[489] is best for all. I sincerely believe that this should be done, otherwise some difficulty will grow out of it, though, as yet, the speck is not as ‘large as one's hand.’ Yours truly,
Appendix to Chapter XV.
In my opinion you ought not to go to the Mississippi. I will explain to you when we meet. Your friend,R. Toombs, Brig.-Genl.
Centreviile, Jan. 21st, 1862., about 12 h. M.Answer. Very well; please explain as soon as possible. I am anxious to do for the best.
Private and confidential.Urge General Beauregard to decline all proposals and solicitations.
Richmond, Va., Jan. 23d, 1862.Dear General,— * * * * * * My reasons for venturing to send you the telegram I did were few, but very decided. In the first place, I think the line of the Potomac is by far the most important in the contest. It is at that point, by strong and energetic movements, we will be compelled to disentangle ourselves from our present difficulties. I consider your presence there as of the highest possible importance to the success of those movements. And I think it will be much easier for you to get away from there than for the country to get you back there. Therefore you ought to stand firmly by it. You will not be ordered away; but, once away, you would not, in my opinion, be ordered back. * * * * * * * I am, very truly yours, etc.,
Don't think Toombs's objections valid. Your letter not received. May I tell President you will go? Say go.
[Answered on the 25th at 11 A. M., as follows:] Yes, I will go. May God protect our cause!
