Chapter XXV: Appendix: Longstreet (5)

The name and fame of General Longstreet are the common heritage of the South and the whole American people. The names of his immediate ancestors are historic and dear especially to every Georgian. His qualities as a soldier have won for him the highest encomiums not only of the Southern people, but from the Northern people as well. All true history, including that written from an English stand-point, places Longstreet in the very first rank as to ability and generalship among any of Lee’s subordinates.

No time nor mere political differences can affect or dim the lustre of that name. The past is secure, the future is safe. We can say with all the emphasis that the words import that he was one of the bravest, truest, safest, and the most devoted of the Confederate leaders. In the generations to come, when passion and prejudice shall vanish like the mists of the morning at the presence of the clear sunlight of truth, Longstreet’s name shall receive at the hands of the entire civilized world the praise and honor to which it is justly entitled.

LONGSTREET AND DAVIS.

We may be permitted to refer briefly to an incident that occurred on the occasion of the unveiling of the Ben Hill monument in Atlanta. Among the many distinguished ex-Confederate chieftains seated on the platform was ex-President Jefferson Davis. General Longstreet came down from his home in Gainesville, clad in the full uniform of a lieutenant-general of the Confederate army, wearing his sword. Providing himself with a superb mount, he rode out Peachtree Street to the site of the monument, and, dismounting, walked unannounced to the platform into the outstretched arms of Jefferson Davis. As they embraced each other, they presented a scene worthy of the brush of a Raphael or a Rubens. Once heroes in common victory, they were now heroes in common defeat. This was a beautiful and shining example for all latter day critics.

This silent episode, as if too impressive to be broken, stilled the vast multitude for a moment, and then spontaneously from forty thousand Confederate veterans and citizens, the ladies joining in the demonstration by waving their handkerchiefs, there went up a loud and continuous shout of applause that rent the air.

Let us never forget the four years of glorious service rendered by General Longstreet to the Lost Cause, and let the South erect a monument to his memory, to tell to future generations that the South is never forgetful or indifferent to that glorious service rendered in the cause for which it fought and for which many bled and died.

General Longstreet died in Gainesville, Georgia, January 2, 1904, and was buried with military honors on the 6th day of the same month. A detail from this Camp, as well as detachments from various military organizations, joined in paying the last honor to the old soldier.

Touching and beautiful was the kindly sympathy shown his memory by his neighbors in Gainesville who were bound to him by ties that no time can sever. Never was a funeral more largely attended and more universal respect shown to the dead by the entire community in which he lived. All places of business were closed. The Confederate Veterans, the public school children, the college girls, the citizens, all joined in the procession which followed his remains to beautiful Alta Vista, where on the crown of the hill overlooking the far-away Blue Ridge was laid to rest all that is mortal of the old battle-scarred hero.

BENJAMIN F. ABBOTT,
GEORGE HILLYER,
J. F. EDWARDS,
_Committee_.

* * * * *

(_Houston, Georgia, Camp._)

“His war structure cannot be pulled down.”

At a meeting of the old soldiers of Houston County, Georgia, to commemorate the birth of the immortal Lee, and also, by previous arrangement, to take cognizance and condolence of the death of General Longstreet, under whom many of these old soldiers served throughout the war, the following resolutions were submitted and unanimously adopted:

_Resolved_, That in the death of General James Longstreet we sustain the loss of one of the most valiant and capable soldier commanders of the “Lost Cause.”

_Resolved_, That while during the gigantic war and struggle between the States, General Lee regarded him as almost a part of himself, “My old war-horse,” in the carrying out and accomplishments of apparently, at times, the impossible against and over the enemy.

We view him as from behind the guns, and under those conflicts whose fierceness and terrible results were sufficient to stagger, and even turn back, the stoutest manhood, yet we never saw him evince the least fear, turn his back in dishonor, nor disobey his noble chieftain.

His war structure shows the hand of no ordinary builder, and cannot be pulled down.

He carved his way through the ranks of the enemy in such a fashion that they themselves, and their descendants, admire the man for his great military ability; nor can they be less thrilled by that chivalry and Americanism he and so many others, equally valorous and capable, displayed and forged for conscience’ sake, thus awakening and holding the world as never before in any age.

This was General James Longstreet as we saw him then, and, without superficiality, as we see him to-day, through our vanishing memories and waning manhoods, one of the greatest soldiers who crossed swords with the many gallant spirits of the other side--brother Americans--over a principle which did not, and, thank God, could not die--a gift of God to humanity to stand for the right, fight for the right, and die for the right, even though in failure, that others may profit by it.

_Resolved_, That we regret to have to antagonize and reprove even one Chapter of that great, good, and soulful organization, known as the Daughters of the Confederacy, but we can neither endorse the spirit and sentiment, nor the statement made by that Savannah Chapter that “General Longstreet disobeyed General Lee’s order at the battle of Gettysburg.”

_Resolved_, That we believe, and would advise, that the life and future good of that great organization lies in the thorough education of its Chapters to correct history, and a proper appreciation of the spirit and tenets of the order--a proper observance of its constitution.

_Resolved_, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to Mrs. Longstreet, carrying with it, as it does, a sympathy, love, and sorrow such as only can be given by old soldiers bronzed by the same smoke, buffeted by the same battles, and scarred by the same fury through which he passed for the love of home and country, for the love of truth, and for the love of a “cause” then dearer than even life itself, and for which so many gallant spirits went down.

_Resolved_, That the _Home Journal_ be requested to publish these proceedings.

Respectfully submitted,
W. H. NORWOOD.

