Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Poetry and Incidents., Volume 8.
Frank Moore, Ed.

General Beauregard and the black Flag.--It was stated by Governor Letcher, in a speech at Danville, that Stonewall Jackson was in favor of the black fla g. It appears, from the following private letter written by General Beauregard while recruiting his health at Bladen Springs, Alabama, after the retreat from Corinth, that he coincided in opinion with General Jackson. We find the letter in The Columbia Guardian, which obtained the writer's permission to publish it:

Bladen, Ala., Aug. 8, 1862.

my dear General: I regret much to hear of----being wounded. I hope he will soon be able to face the Abolitionists. In this contest we must triumph or perish; and the sooner we make up our minds to it, the better. We now understand the hypocritical cry of “Union and the Constitution,” which means, and always did mean, “spoliation and murder.”

We will yet have to come to proclaiming this war “a war to the knife,” when no quarter will be asked or granted. I believe it is the only thing which can prevent recruiting at the North. As to ourselves, I think that very few will not admit that death is preferable to dishonor and ruin.

Our great misfortune is, that we have always relied on foreign intervention “and peace in sixty days.” No nation will ever intervene until it is seen that we can maintain alone our independence; that is, until we can no longer require assistance. England is afraid to admit that she cannot do without our cotton, for then she would virtually be in our power. France is unwilling to interfere, for fear of the treachery of the latter. She always remembers her as “la perfide Albion.”

But if France concludes to take Mexico, she will require the alliance of the Southern Confederacy to protect her from Northern aggression. Nations as well — as individuals always consult their own interests in any alliance they may form. Hence, our best reliance must be in our “stout hearts and strong arms.”

I have been very unwell for several months, but could not rest until now. I hope shortly to return to duty, with renewed health and vigor. I know not yet to what point I shall be ordered. I hope to do something shortly by taking the offensive with a wellorganized army. However, “l'homme propose et Dieu dispose;” hence, I shall go with alacrity wherever I am ordered.

With kind regards, etc., I remain yours, sincerely,

G. T. Beauregard. Gen. Wm. E. Martin, Pocotaligo, S. C.