We recently published a very brief sketch of the new military commander of the troops and forts near Charleston, South Carolina; but, in the absence of facts, we were unable to do full justice to the subject of that notice—General P. G. T. Beauregard.
General P. G. Toutant Beauregard was born on his father’s plantation, near New Orleans. He is a descendant of the most aristocratic Southern families. His father was a wealthy and influential Louisiana planter. His mother—born Reggio—was of Italian origin, and descended from the Ducal Reggio family of Italy.
General Beauregard entered the United States Military Academy at West Point at an early age, where he graduated in 1838, taking the second honors in a class of forty-five graduates, and was appointed a Second Lieutenant in the First Regiment of artillery, which commission he only held for one week ere he was transferred to the Corps of Engineers.
He was promoted to a first lieutenancy in June, 1839, and in that capacity served with great distinction during tho Mexican war. He was twice brevetted “for gallant and meritorious conduct” in the field, the first time as Captain for the battles of Contreras and Churubusco, to date from August 20th, 1817; and again as Major for the battle of Chapultepec, to date from the 13th of September of that year. Major Beauregard was wounded in the assault upon the Garita de Belen in the city of Mexico. On his return home he was presented with an elegant sword. He was subsequently placed by the government in charge of the construction of the Mint and Custom-House at New Orleans, as well as of the fortifications on and near the mouth of the Mississippi.
General B. is about forty-three years of age, in the prime of life and vigorous health, erect as a soldier, well made and remarkably active. There is great spirit and determination in his look, and he evidently possesses great muscular power. The great characteristic of the General is perfect method in all his plans, he is regarded one of the ablest officers that ever was in the American army. Brave, upright and of incorruptible integrity, he is one of those few characters that circumstances could never change. Eminently social, simple and affable in his manners, it is, indeed, a great eulogium that can be passed upon him when it is said that he is equally liked and respected by all who know him.
Being one of the ablest officers in his corps, he was ordered about two months since to West Point, as Superintendent of the Military Academy; but was relieved by President Buchanan within forty eight hours, as a rebuke, it is alleged, to the secession speech of Senator Slidell, who is a brother-in-law of Major Beauregard. The latter soon after resigned his commission in the service of the United States, at once receiving high rank in the army of the Southern Confederacy. With such a man at the head of his troops, the Southern Confederacy must prove a formidable opponent, if the bayonet should unfortunately be resorted to for settling our national difficulties.
The Daily Exchange, Baltimore, MD