C. C. DUNCAN,
_Commander Post 880, presiding_.
J. D. MARTIN,
_Adjutant_.

* * * * *

(_Survivors of Longstreet’s Corps._)

“History will give him that which is due.”

Another set of resolutions, showing the esteem in which Longstreet’s men held the dead general, and the love that they bear for him, were drawn up yesterday by Mr. A. K. Wilson, who was a member of Longstreet’s corps, and were signed by the veterans in the city, who, like Mr. Wilson, had been followers of the dead leader. The resolutions were as follows:

COMRADES,--Our comrade and our leader has left us. He has gone to join the hosts on the other side of the great river, and we that followed him at the Manassases, Thoroughfare Gap, Yorktown, Fairfax, Falls Church, Munson’s and Upton’s Hills, the Wilderness, where he received that wound said to be from his own men; Williamsburg, Sharpsburg, to Tennessee; Chickamauga, Knoxville, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, back to Virginia, and on all the great fields on her soil, testify to his worth. With his corps back to Virginia, see him as he appeared at Petersburg, and countless other places of trust. Lastly, with his ragged, half-starved, barefooted remnant, bearing scars as he bore them, see him as he approaches Appomattox, his men drawing but one ear of corn for a day’s rations.

My comrades, he needs no emblems. History in time will give to him that which is due, and those that were with him, his survivors, will ever hold his memory green. Like ourselves, his services at Appomattox show to the world that he was ever faithful to his enlistment and true to the cause that he espoused, and his parting with Lee establishes that fact. Now, be it

_Resolved_, That we, the survivors of Longstreet’s corps, tender to his bereaved family our heartfelt sympathy, showing the love and esteem that we had for our dear old leader.

SURVIVORS OF LONGSTREET’S CORPS.

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA.

* * * * *

(_Camp Hardee._)

“Longstreet more often than any other subordinate was trusted
with independent commands.”

_To Camp Hardee, Confederate Veterans, Birmingham, Alabama_:

Your committee, appointed to report resolutions commemorative of the life and service of the late Lieutenant-General James Longstreet, recommends the following:

_Resolved_, That in the testimony of the estimate of old soldiers of his life and services to the South in the great war between the States Camp Hardee adopt the following statement:

General Longstreet, a South Carolinian by birth, a graduate of the West Point Military Academy as a cadet from Alabama, while assured of position in the Federal army, resigned the commission he held in an established service to enter the unorganized, poorly equipped army of the Confederacy, and undertook all the arduous duties and dangers of that war, and fought it out to the disastrous end.

From the time of his appointment as brigadier-general under Beauregard along the line of Bull Run Creek, in July, 1861, to the surrender at Appomattox in April, 1865, he was distinguished as a stalwart, skilful commander and a gallant soldier. He was remarkable for staying qualities rather than for dash.

In all that brave service there was nothing spectacular, but he was always steadfast, true, and reliable.

Whatever may have been said of General Longstreet, it is remarkable that at no time for inefficiency or the absence of results or disobedience of order was he relieved of his command. No other subordinate was so often intrusted with independent and difficult enterprises. Now that death has silenced all complaints and the great commander has gone to his reward, we who survive him desire to crown his memory with the degree of praise which his great deeds wrought in behalf of his people so richly deserve. As a soldier he was wholly faithful to the South, and for that fidelity merits the grateful appreciation of our people. Such a great soul needs no defence. Time will cover with its mantle whatever has been charged as his faults. It may be that in the great conservatism of his nature he saw more clearly what was best for his country. In this hour of bereavement let us only remember that a great and gallant spirit has gone to his reward; and therefore,

_Resolved_, That this memorial be spread on the minutes of the camp, and a copy be sent to the widow of the dead general with the assurance, in this hour of her great bereavement, she has the sympathy of Camp W. J. Hardee.

J. W. BUSH.
W. C. WARD.
W. H. DENSON.

* * * * *

(_Camp No. 135._)

“Hardest fighter in the army.”

Comrades, we assemble to pay tribute to the memory of Lieutenant-General Longstreet, one of our great chieftains. For him “taps have sounded,” “lights are out,” and “all is still.” This fearless leader is gone. He was the “hard fighter” of Northern Virginia, and his opponents always knew when he was in their front or directing the assault. He had the confidence of his men, and they loved him. He led them but to victory. The South admired and trusted him. His name is enshrined with that of the Army of Northern Virginia, and when her history shall be gathered and cast into final form, honorable will be the place assigned to our great general.

We would therefore recommend the adoption of the following tribute of esteem and respect:

WHEREAS, Lieutenant-General Longstreet recently passed away at his home in Gainesville, Georgia, and was buried amid the regrets and tears of many who had gathered from different parts of our Southland to pay the respect due his illustrious name; therefore be it

_Resolved_, That we bow our heads unto Him who is the author and finisher of our career, and acknowledge that, while we can not always understand, yet we know that He doeth all things well.

_Resolved_, That the comrades of Camp No. 135, Confederate Veterans, have heard with sorrow and regret of the death of this brave general and fearless commander.

_Resolved_, Educated in the profession of arms, he gave the best years of his life to the service of his country. For twenty-five years prior to the action which necessitated his State severing her connection with the Union, he most valiantly drew his sword in her defence. Through the Mexican War and during the continuous troubles with the Indians on our Western plains his services were so conspicuous for gallantry that he attained the rank of major.

