James Longstreet Letters for the years 1863 thru 1867

unknown - 3 July 1863

Let the batteries open.

unknown - 2 September 1863

I know but little of the condition of our affairs in the West, but am inclined to the opinion that our best opportunity for great results is in Tennessee.

unknown - 5 November 1863

When I heard the report around camp that I was to go into East Tennessee, I set to work at once to try and plan the means for making the move with security and the hope of great results.

unknown - 28 November 1863

I am not at all confident that General Bragg has had a serious battle at Chattanooga, but there is a report that he has, and that he has fallen back to Tunnel Hill.

Randolphs House, VA - 18 October 1864

I have not reported formally for duty, because I doubted the propriety of being assigned, in my crippled condition, to position now filled by officers of vigorous health.

unknown - 14 February 1865

The only thing that will insure our rations and national existence is gold. Send out the gold through Virginia and North Carolina and pay liberal prices, and my conviction is that we shall have no more distress for want of food.

unknown - 23 February 1865

I think you did not understand my letter of the 14th instant. My effort was to express conviction that Sherman's move was aimed at Richmond

Headquarters First Corps - 26 February 1865

I have just heard from General Ewell indirectly that he can raise force enough at Richmond to hold the lines on this side, so that my corps may be withdrawn temporarily to your right

Headquarters First Army Corps - 1 March 1865

General Ord expressed some apprehension for General Grant lest there might be some misunderstanding in regard to the exchange of political prisoners.

Headquarters First Army Corps - 1 March 1865

He acceded promptly to my proposition that the war must cease if we are to go to work to try to make peace, and to the proposal for a military convention.

Headquarters First Army Corps - 7 March 1865

I received a letter yesterday from, a friend in the interior of North Carolina assuring me that there are large quantities of provisions in the State

Headquarters First Army Corps - 20 March 1865

I presume that the enemy's next move will be to raid against the Danville Railroad, and think that it would be well if we begin at once to make our arrangements to meet it.

Headquarters First Army Corps - 25 March 1865

The large and increasing number of desertions, particularly amongst the Georgia troops, induces me to believe that some such outside influence must be operating upon our men.

Headquarters First Army Corps - 28 March 1865

Your telegram asking if we can spare General Pickett's division as a supporting force to our cavalry is received.

Headquarters First Army Corps - 30 March 1865

Your letter expressing the views of the commander- in- chief in reference to the policy to be pursued in raising negro troops is received.

New Orleans, LA - 20 March 1866

The papers or copies sent by Garland contain every thing that I have or can get in the shape of your letters and orders.

New Orleans, LA - 3 June 1867

I was much pleased to have the opportunity to hear Senator Wilson, and was agreeably surprised to meet such fairness and frankness from a politician whom I had been taught to believe harsh in his feelings towards the people of the South.