster’s department at Manassas, I think it can be remedied by sending there a competent quartermaster and putting him entirely under the control of Colonel Anderson, who should be made responsible for the proper order and system at that post.

   Outside of Barbour I know of but two quartermasters who might answer for that responsible position—Bonham’s and D. R. Jones’ (Captains Young and Adams)—but I fear those generals would almost die before giving them up.

    Yours, truly,

                                                            G. T. BEAUREGARD

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 5, Part 1, Page 990.

In September there were a series of letters between the War Department and the Quartermaster’s office and various railroad officials regarding transport of supplies and their storage.  It can be assumed the “they” who are getting up a case regarding treatment of the sick and loss of public property are the War Department and specifically, Secretary of War Judah Benjamin.  Although Beauregard and Johnston would fall out over Beauregard’s claiming of credit for many key actions at Bull Run, they were still on amiable terms at this point, perhaps due to their mutual distrust of Davis and Benjamin.  Bragg, it should be pointed out, was a particular favorite of Davis’.  He commanded Confederate forces in Pensacola.  He was not asked to take over at Manassas, but in December was offered the Trans-Mississippi Department, which he declined due to his view of the poor prospects in that department and his own ill health.