_Resolved_, When his State could no longer remain in the Union, but withdrew, he resigned his commission, and cast his lot with that of his State. As he had been gallant and successful in the army of the Union, he now became more so in the army of the Confederacy. The enlarged opportunities furnished what his great ability needed. From the rank of major he rose rapidly to that of lieutenant-general and second in command to our peerless Lee. As brigadier-general at Manassas he engaged the left wing of the enemy with the result that is familiar to all of us. As major-general he was selected to cover Johnston’s retreat in the Peninsula. He won Williamsburg and was at Seven Pines. For his service in the Seven Days’ fight around Richmond Congress rewarded him with the rank of senior lieutenant-general and second in command of all the Confederate forces. He was at the second Manassas with Jackson, and at South Mountain. At Sharpsburg he was knighted “War-Horse” by his chieftain. Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Chickamauga, and the Wilderness felt his presence; while Petersburg, Five Forks, and Appomattox beheld his gallantry. Comrades, we knew him, we loved him, we trusted him. To-day we would pay him his tribute; believing him to be worthy to be placed beside Lee, Albert Sidney and Joseph E. Johnston, and Jackson.

_Resolved_, That these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of our Camp, copies be furnished each of our county papers for publication, and that a copy be sent to Mrs. Longstreet, together with expressions of our sympathy by the adjutant.

J. W. SHERRILL.
W. H. MORGAN.
R. L. SUGGS.

* * * * *

(_John B. Hood Camp._)

“Oblivion will shut out those who assail his great name.”

_To the Officers and Members of John B. Hood Camp, No. 103, U. C. V._:

COMRADES,--We, your committee, appointed at a meeting held this day to draft resolutions upon the death of Lieutenant-General James Longstreet, late commander of the First Corps, Army of Northern Virginia, beg leave to submit the following:

WHEREAS, It having pleased the Deity to call our great commander to cross over the river and take permanent position with the majority of his old comrades who have preceded him; therefore, be it

_Resolved_, That in the death of General Longstreet we realize the loss of the senior and last surviving lieutenant-general of the Army of Northern Virginia, and while freighted with the events of eighty-three years, and suffering from the effects of many wounds received in battle, still he bore up with a fortitude becoming his great spirit.

_Resolved_, That in his character we recognize the true patriot and soldier, devotion to duty, and a genius which added glory to our arms and inspired faith in our cause.

_Resolved_, That in the remotest history his achievements will be appreciated with all the glory that came to us during that bloody drama, while oblivion will shut out those who would assail his fair name.

_Resolved_, That to his family we tender sincere condolence, with the assurance that his kind consideration for his men, courtly bearing, and bravery will ever have a place in the memory of the survivors of his command, who followed him from the first Manassas to Appomattox.

_Resolved_, That these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of this camp; the adjutant to forward a copy to the family, and that the State press be requested to publish same.

J. D. ROBERDEAU.
VAL C. GILES.
W. R. HAMBY.
C. F. DOHINE.

* * * * *

(_John B. Gordon Chapter, U. D. C._)

“As gallant a soldier as wore the gray.”

WETUMPKA, ALABAMA, January 12, 1904.

WHEREAS, The Ruler of the Universe has seen fit to call from his earthly home the spirit of General Longstreet, and take him to his home on high, as a bright reward for his faithfulness and fidelity here in life. General Longstreet was as brave and gallant a soldier as wore the gray during the fierce struggle of the South. He was known and loved throughout this fair sunny Southland, not only as a soldier and general who so gallantly and fearlessly led his men in the Southern cause, but as a true and noble man, and when his final summons came and he laid down his earthly armor for a heavenly crown, it cast a shadow over all the South, that another of her brave generals who had so nobly defended her cause was no more.

But since he has left us and is no more among his family, comrades, and friends, be it

_Resolved_, That this Chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy regrets with deepest sorrow the death of General Longstreet, and through this little tribute to his memory expresses its deepest and sincerest sympathy.

_Resolved_, That his State and nation has lost a grand and noble man, the Southern cause a gallant and fearless soldier.

_Resolved_, That a copy of these resolutions be placed on the minute-book of the Chapter and a copy be sent to General Longstreet’s family.

MRS. S. J. McMORRIS.
MRS. W. H. GREGORY.
MISS FANNY GOKON.

* * * * *

(_George W. Johnson Camp._)

“True and faithful to every duty.”

At a meeting of the George W. Johnson Camp, Confederate Veterans’ Association of Kentucky, to take in consideration the death of Lieutenant-General James Longstreet, the following resolutions were reported and adopted:

_Resolved_, That in the death of General Longstreet has passed from the stage of action one of the central and most prominent figures of our late war.

_Resolved_, In him we recognized one of the ablest and most gallant soldiers of the lost cause.

_Resolved_, As commander of one of the corps of the Army of Northern Virginia his name is inseparably connected with the glory that rightly gathers about the achievements of that immortal organization.

_Resolved_, True and faithful to his every conviction of duty, and unswerving in his devotion to his country and people in the hour of their supremest trial and need, his name deserves to be enrolled among the immortals of our Southland.

_Resolved_, That we extend to the bereaved family our deepest sympathy, and that a copy of these resolutions be sent to the family and to the _Confederate Veteran_.

A. H. SINCLAIR,
_Commander_.
ELLEY BLACKBURN,
_Adjutant_.

* * * * *

(_Tennessee Division, Daughters of the Confederacy._)

“Mankind will find no brighter page of history than that written
by Longstreet’s corps.”

Resolutions of the Tennessee Division of the Daughters of the Confederacy:

Entered into rest January 2, 1904, at his home in Gainesville, Georgia, surrounded by his family, consisting of his wife and five children, at the ripe old age of eighty-three years, Lieutenant-General James Longstreet.

