P.G.T. Beauregard to Joseph H. E. Johnston, July 1, 1863

General JosEPH H. E. JOHNSTON, Canton, Miss. : Dear GENERAL: Your favor of the 26th ultimo has just been received. I regret not being able to make the exchange you propose, for, having so few troops here, General Evans would be in the way. Should any of your generals get killed or disabled you can then make the application I referred to. I have heard of the “bill of accusation” you speak of, &c. I felt convinced matters were as you state them. An effort was lately made to deplete me still more of my forces, but it could only be done at the imminent risk of losing Charleston and Savannah. Whereas of what earthly use is that ” raid” of Lee’s army into Maryland, in violation of all the principles of war? Is it going to end the struggle, take Washington, or save the Mississippi Valley? Why not have kept on the defensive in Virginia, sent Longstreet’s 20,000 men (who were not in the battle of Chancellorsville) to re-enforce Bragg, who, with the 10,000 I sent you, could have crushed Rosecrans, and then sent about 50,000 men to Memphis and Fort Pillow and then to your assistance? By the bye, as you do not mention in your letter the one I had written to you on the 15th of May last, proposing a plan of campaign similar to the one just spoken of, I send you herewith a copy withan N. B., whichI added on the 21st ultimo. I fear, though, it is now too late to undertake it. If you cannot attack Grant in his stronghold, why not detach a force strong enough to destroy Banks? You could then unite the forces of Gardner (or most of them) with yours. I hope everything will yet turn out well, although I do not exactly see how, If I had 174 S. &. AND G. A. COASTS, AND IN MID, AND E. FLA. — [Cuar. X. L. time, I would give you my views of the military operations in Mississippi, just before you get there, but I hope to do so verbally one of these days. With kind regards to old friends near you, I remain, as ever, yours, truly,

G. T. BEAUREGARD,