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JAMES LONGSTREET, Autograph Letter Signed, 1884

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Civil War Union Autographs

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Confederate General James Longstreet Autographed Letter

JAMES "LEE'S WAR HORSE" LONGSTREET, Confederate General Commanded Troops at Second Bull Run, Antietam, Gettysburg and Chickamauga; Surrendered with General Lee at Appomattox.
Autograph Letter Signed, "James Longstreet," in purple ink on lined, fine-laid paper, April 14, 1884, Gainseville, GA, double sided page, 9" x 5.75", Choice Extremely Fine. Longstreet writes to a creditor about financial matters, a delayed salary, and contributions to the political campaign of Blaine and Logan--who ran on the Republican ticket for the Presidency later that year (losing to Grover Cleveland). After the Civil War, Longstreet converted to Catholicism, joined the Republican Party and held a number of federal posts, working for the government of his former enemies as a diplomat and administrator. Small ink run at the upper left margin, and two small pin holes, not affecting the writing in the least. Interesting content with political importance, reflecting southerner Longstreet's inclination to support Republican candidates in a losing cause, while suffering financial hardship as a result.

In this letter, written to B.F. Jones of New York, he complains of having to give up his office and waiting for past due salary. The letter reads, in full:

"Dear Sir -
Your favor of the 8th instant is recd and noted - I have held office until the 5th inst. when removed on account of my preference for Blaine and Logan to make room for ___ are opposed to both of them.
However I wrote to the First Comptroller some time ago, asking a settlement of my accounts, and payment of large interests past due for earnings of my office with a view to making contributions in aid of the pending campaign.
We have received nothing as yet, and I am now out of some four months salary in consequence - estimated at usual rates at two thousand dollars besides earnings I have amounts of the office previous as I have anticipated the receipt of my usual salary you will readily perceive that two thousand dollars so long out of hand leaves me in poor condition to meet your wishes. I hope however that the department may soon make a settlement and [pay] us in funds.
Very Respectfully & Truly Yours
James Longstreet"

Longstreet (1821–1904) was a Confederate general who distinguished himself at the second battle of Bull Run (1862), Antietam (1862), and Fredericksburg (1862), and in the Wilderness Campaign (1864). He surrendered with Gen. Robert E. Lee at Appomattox (1865).

Longstreet was born in Edgefield District, S.C., graduated (1842) from West Point and served in the Mexican War, reaching the rank of major. At the outbreak of the Civil War he resigned from the U.S. army and became a Confederate brigadier general. He took part in the first battle of Bull Run and in the Peninsular campaign. His performance at the second battle of Bull Run (1862), at Antietam, and at the battle of Fredericksburg led to his promotion (Oct., 1862) to lieutenant general. In 1862–63 he held a semi-independent command south of the James River, returning too late to aid General Lee at Chancellorsville. He commanded the right wing at Gettysburg (1863), where his delay in taking the offensive is generally said to have cost Lee the battle. He fought at Chickamauga in the Chattanooga campaign and unsuccessfully besieged Knoxville (1863). Returning to Virginia in 1864, he distinguished himself in the Wilderness campaign, where he was wounded. Longstreet participated in the last defense of Richmond, surrendering with Lee at Appomattox. After the war he settled in New Orleans, became a Republican, and held a number of federal posts. He criticized Lee's conduct at Gettysburg harshly and was long unpopular in the South. As a general, he is considered to have been a poor independent commander and strategist but an excellent combat officer. His opinions on the war are expressed in his "From Manassas to Appomattox" (1896, reprinted 1960).

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