A graduate of West Point, one of the heroes of the Mexican War, where he was desperately wounded, in storming Cherubusco, and where he was twice brevetted for gallantry on the field of battle,--once as captain, for Churubusco, and again as major, for Molino del Rey,--a professional soldier in the army of the United States, the highest in rank from the State of Alabama at the time of the secession of that State, he resigned from the United States army, tendered his sword to Alabama, and from thenceforward was identified with the South in her immortal struggle for the right of local self-government, guaranteed to her in the Constitution of the United States, and as laid down in the Declaration of Independence, from Bull Run to Appomattox, and, at its close, was recognized as “the left arm of Lee.”

Since his death, his record as a soldier has been criticised, at a time when he cannot defend himself, but we congratulate the people of the South and the future historian that the Congress of the Confederate States, February 17, 1864, passed unanimously resolutions thanking Lieutenant-General Longstreet and his command for their patriotic services and brilliant achievements in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Tennessee, and participating in nearly every great battle fought in those States, the commanding general ever displaying great ability, skill, and prudence in command, and the officers and men the most heroic bravery, fortitude, and energy in every duty that they have been called upon to perform.

This resolution was approved by Jefferson Davis, and was adopted on the recommendation of the commanding general of the army of the Confederate States of America, the immortal Robert E. Lee. After the adoption of these resolutions, nothing which we can say could add to his soldier’s record. He needs no defence. We consign his name to history; so long as mankind reads it, they will find no brighter page than that written by Longstreet’s corps.

He illustrated the South in a long life, the best years of it devoted to her and her cause, he sacrificed to serve her as much as any other one man, he fought a score of battles for her, and never one against her, and this State, over his grave, mingle their tears with those of the people whom he served and the devoted family who survive him; therefore

_Resolved_, That the Army of the Confederate States of America is rapidly passing to the Great Beyond, leaving a record, a part of the history of the American people, to which we point with pride, and to which in a few generations civilized man will look, and admit that it illustrated the highest type of American citizenship.

_Resolved_, That we extend our sympathies to the surviving family of General Longstreet and to the South, at his death, and that a copy of the foregoing preamble and resolutions be furnished to his family and to the press.

MISS KATE FORT, _Chairman_.
MRS. JAMES P. SMARTT.
MRS. M. H. CLIFT.
MRS. WM. G. OEHMIG, _President_.

* * * * *

“Longstreet’s magnificent service at Gettysburg gives that field
the great place it holds in history to-day.”

As one of his defenders, in the interest of truth, justice, and fairness, having participated in the battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Pegram’s battery, A. P. Hill’s corps, and knowing, from frequent visits to that sanguinary field since the engagement, something about what occurred on that eventful occasion, I can confidently say that General Longstreet and those under him performed such grand and magnificent service on that battle-field as to give it the great and important place it holds in history to-day. We never knew that it was otherwise questioned until after the war. Future history will vindicate his character in his course on that field and everywhere else where duty called him during the eventful period from ’61 to ’65.--JOHN T. CALLAGHAN, _Vice-President Confederate Association_.

WASHINGTON, D. C.

* * * * *

(_Encampment No. 9, Union Veteran Legion, New Castle, Pennsylvania._)

“A brave, generous, and great man.”

_Resolved_, That the death of Lieutenant-General James Longstreet has caused the loss to the nation of a brave, generous, and great man. None knew his bravery or his greatness as a commander better than we of the Union Veteran Legion who often met him on fields that tested to the limit the fighting qualities of the American.

We extend to his wife and family our sympathy in their bereavement, and the assurance of our great respect for their lost one.

SAMUEL F. ELLISON,
_Colonel Commanding_.
GEORGE W. GAGEBY,
_Adjutant_.

* * * * *

(_George E. Pickett Camp._)

“In nearly all the leading battles of the South there was
Longstreet to lead his men to fame and glory.”

January 25, 1904.

_To the Officers and Members of George E. Pickett Camp, C. V._:

Your committee appointed on resolutions relative to the death of Lieutenant-General Longstreet desire to have it placed on record, that we, the survivors of Confederate Veterans, lost in the recent death of General Longstreet one of our best and bravest officers, under whose command the Army of Northern Virginia gained its reputation as the grandest fighting army the world ever produced. At Bull Run, Williamsburg, Seven Pines, Second Manassas, Boonboro, Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg, and in nearly all of the principal battles and victories of the South, there was Longstreet to lead his men to fame and glory.

We therefore express our sentiment that in the death of General Longstreet we have lost a true and good Confederate, loyal to the cause for which he bled and fought.

_Resolved_, That we extend our heartfelt sympathy to his widow and family, and that a copy of these resolutions be spread on our minutes.

CHAS. T. LOEHR,
WM. E. TALLEY,
W. U. BASS,
_Committee_.

Adopted by vote of camp and copy ordered sent to Mrs. General James Longstreet.

R. N. NORTHEN,
_Adjutant No. 204, N. C. V. S._

* * * * *

(_John Bowie Strange Camp._)

“Those who followed Longstreet in the fitful fever of war ever
had confidence in his ability, courage, and fidelity.”

The John Bowie Strange Camp of Confederate Veterans of Charlottesville, Virginia, assembled in special meeting for the purpose, desire to spread on their record a tribute to the memory of James Longstreet, lieutenant-general in the armies of the Confederate States, whose death has been recently announced. The Virginians who served under him in the great Civil War recognize his splendid ability as a corps commander, his dauntless courage, and the absolute confidence reposed in him by that immortal band of Southerners who will go down in history wreathed in immortal fame as Longstreet’s corps in the Army of Northern Virginia. This camp, a large proportion of whose members belonged to regiments and organizations led by him in the Virginia campaigns, wish to record the fact that whatever criticisms may have been passed upon his conduct on crucial occasions, yet those who followed him in the fitful fever of war ever had confidence in his fidelity, his loyalty, and his devotion to the Southern cause; and along with other comrades from the South who followed him on the line of danger, they had absolute faith in his splendid courage and ability as their commander. It is an historical fact that he so possessed the confidence of our immortal leader, R. E. Lee, the commander-in-chief of the Confederate forces, that he continued him in command as lieutenant-general until the fateful day of Appomattox, when in the expiring crisis of the Confederacy Longstreet and his corps of Southerners were in line of battle, ready and willing to risk and lay down their lives in defence of the South, until ordered by their great chieftain to sheath their swords, stack their guns, and furl their flags.

