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[416] of the Army of the West. Without in any manner desiring to interfere with the military dispositions of the government, or with the prerogatives of the President as Commander-in-Chief of all the forces, they would respectfully submit that a due regard, consistent with the best interests of the country, should be paid to the wishes of one who has given such proofs of disinterested devotion to our cause, and who has contributed so much by his generalship to insure the success of our arms. Compelled by the exigencies of the country to separate himself from his Army of the Potomac to go West in a new field, at a most gloomy period of our revolution; then, with scanty resources, to form a new army, under every possible disadvantage, consequent upon the unexpected fall of forts Henry and Donelson, he was found equal to every emergency; and then at the battle of Shiloh, and in the masterly retreat from Corinth, saved that army. We know the enthusiasm with which his return would inspire our noble army, who long to see him, and that the worthy general commanding would be rejoiced and gladdened by his presence. As representatives aforesaid, knowing well the sentiments and wishes of the people we represent, we unhesitatingly say that the restoration of General Beauregard to the Army of the West would be hailed with great joy by them; and without detracting from the acknowledged merit and well-earned reputation of the present commander, we respectfully submit that a new guarantee for the success of our arms would be given. For these reasons we earnestly ask the President to duly consider the expressed desire of General Beauregard, ere he be definitely assigned to any position. Understanding that the assignment of General Beauregard to Charleston has been pressed upon the government by the Governor and Council of South Carolina, we tender herewith the names of the representatives of that State, as expressive of their assent to our petition.

It is but justice to General Beauregard to say that this step is taken without his knowledge or consent.

Ed. Sparrow,La.
T. J. Semmes,
W. L. Yancey,Ala.
L. C. Haynes,Tenn.
H. C. Burnet,Ky.
J. B. Clark,Mo.
—Peyton,
G. A. Henry,Tenn.
L. T. Wigfall,Texas.
—Mences,
C. W. Bell,Mo.
C. J. Villere,La.
G. D. Royston,Ark.
J. M. Elliott,Ky.
David Clopton,Ark.
G. W. Ewing,Ky.
W. N. Cooke,Mo.
F. S. Lyon,Ala.
J. Perkins, Jr.,La.
C. M. Conrad,
J. Wilcox,Texas.
P. W. Gray,
T. B. Cexton,
J. C. Atkins,Tenn.
W. G. Swan,
H. S. Foote,
T. B. Handle,Ark.
H. W. Bruce,Ky.
R. J. Breckinridge,
W. R. Smith,Ala.
E. L. Gardenshire,Tenn.
J. W. Moore,Ky.
D. F. Kenner,La.
L. C. Dupre,
E. S. Dargan,Ala.
F. J. Batson,Ark.


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