The FReeper Foxhole Profiles Lieutenant General James Longstreet - Aug 16th, 2003

http://www.nps.gov/gett/gettkidz/oldpete.htm ^

[PhilDragoo]

~~~

After the war, a clique of former Confederate officers began blaming General Longstreet for the army's defeat at Gettysburg. The most vocal instigators behind this slur campaign engaged in a great deal of partisan sniping at General Longstreet. It should be noted that this was done after General Lee's death — when Lee could no longer gainsay the critics — and after many of these people had begun careers in the Senate and Congress. Below is offered an item from Lee's post-war correspondence which leaves no doubt about his opinion of Longstreet:

You must remember me very kindly to Mrs. Longstreet and all your children. I have not had an opportunity yet to return the compliment she paid me. I had, while in Richmond, a great many inquiries after you, and learned that you intended commencing business in New Orleans. If you become as good a merchant as you were a soldier, I shall be content. No one will then excel you, and no one can wish you more success and more happiness than I. My interest and affection for you will never cease, and my prayers are always offered for your prosperity."

Robert E. Lee, January 19, 1866.

~~~

James Longstreet was a giant. His actions as soldier and leader of men were an inspiration. His brave heart never faltered--witness his "let us fight it out" gauntlet hurled down on the doorstep of Appomattox.

His detractors were pygmies condemned to die in ignominy, while his supporters, Generals Lee and Grant, mark him the very soul of America.

The next Campaign Finance Reform legislation brought up before the congress should evoke a twenty-one gun volley of canister shot through the scoundrels' bloomers in his memory.

His "free people" remark should be the constant thorn in the side of the hollow men of Foggy Bottom.

His personal presence on the battle line (witness the illustration of his use of personal staff to replace the fallen cannon crew) is reminiscent of anecdotes of Caesar, stepping in to fill a void with his own sword.

No wonder Lee called him his old war horse.

When asked why he had trigger stuffed, Roy Rogers replied Trigger was an irreplaceable horse--whereas one could always get another wife.

[snippy_about_it]

Wonderful pictures and commentary Phil. Thanks.

[GailA]

Hubby has one of those replica pirate pistols, black powder and it wasn't exactly cheap, and it is not anywhere near as fine looking.

[SAMWolf]

Good Evening PhilDragoo.

Great commentary about a great General.

I read somewhere, don't remember where now, that for Robert E. Lee to be considered a Saint, someone had to be blamed for his failures, Longstreet was the one who ended up taking the blame.

[SAMWolf]

I got to fire an old Civil War pistol in Germany, one of my squad memeber had one. We used to get the lead for the bullets by "borrowing" battery leads from deadlined vehicles and melting them down. Had a hell of a kick if I remember correctly.

[E.G.C.]

Thanks Phil, for the article and the bump.

[Colt .45]

A Salute for this fine Son of Dixie!

[snippy_about_it]

I'll second that! Thanks.

[xJones]

Lot of might have beens at Gettysburg, but everything I read suggests that Picketts charge should have never happened.

So true, Sam. It's a very humbling experience to visit the Gettysburg National Historical Battlesite, and I just returned from a visit to Antitem and Harpers Ferry. The history tour guide pointed out the importance of geography on battles, and Pickett's charge at Gettysburg was a classic example of why running uphill into a full attack of firepower by brave men was a bad idea.

[SAMWolf]

Good Morning XJones.

The amazing thing about Pickett's charge was that Armistad's Brigade actually made it to the Union lines before breaking.

[snippy_about_it]

You know SAM. I believe I stayed up all night the 16th and forgot to post your Good Night Song to this thread. Goodness me, sorry.

Here you go, better late than never