_Resolved_, That a copy of these resolutions be published in the local papers and also be sent to the bereaved widow of this distinguished Southerner.

MICAJAH WOODS,
GEORGE L. PETRIE,
J. M. MURPHY,
_Committee_.

The foregoing resolutions, presented by the committee appointed for the purpose, were unanimously passed by the John Bowie Strange Camp of Confederate Veterans at Charlottesville, Virginia. Witness the signature of H. Clay Michie, commander of said Camp, and attested by W. N. Wood, Adjutant and Secretary of said Camp.

H. CLAY MICHIE,
_Commander_.

This 12th day of January, 1904.
W. N. WOOD,
_Adjutant and Secretary_.

WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON.

June 7, 1904.

My dear Mrs. Longstreet:

Permit me to subscribe for the book you have just written, on the work of your gallant husband. General Sickles has just called my attention to the fact that the book is to be published. Not only must all Americans hold high the memory of your husband as one of the illustrious captains of the Civil War, but they must hold it high particularly because of the fine and high-souled patriotism which made him, when the war was ended, as staunchly loyal to the Union as he had been loyal to the cause for which he fought during the war itself. In his letter to General Sickles, in speaking of the part the General played in winning the victory of Gettysburg for the Union cause, General Longstreet wrote:

“It was the sorest and saddest reflection of my life for many years; but, to-day, I can say, with sincerest emotion, that it was and is the best that could have come to us all, North and South; and I hope that the nation, reunited, may always enjoy the honor and glory brought to it by that grand work.”

This is the spirit that gives us all, North and South, East and West, the right to face the future with the confident hope that never again will we be disunited, and that while united no force of evil can ever prevail against us.

With great regard,

Sincerely yours,
Theodore Roosevelt

Mrs. James Longstreet,
Gainesville, Georgia.

PERSONAL LETTERS

“Every inch a man.”

NEW YORK, January 12, 1904.

MRS. JAMES LONGSTREET,
Gainesville, Georgia:

MY DEAR MRS. LONGSTREET,--Permit me to offer my sympathies in your great bereavement, and to add my tears to yours. I have always loved and admired General Longstreet, and considered him one of the greatest general officers in the Confederacy. He was indeed every inch a man.

With kindest regards I remain,
Sincerely yours,
EDWARD OWEN.

* * * * *

“His great heart had nothing but kindness for all that was
American.”

NICHOLASVILLE, KENTUCKY, January 22, 1904.

MRS. JAMES LONGSTREET,
Washington, D. C.:

DEAR MADAM,--Personally, I am an entire stranger to you, but I have long been interested in the story of your brave husband, and especially in that part bearing on the battle of Gettysburg. I am a Canadian by birth, though a naturalized American citizen, and pastor of the Christian Church in this place. I had no interest in the matter at issue save to know the truth and give honor where honor is justly due. I had read General Gordon’s strictures, and was anxious to see what could be said in reply. After reading your article in the Courier Journal with great care, I want to say that General Gordon is completely and fully answered and his statements of fact absolutely refuted.

The man who would find the Rev. Mr. Pendleton after the facts you have covered him with, would need a divining rod or a diving-bell. _He is disposed of forever._

Your illustrious husband belonged to the class of Southern men which I have always honored and venerated. With him the war was over and the great heart which never knew fear had in it nothing but kindness for all that was American. I feel that I have suffered a great loss in not knowing him personally. I drop a tear of sympathy with you in his memory. I think the following lines on “Gettysburg” most fitting now:

“The brave went down without disgrace,
They leaped to ruin’s red embrace;
They never heard Fame’s thunders wake
Nor saw the dazzling sunburst break
In smiles on Glory’s bloody face.”

“Fold up the banners, melt the guns,
Love rules, a gentler purpose runs;
A grateful mother turns in tears,
The pages of the battle years;
Lamenting all her fallen sons.”

Please accept my thanks for the white light which your splendid, your unanswerable, letter casts on the whole question, and try to realize that I am only one of thousands who are equally indebted and correspondingly grateful.

With greatest respect,
Yours most sincerely,
JAMES VERNON.

* * * * *

“Has taken his place with the great soldiers of all times.”

RALEIGH, N. C., January 17, 1904.

MY DEAR MRS. LONGSTREET,--I send you a copy of the _Post_ by this mail, containing article on your late husband and great soldier.

The conduct of some of our people is a brutality. But I beg to assure you that it is the result of ignorance. General Longstreet has taken his place beside the great soldiers of all times, and malice cannot reach him. I hope some soldier of his old corps will take up the question of these attacks. They can be answered and reputed. You will pardon this intrusion upon you, a sense of duty to the truth of history and love for the memory of your great husband is my excuse.

Truly,
W. H. DAY.

St. Paul, Jan. 8, 1903

My Dear Mrs. Longstreet

Permit me to offer you the tribute of my deep and sincere sympathy in the great sorrow which has come to you in the death of your beloved husband, Gen. Longstreet.

To none is the sad occurrence the bearer of so pain & grief, as it is to you.

