Description:

JAMES A. SEDDON CODED MESSAGE TO BEAUREGARD
A great war-date telegram sent in code by Confederate Secretary of War JAMES A. SEDDON in Richmond to Confederate Major General Pierre G. T. BEAUREGARD in Montgomery, Dec. 7, 1864, on a Southern Telegraph Company 12mo. form. The message, sent on both sides of the form, uses a simple code composed of letters and numbers. It is accompanied by a 'translation' in a period hand, 2pp. 12mo., [n.p., n.d., but undoubtedly written out for Beauregards at the time the coded message was received. Seddon's message reads, in part: '...If Gen'l E. K. Smith can now act as you suggestit would be well he should do so. You are authorized [?] t inform him, and to request his prompt attention. He has, however, heretofore failed to respond to like emergencies and no plans should be based on his compliance...' The transcript bears pencil notes in another hand, unknown: '...Strange dispatch. It would be well recommended to Department that Gen. Bragg be sent at once, to organize & administer Trans Miss. & Gen. R. Taylor to command troops. This would be a strong continuation[?]...Otherwise we should not be able to open spring campaign' In yet another hand is written: 'No information from Hood' with the initials 'GWB AAG'. The telegram bears some ink eroded holes, else very good. Beauregard was desperate - the Army of Tennessee had been all but obliterated at Franklin only a few days earlier, dashing Beauregard's plan to counter and throw back Sherman's army. Worthy of research.

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December 6, 2024 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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