Description:

JAMES LONGSTREET
(1821 - 1904) Confederate major general who commanded Lee's right wing at Antietam, and the left flank at Chickamauga. Longstreet has been accused of delaying his attack at Gettysburg, leading to the Confederate defeat there. Excessively rare fine content and association war date A.L.S. "J. Longstreet", 4pp. 8vo., "Camp near Winchester", Oct. 5, 1862 to fellow Gen. Joseph E. Johnston. Just four days before his promotion to Lieutenant General, Longstreet corresponds with his old friend who had been wounded at the Battle of Seven Pines in early June. In part: "…I was much gratified at having a letter from you, and particularly so at receiving the photograph. It has revived a good deal of the old enthusiasm that your old Army has always had at the sight or thought of you. Although they have fought many battles and successfully under another leader [Robert E. Lee], I feel that you have their hearts more decidedly than any other leader can ever have. The men would now go wild at the sight of their old favorite. I can't become reconciled at the idea of your going west. I command the 1st Corps in this Army. If you will take it you are more than welcome to it, and I have no doubt but the command of the entire Army will fall to you before Spring. I am now thirty thousand strong and increasing very fast daily. It would do my heart a great deal of good to have one good talk with you, can't always write what we would like to say…we are trying to shoe & clothe our men and scratch out the wrinkles from their stomachs caused by their short rations…we are now beginning to feel like game cocks again, and some begin to wish for the chance to convince the Yankees that Sharpsburg is but a trifle to what they can do…If it is possible for me to relieve you by going west don't hesitate to send me…" Slight toning, with paper thinning partially affecting one letter in signature, else very good. A most telling letter, obviously showing Longstreet's great admiration for Johnston, but more tellingly it hints at Longstreet's dissatisfaction with his new commanding officer, Robert E. Lee. The rest is history: Johnston was indeed sent to command the Department of the West, and Longstreet's tenuous relationship with Lee would cause him to be blamed by many for the debacle at Gettysburg.

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January 31, 2013 11:00 AM EST
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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