I pray God to console you, & to lead you more & more to see in the departure of your husband from earth the will of Heaven, & the passage of a christian Soul from the land of trials to the final home of rest and peace.

Truly a great man has passed away. The whole country mourns. He was a noble American. In war he obeyed what he believed to be his duty, in peace he followed loyally and courageously what he again thought his duty dictated. The South found in him a defender on the field of battle, & its truest friend & counsellor when the field of battle had spoken its verdict. The North, forced at one time to admire his skill and bravery, willingly at later date, admired his magnanimity & his high minded patriotism.

It has been a great privilege of mine to have met Gen. Longstreet, & to have been able to know more intimately than otherwise would have been possible to me.

Since then he was a proud Servant of the Lord--always ready to hearken to the voice of Conscience, always prompt to obey it.

I am, my dear Mrs. Longstreet with sentiments of highest esteem,

Very Sincerely,
John Ireland

Mrs. E. D. Longstreet

* * * * *

“General Lee’s bull-dog fighter.”

COMANCHE, TEXAS, February 1, 1904.

MRS. GENERAL JAMES LONGSTREET,
Gainesville, Georgia:

DEAR MADAM,--Enclosed please find resolutions of respect passed by John Pelham Camp, U. C. V., No. 565, Comanche, Texas, to your husband.

As a Confederate soldier who followed the banner of the lost cause for four years I desire to extend to you personally my heartfelt sympathy in this great loss to you. I was in the Army of Tennessee, but a great admirer of General Longstreet. I had a brother in his command under General Hood. The Southern people never treated General Longstreet with that respect that was due him. He was General Lee’s bull-dog fighter during the war, and remained true to the cause until all was lost. I read with great interest your defence of your husband in the Gettysburg affair, and you show to any fair-minded people that he was not in any way responsible for the loss of the battle. I greatly admire your courage and fidelity in this matter. General Longstreet has many strong friends in Texas. Please pardon me for the liberty I have taken in writing you. I have two letters from General Longstreet which I value highly.

With kindest regards and best wishes, I am truly your friend,

T. O. MOORE,

_Late Company F, Seventh Texas Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 1861
to 1865; Colonel First Regiment, Third Brigade, Texas Division,
U. C. V._

* * * * *

“When war compelled surrender, I accepted the situation in good
faith.”

SAN FRANCISCO LAW LIBRARY,
SAN FRANCISCO, January 6, 1904.

DEAR MADAM,--Learning of the recent death of General Longstreet, I felt compelled to address to you an expression of sympathy.

It so happened that soon after the close of the Civil War, he and I were for a time guests at the same hotel in Washington.

I then formed his acquaintance and had a series of conversations with him, which constitute pleasing recollections to me.

Although of Northern lineage and sentiment, I learned to admire a personality that seemed so charming in civil life, and which I had learned to dread in war.

I am aware that later he fell under the severe displeasure of many Southern people.

I know nothing of that for which he was blamed, but it would make too heavy draft on my credulity to believe that he ever departed from what he believed to be just and honorable.

I well remember an expression he made to me. He said, “I conscientiously did what I deemed my duty while the controversy lasted, and when the fate of war compelled surrender, I accepted the situation in good faith.”

His widow must greatly feel the loss of one who was great as a soldier and so lovable as a man.

Allow me, a Northern man and a stranger, to condole with you, and again express the high appreciation I entertained for your illustrious husband.

Very respectfully,
GEO. W. CHAMBERLAIN.

MRS. JAMES LONGSTREET,
Gainesville, Georgia.

* * * * *

“He taught peace and conservatism.”

UNITED STATES CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS,
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, January 5, 1904.

MRS. JAMES LONGSTREET,
Gainesville, Georgia:

MY DEAR MADAM,--I beg to offer you my sincere sympathy. I greatly honored General Longstreet for his distinguished career as a soldier, and for his wise and patriotic course, teaching peace and conservatism, when war was ended. When history is written after time has modified all passions and prejudices, his career will stand in honorable and distinguished contrast with those of his critics who were “invisible in war and invincible in peace.”

I shall always honor his memory as soldier and citizen.

Yours sincerely and respectfully,
DAVID D. SHELBY.

HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS
SAN ANTONIO.

Jan’y 7th 1903

My Dear Mrs Longstreet,

I was greatly shocked to see the enclosed article in this mornings paper. Tho’ I had learned sometime ago through friends, that General Longstreet was not in good health, I had no idea that the end was so near. The dear old General was one of the earliest and most cherished friends of my father and mother, and has always held a warm place in the hearts of the children of Julia Dent and Lieutenant (later, General & President of the United States) U. S. Grant. Be assured, my dear Madam, that I join with you in mourning the passing of the good friend, the brilliant soldier and the noble man, General James Longstreet

Sincerely & Faithfully Yours
Frederick D Grant

* * * * *

TECUMSEH, MICHIGAN, January 16, 1904.

MRS. JAMES LONGSTREET:
Gainesville, Georgia:

DEAR MADAM,--Trusting you will pardon the intrusion, I desire to thank you kindly for the pleasure derived from your article so conclusively refuting the charges against General James Longstreet, unhappily revived in General Gordon’s book. Although a Federal soldier during the last two years of the Civil War, its ending, with me, was the close of the unhappy strife.

The admiration I held for James Longstreet was sincere and well founded, and one of the mementoes I much treasure is an autograph letter from him, generously written to me December 18, 1893.

The news of your husband’s death was to me a personal grief. He was the one remaining conspicuous figure in the great conflict which those who participated in will remember while life remains.

Very respectfully,
JOHN D. SHULL.

* * * * *

“He performed every duty faithfully and conscientiously.”

IVANHOE, VIRGINIA, January 23, 1904.

