Gen. Beauregard.
We announced some days ago that General Beauregard had been transferred from his position on the Potomac to the command of the forces at Columbus. We cannot witness his departure without expressing the deep sense of admiration and gratitude which is felt towards him by the people of Virginia, military and civil, and of the whole South within her limits. The enthusiasm which was a kindled for him, by the successful reduction of Fort Sumter, has been only increased and intensified by his subsequent services on the banks of the Potomac. He was then comparatively an unknown man, and there were many who said that, although he had served with marked distinction in the Mexican war, his services at Charleston were too narrow a foundation upon which to build up the reputation of a great man. All acknowledge now, however, that the brilliant power of the rising sun has been more than surpassed by its meridian glory. For nearly a year Gen. Beauregard has been tried in the presence, and under the close inspection of the assembled South in Virginia, of the enemy at Washington, and of an interested world. It is needless to say that he has come out of the furnace like pure gold, and now stands by common consent one of the first military men whom America has ever produced. His very name has become a tower of strength as well as glory to our cause and is held by the enemy in a degree of wholesome terror which they scarcely affect to conceal. The battle of Manassas will long remain an immortal laurel about his head. The brilliant qualities of the soldier are only equalled by the virtues and modesty of the man. There is a ‘"daily beauty in his life"’ which is as charming to those who know him most intimately as is the splendor of his military character to the world at large.As a gentleman of the highest tone of honor, and the most rigid and exemplary virtues, he would command respect even if not distinguished by talent. It is needless to say that he is the idol of the soldiers, to whom his amiable qualities have united him with hooks of steel, so that they would follow him to the death, not only from confidence in his leadership, but from devotion to his person. The correspondent of the London Times, in sketching this illustrious General, spoke of the stern gravity of his demeanor, which, in his likenesses, approaches almost to solemnity. It is the face indicating what we most like and respect amongst mankind, that rarest of characters among our race, a single-minded, earnest man. A patriot and an honest man indeed, a man without guile, who loves the Southern cause from his heart of hearts, and not because it gives him distinction or power, is this noble Creole gentleman and Christian hero. He is willing to serve in any place, and under anybody, so that he can serve the cause which is dearer to him than honors, position, and life itself.
These words but feebly express what the people of Virginia think of the respected and beloved General, who, for nine months, has guarded their frontier, illustrated their soil with the radiance of patriotism, valor, and genius, and who takes with him to his new field of action their best wishes and prayers to Heaven for his preservation and happiness, and who, whatever may be his future lot, will always have a home in every Virginia heart, and among the household gods of every Virginia home will have a place only second to that of George Washington.
