150-years-ago -- Beauregard Confirmed as Confederate General

The Richmond Daily Dispatch
March 7, 1861

Pierre G.T. Beauregard was confirmed by the
Confederate Congress as a brigadier general
in the Confederate Army.

     A letter in the Columbus Sun, dated Montgomery, March 1, gives the following account of affairs at the capital of the Southern Confederacy:

     The Congress to-day did no business in open session. It is understood that the Permanent Constitution was under consideration. A vote on it will probably be taken on Tuesday or Wednesday next. As soon as the Permanent Constitution is adopted, a day will be set for the temporary adjournment of Congress, unless there be a commencement of war, in which case there will be no recess for some time to come.
     I was credibly informed to-day that Gov. Moore will, in a few days, tender one thousand men (officered, armed, and fully equipped,) to President Davis to be used in whatever service they may be needed. This is exclusive of the forces at Fort Morgan and Pensacola, numbering about 500 or 600 men. A large number of troops are being tendered to the Governor and President daily. If required, Alabama can furnish five thousand troops in a short time.
     Gen. Twiggs is expected here daily, and it is said, goes immediately to Charleston. He will probably be made Major General-in-Chief. Cola, Bragg and Johnston will also likely be Major Generals, and Col.C Wm. Henry Walker, of Ga., a Brigadier.
     During the secret session to-day the nomination of Gen. Peter G. T. Beauregard, of Louisiana, for Brigadier General of Provisional Army of the Confederate States, was confirmed, and secrecy removed.
     No other business was made public.
     President Davis will not allow civilians or West Point juniors to rank above West Point seniors, or citizens of the Confederate States who have heretofore seen service and who have resigned their commissions in the United States Army.
     Capt. Turney, of Tennessee, a son of the late celebrated Hopkins L. Turney, is in the city. He has tendered a company of Tennessee infantry to Mr. Davis, to serve the Confederate States.
     It is almost probable that there will be quite a change in the ratio of Representatives in the Congress of the Confederate States--indeed I learn that the subject is now being considered in connection with the permanent Constitution. According to the old Federal rate of representation, one representative to every 127,462 of population. South Carolina loses (for census of 1860) two representatives; Georgia loses one; Alabama loses one, and Texas gains two.
     I am very certain the old Federal basis will be entirely annulled, and each State will be entitled to a representative for every 50,000 of the entire population, white and black. The present Provisional Congress has just forty-nine members in all, or say 14 Senators and 35 Representatives. It is thought to be necessary to make the proposed changes for the reason, among others, that the Congress will be quite a small body unless the number of Representatives be increased. The Senate may be increased to four members from each State.
     A son of that gallant old hero, Joe Lane, arrived in this city last night. He has resigned from the West Point Military Academy, where he had ranked quite high. Mr. Lane is 22 years of age and had been at the Academy four years. This gallant son of a noble sire has formally tendered his services to President Davis, and is anxious to aid the South in her struggle for her rights and equality. He has taken this step by the advice of his father.