MY DEAR MRS. LONGSTREET,--As commander of the Ivanhoe Camp, United Confederate Veterans, and as perhaps the youngest Confederate veteran, “who enlisted as a private,” I desire to express to you the sympathy of myself and of the Camp which I have the honor to command. While we mourn with you in this your sad hour of bereavement, it is gratifying to know that General Longstreet performed his every duty faithfully and conscientiously, and that his many virtues will entitle him to a high seat in that better world above, where we hope, when our mission on earth is finished, we shall be permitted to meet him in all the glory which his many virtues here below so justly entitles him. Hoping that the Good Lord, the Grand Commander and Ruler of the Universe, will comfort you in your sad trials, and with best wishes, I am most sincerely yours,

M. W. JEWETT,
_Commander Ivanhoe Camp, U. C. V._

* * * * *

“Lamented by the nation.”

MINNEAPOLIS, January 3, 1904.

DEAR MRS. LONGSTREET,--With thousands of my countrymen I sincerely lament the death of your illustrious husband, the great soldier and citizen, and extend to you, most bereaved of all, my sincere sympathy.

Mrs. Torrance shares these sentiments with me, and wishes to be remembered to you in love and sympathy.

Sincerely yours,
ELL TORRANCE.

TO MRS. JAMES LONGSTREET,
Washington, D. C.

* * * * *

“His name and fame among the priceless treasures of all
Americans.”

MONROE, GEORGIA, January 4, 1904.

MRS. JAMES LONGSTREET,
Gainesville, Georgia:

MY DEAR MRS. LONGSTREET,--I have noticed with great regret and with great sympathy for you, the news of the death of General Longstreet.

All who are familiar with his great career will be sorrowed at his passing. His place in history is secure. And his name and fame are among the priceless treasures of all Americans.

I understand the depth of the sorrow in which you stand now, and sorrow with you.

In deepest sympathy, I remain,
Sincerely yours,
GEO. M. NAPIER.

* * * * *

“His greatness of character won the respect of his own and other
lands.”

WASHINGTON, D. C., January 3, 1903.

DEAR MRS. LONGSTREET,--The morning paper brings the sad announcement of the passing away of the last survivor of the brave sons of the South who made her name glorious in the annals of the world. The nation mourns the loss of a noble man whose greatness of character won the respect not only of his own country but of other lands. The South weeps for a son who has conferred distinction upon her by a life of stainless integrity.

Still greater is the sorrow of a host of personal friends whose love he won by the most lofty characteristics and a friendship which failed not through the years.

Greatest of all is the grief of his family in the loss of his loving companionship and tender care. Especially heavy is that loss to you, the companion of his later years whose devotion has smoothed the road for his weary feet to the end of life’s way. I send you my heartfelt sympathy in your sorrow.

My love and sympathy go out to the dear children whose mother was my beloved friend, whom I have held in my arms in childhood, and whose little brothers and sisters faded away before my loving eyes when their flower of life had not yet unfolded from the bud of their sweet infancy and the mortal casket was intrusted to General Pickett and myself to be laid away among the church-yard lilies when the jewel of the pure soul had been taken beyond.

To the many to whom the new year brings mourning for the great one gone I would send sincere sympathy, trusting that the Father of all will comfort them in their deep sorrow.

Sincerely yours
MRS. GEO. E. PICKETT.

* * * * *

“His great fame is fixed.”

CINCINNATI, OHIO, January 9, 1904.

MRS. JAMES LONGSTREET,
Gainesville, Georgia:

DEAR MADAM,--You need fear no slurs on the reputation of General Longstreet. His great fame is fixed.

All over this country wherever you find the old boys who wore the blue in the sixties, and who had to fight Longstreet’s corps, you will get the same opinion.

He was a hard fighter, a tireless general who was always ready for a battle, and who believed that hitting hard, never giving up, and following up every advantage was the right way to obey orders.

Our regiment, the Sixth Ohio, met General Longstreet many times. And whenever he was reported as coming we got ready for hard, stubborn fighting, and we were never disappointed in that direction.

He was a brave enemy, and we respected his great qualities.

We are going to have a “Longstreet night” at our G. A. R. Post here this month (open meeting), and have invited all the Confederates near here to meet with us and talk over old days and hard fights.

Sympathizing with you in your loss, I remain,
Yours obediently,
GEO. C. JAMES.

* * * * *

“If Longstreet was disobedient, Lee was a traitor.”

WACO, TEXAS, January 12, 1904.

MRS. LONGSTREET,
Gainesville, Georgia:

DEAR MADAM,--Enclosed I send you a brief tribute that I paid to General Longstreet.

General Longstreet’s fame is safe with all fair-minded men, but it is the duty of us, who knew him and served under him, to raise our voices in his defence, now that he cannot do so, as he formerly so ably and conclusively did, and I here make my defence of the charge that he failed to do his duty at Gettysburg.

If it is true that General Longstreet betrayed General Lee at Gettysburg, and that General Lee knew it, the legitimate and logical conclusions are that General Lee was a traitor, not only to the Confederacy, but to every man who served under him. All know that at Gettysburg Lee staked an empire on Longstreet’s corps, and all know that when it rolled back from those bloody heights, leaving its bravest and its best cold in death upon its grassy slopes, that the sun of the Confederacy, with battle target red, slowly sank into the bosom of eternal night. And to say that General Lee knew that General Longstreet was responsible for the loss of the battle, responsible for the death of so many brave men who had there died in vain, responsible for the ruin of a cause dear to so many hearts, and then permit the man who had brought all this about, to remain as the commander of the First Corps of his army, to lovingly speak of him as he did as his right arm, to send him in two months after the battle of Gettysburg in command of his corps to save the Army of Tennessee from the ruin brought upon it by the inefficiency of Bragg, to permit him to remain throughout that long and dreary winter that he spent in East Tennessee, to bring him back to Virginia and be his chosen lieutenant from the Wilderness to the banks of the James, and from the James to Appomattox, is to convict General Lee of a treason to both himself and his country, more damnable than that which so-called admirers of General Lee charge upon Longstreet.

