The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1861-03-09
Gen. Beauregard.

Gen Peter ID. Beauregard, of Louisiana,
who has been appointed the commander of
the troops in and near Charleston harbor, is
the man who will have the duty of capturing
Major Anderson and his command. General
Beauregard won his military reputation in
Mexico, where he was a captain. He was also
at West Point, and is considered a good engi-
neer. The Charles ton Mercury, in a sketch of
his career, says:
The histories of the Mexican War, favora-
bly, as they have mentioned him, have failed
to notice two of the most conspicuous Incl
dents of his life, and which have gone far to
establish his fame. We will relate them, pre-
missing that we were not i'll the war; and that
we repeat them from memory on authentic
information. The principal facts will be
stated accurately, though there may be errors
in unimportant details.
The first occurred before Vera Cruz. Gen.
B. then q Lieuten of Engineers, was sent
out by his Colonel (Totten, if we remember
aright) with party of sappers to dig and
prepare a trench, according TO a profile and
plan prepared by the Colonel. No sooner had
Beauregard examined the ground than he dis
covered great objections to the plan. To as
sure himself he climbed into tree, and with
the aid of the marine glass, the engineers
udde BlecuDl, he made a reconnaissance, and
saw plainly that the trench, as planned
would be enfiladed by the enemy'S cannon
Here was a difficult position for subaltern
ministerial officer. He decided promptly, and
returned to headquarters without sticking
spade. The Colonel met him and expressed
surprise that he had so soon performed his
task Beauregard replied that he had not
touched it. The Colonel, with the astonish-
ment military men feel i'll hearing their orders
have not been obeyed, inquired the reason
He was soon informed of it. He was incredu-
| lous-'.the ground had been examined" "-"the
reconnaissance was perfect &c. The young
| Lieutenant was satisfied, however, that the
| reconnaissance of his old chief had not been
made like his, "from up in a tree" The Col
| onel, like sensible man, concluded TO make
another examination-the plan was changed
| in accordance with the young Lieutenant g
views The work done from these trenches
| is matter of history-but its pages nowhere
| inform us TO whom the credit is due.
| Our second incident occurred before the city
| of Mexico.
| A night or two before the attack Council
| of War was held. There were assembled all
| the big folks, from the now Lieutenant Gen
| eral (Who practises Mexican tactics from the
| house tops in Washington includlng worth,
| Twiggs. &c. down to our frind Beauregard
| the Youngest officer in the room. Ihe debate
| went on for hours. Scott was solitary IN his
opinion. Every other offieer present except
| one, had spoken, and all eoncurred IN theil
| views The silent one was Beauregard. Al
| last Gen. Pierce crossed over and sald, y ou
have not expressed an opinion, Il have not
| been called on, )" said Beauregard "fo on shall
| be, however" said Pierce ; and soon resum
| ing his seat, announced that Lieutenant Beau
| regard had not given his opinion. BENG tner
called out, he remarked, that II the plar
| which had received the assent OF all ouL 1he
| commanding (ieaeral was carried INTO effect
| it would prove disastrous. 1t would be ano
ther Churubusco affair. He then detailed th'
| objections TO it at lengih-and taking up thu
other, urged the reasons in its favor viii
| equal earnestness. The Council reversed
| their decision. The City Of Mexico was en-
/ tered according 10 the plan urged oy the young
| Lieutenant and IL would seem that his rei
sons in iuenced the decision. A few days al
forwards General Scott, in the presence OF
number Of general officers, alluded 70 Lien
tenant BeauregaId's opinion at the Council
| and the conseq uences which had followe
| from il.
The position now SO promptly assigned L
Gen. Beauregard Is a just tribute to MS worth
It is great satisfaction to our people tina
the enemy can bring no talent against u
which we cannot match with it's equal in ou
Southern land and amongst all the brigh
galaxy. no one could be more acceptable ina
our nat born Louisiana Beauresard,