Confederacy, G.T. Beauregard to So. Carolina Gov. Bonham. Datelined July 13th 1863, on lettersheet inscribed "Head Quarters, Department of South Carolina, Ga. & Fla.", to South Carolina Gov. Bonham, regarding the dire need to use Negro labor for the defense of Charleston, as follows: "Sir, You are aware of the inability of the State authorities under the operations of the law to meet my requisitions for slave labor, and can readily trace some of the consequences in the events of the past week. However, there is no course by which the defects of the law can to some extent be repaired even at this late day? Believing that there must be a remedy in the patriotism and intelligence of the planters of South Carolina, I shall invoke your Executive Proclamation to them in this exigent hour, to send their negroes with spades and shovels to this city, without an instant of delay or hesitation, to the extent of three thousand effective laborers. This can be but an inappreciable subtraction from the labor resources of the people at this or any time. Each negro should be provided with at least three days of subsistence. The people of each district or neighborhood should select some overseer or manager for their negroes, who shall go and remain with them while they are employed. Respectfully…G.T. Beauregard, Gen. Comdg." With the letter is a newspaper article concerning the naming of overseers - one for every 50 negroes. Letter in excellent condition with the flourishing signature of Beauregard, Very Fine, this is a very historical letter as it is the first time in U.S. history that blacks were compelled to labor for the ruling government, in effect fighting against the forces that were trying to free them. Estimate  $4,000 - 5,000. $0 (Image)