I remain, very truly yours,
G. B. GERALD.

* * * * *

“Denounced with bitterness the statement of Pendleton.”

CORSICANA, TEXAS, January 8, 1904.

MRS. JAMES LONGSTREET,
Gainesville, Georgia:

MADAM,--Your noble defence of your great husband places beyond cavil or controversy the fame of an illustrious career.

Yesterday, as I finished reading it, the bent form of one who had followed him everywhere, “amid the fiery pang of shells,” passed, and I called him and read him the charge. “Liars! Liars!” and the light of battle passed once more into his eyes as he defended General Longstreet. Then I read him your letter, and then he cried.

You will pardon me for this intrusion on your sorrow. My father was a cavalry officer in the volunteers in Scott’s campaign in Mexico. He there formed the acquaintance of General Longstreet, and none denounced with more bitterness the statement of Pendleton.

With a sincere wish for your future happiness,
I am most respectfully,
J. C. GAITHER.

* * * * *

“He was too big a man for his day.”

New ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, January 4, 1904.

MRS. GENERAL JAMES LONGSTREET,
Gainesville, Georgia:

DEAR MADAM,--Enclosed I send you the _Picayune_ comment on the death of your distinguished husband and my honored commander.

General Longstreet is blamed for the mistake of General Lee in charging the heights of Gettysburg. The same mistake was made by General Burnside at Fredericksburg; which clearly proves that American soldiers can not successfully charge heights guarded by Americans. That is settled.

Why should General Lee send General Longstreet to Chickamauga immediately after Gettysburg, if Longstreet had been guilty of anything that his enemies so persistently accuse.

The only thing that General Longstreet was guilty of was the acceptance of office under the United States government after the war. Now suppose all the Confederate generals had accepted office as he did, would it not have effectively kept the office-holders placed here by the carpet-bag government out of power? And also, how many ex-Confederates refuse office under the United States government to-day, is a question I would like to have answered. Longstreet was too big a man for his day, that was all.

The scribbling of unscrupulous parties can not dim his fame. He was the hardest fighter of the Civil War, participant in all the battles of the Army of Northern Virginia, and victor on the only great field won by the Confederates in the West, Chickamauga.

I deeply sympathize with you, as I know all of Longstreet’s corps do.

Yours truly,
GEO. W. WEIR,

_Company A, Hampton Legion, Hood’s Brigade, Longstreet’s Corps,
Army of Northern Virginia._

* * * * *

“He stood the brunt of the battle at Gettysburg.”

KRUMDALE, TEXAS, January 3, 1904.

MRS. GENERAL JAMES LONGSTREET,
Gainesville, Georgia:

MY DEAR MADAM,--As an old Confederate soldier of the Eighteenth Virginia Regiment, Pickett’s division, General James Longstreet’s corps, I wish to extend to you my heartfelt sympathy and condolence in your sad affliction in the death of your gallant and illustrious husband. His old comrades will never for a moment believe the calumny that has been thrust against him. A pure, true soldier, a good, noble, and loyal citizen. He rests now over the river under the shades of the beautiful heavenly trees, the peer of Hon. Jeff. Davis, General R. E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and others. May his ashes rest in peace. When I read the announcement of his death in the papers and your letter it made my heart bleed, and the only comfort I could find was to weep like a child. I congratulate you on your well-written defence and complete vindication of my old comrade and general. I loved him so much, and so long as life shall last I will cherish a lively recollection of his many noble and gallant deeds. I was with him on that memorable day, and can testify that he stood the brunt of the battle on the 3d of July at Gettysburg. I cannot understand how any pure or noble or brave man could circulate such false statements against one of the best and bravest men in our army. But envy is a malicious foe, always ready to destroy that which it cannot imitate or surpass. May God comfort and his blessings abide with you and yours is the prayer of one that entertains the highest respect for you and the memory of your husband.

R. P. GOODMAN.

* * * * *

“One of the greatest military men of the age.”

MRS. LONGSTREET:

DEAR MADAM,--I had not the honor of a personal acquaintance with your illustrious husband, nor was I with him in the war on his side of the question, in any sense. But I believe him to have been one of the greatest military men of the age, and with no superior on the Southern side. His course since the war has inspired the highest respect and esteem of every patriotic and intelligent lover of the Union.

At Gettysburg, in my opinion, he was the one sure-footed counsellor of Lee’s many advisers.

One of our papers, recently commenting on his life, took occasion to refer to the old charges of delay at Gettysburg. I expect to answer these charges in a lengthy article.

Yours sincerely,
H. W. HARMON.

EFFINGHAM, N. H.

* * * * *

“Always present at the critical and dangerous point.”

ATHENS, January 4, 1904.

MY DEAR MRS. LONGSTREET,--I write to assure you of my heartfelt sympathy with you in your great bereavement.

I mourn with deep sorrow the death of General Longstreet. I have witnessed many times his valor and devotion. He seemed to me to be absolutely ubiquitous on the battle-field--always present at the critical and dangerous point.

The proudest recollections of my life are associated with the glorious First Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia and its heroic commander.

With renewed assurance of my sympathy, I am,
Yours very sincerely,
ALEX. T. ERWIN.

* * * * *