Alfred Roman, The military operations of General Beauregard in the war between the states, 1861 to 1865

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Chapter 42:

• General Beauregard's effort to reinforce General Hood by drawing troops from the Trans-Mississippi Department.
-- his communication to General E. Kirby Smith. -- he urges that two or more divisions be sent to the Army of Tennessee, or that a diversion be made towards Missouri. -- his advice as to best method of crossing. -- War Department Authorizes call upon General E. K. Smith. -- General Beauregard leaves for Charleston. -- he again Presses General E. K. Smith to forward his troops. -- the latter Considers the attempt impracticable. -- no steps taken to carry out the movement. -- General Beauregard arrives in Charleston. -- he visits Savannah on the 9th of December, and Consults with General Hardee as to the defence of the City. -- returns to Charleston. -- letter to President Davis. -- detailed orders to General Hardee. -- second visit to Savannah. -- General Sherman demands the surrender of the City on the 17th of December. -- his demand refused. -- preparations for evacuation. -- General Beauregard's confidential circular. -- he goes to Pocotaligo. -- Sends memorandum of orders to General Hardee. -- successful evacuation of Savannah. -- want of transportation for troops. -- General Beauregard in Charleston on the 22d of December. -- Prepares new defensive lines. -- his presence required by General Hood. -- he applies to be relieved of the command of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. -- request granted. -- his last letter to General Hardee. -- he leaves for Montgomery.

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Before following General Beauregard on his way to Savannah, via Charleston, where he arrived on the evening of December 7th, it may be of interest to mention what he had endeavored to do immediately after the battle of Franklin, with a view to reinforce General Hood's army upon its entrance into Tennessee. He had cast his eyes towards the Trans-Mississippi Department, then under General E. Kirby Smith, and, with that rapidity of strategic conception so remarkable in him, had formed a plan of concentration which, if carried out in season, might have materially changed the aspect of our military affairs. We submit his communication to that effect:

Headquarters, Military division of the West, Montgomery, Ala., Dec. 2d, 1864.
To General E. Kirby Smith, Comdg. Trans-Miss. Dept.:

General,—You are probably aware that the Army of Tennessee, under General J. B. Hood, has penetrated into Middle Tennessee as far as Columbia, and