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| 8.5" X 11" Limited Edition Print Signed and Numbered (of 100) |
| James Longstreet |
James Longstreet was considered by many the hardest fighter in the Confederate Army
and a brilliant tactician. He was largely responsible for the Confederate victory at
Chickamauga in September 1863. Many blame him for the loss at Gettysburg, and the
controversy continues to be debated today.
General Robert E. Lee called Longstreet “My Old War Horse.” After the War he became a
Republican and ardent supporter of his friend U. S. Grant. For this reason he was labeled
a turncoat by many Southerners.
Longstreet sent the following letter to his wife Louise in 1871. Because of his difficulties in
writing, some of the words in the text of this letter were illegible. Missing words are indicated
with a question mark (?). While there is nothing particularly remarkable about this letter, it
is an important piece of Longstreet history. Very little is known about James, the person.
Longstreet the soldier is relatively a simple subject. However, unlike other, more famous
war personalities, barely a shred of evidence exists to tell us what Longstreet was like in his
personal life. This loving letter to his wife is a shred of that evidence.
My Dearest Louise
New Orleans, La
July 26, 1871
Your interesting letter from Wytheville is just received. I am glad to know that you are at
your journey’s end and tolerably comfortably located.
The after-noon of the day that you left we had a severe rain storm which cooled us off
pretty well for this region, and refreshing winds and rains have been pretty constant? So
that we have had pleasant weather now and have had for a week.
We have not had a word from Garland yet, though, letters have been written to try and get
him to let us know where and how he is. ? will be glad to hear from you also. She was
anxiously inquiring this morning as to how long it would be before I would have a letter.
Who should come in just as I was sitting down to dinner the day that you left but Octavia.
And, she was much disappointed at loosing the opportunity to visit Va again.
I hope that you will try and ? a good cook and bring with you. One that can make bread
which is the most important article. I mean, of course, bread food in all ways.
It is not possible to say yet whether I shall be able to get off this fall. Though I hope to do
so in Sept. if your health returns by that time. Mary's mother wishes to send messages of
love on and to say that all was well. George and I are very ? getting along and send love to
you and the little boys. Tell Lee and Jinn that I hope they will show the Va boys what good
boys we have down in New Orleans.
Very affectionately yours,
James Longstreet
and a brilliant tactician. He was largely responsible for the Confederate victory at
Chickamauga in September 1863. Many blame him for the loss at Gettysburg, and the
controversy continues to be debated today.
General Robert E. Lee called Longstreet “My Old War Horse.” After the War he became a
Republican and ardent supporter of his friend U. S. Grant. For this reason he was labeled
a turncoat by many Southerners.
Longstreet sent the following letter to his wife Louise in 1871. Because of his difficulties in
writing, some of the words in the text of this letter were illegible. Missing words are indicated
with a question mark (?). While there is nothing particularly remarkable about this letter, it
is an important piece of Longstreet history. Very little is known about James, the person.
Longstreet the soldier is relatively a simple subject. However, unlike other, more famous
war personalities, barely a shred of evidence exists to tell us what Longstreet was like in his
personal life. This loving letter to his wife is a shred of that evidence.
My Dearest Louise
New Orleans, La
July 26, 1871
Your interesting letter from Wytheville is just received. I am glad to know that you are at
your journey’s end and tolerably comfortably located.
The after-noon of the day that you left we had a severe rain storm which cooled us off
pretty well for this region, and refreshing winds and rains have been pretty constant? So
that we have had pleasant weather now and have had for a week.
We have not had a word from Garland yet, though, letters have been written to try and get
him to let us know where and how he is. ? will be glad to hear from you also. She was
anxiously inquiring this morning as to how long it would be before I would have a letter.
Who should come in just as I was sitting down to dinner the day that you left but Octavia.
And, she was much disappointed at loosing the opportunity to visit Va again.
I hope that you will try and ? a good cook and bring with you. One that can make bread
which is the most important article. I mean, of course, bread food in all ways.
It is not possible to say yet whether I shall be able to get off this fall. Though I hope to do
so in Sept. if your health returns by that time. Mary's mother wishes to send messages of
love on and to say that all was well. George and I are very ? getting along and send love to
you and the little boys. Tell Lee and Jinn that I hope they will show the Va boys what good
boys we have down in New Orleans.
Very affectionately yours,
James Longstreet