The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1867-06-19
Letter from Gen. Longstreet.

General James Longstreet
Gener6l In your admirable letter Of tie 6th ultin
you remark that Our efforts at reconstruction will
vain and useless unless we embark IN the enterpris
with the sincerity Of purpose which will command SUI
cess
The spirit which inspired the above paragraph. t.
gether with the fact that thousands Of brave soldier
are still ready to follow their leader wherever he
see fit to call them. has emboldened me to extend
you an invitation to attend mass meeting in Lafay
cite square tomorrow evening, at which the Hon
Henry Wilson, a distinguished leader in the Repub
can party, will address the citizens Of New Orleans.
AS soldiers we were opposed to each other durins
the war; but as citizens may we not wisely unite il
efforts to restore Louisiana to her former position il
the Union through the party in power, and which
in all probability will retain power for many years
Gomez IT you accept shall be glad to hear you
views on the condition of public affairs.
Respectfully yours etc,
JOHN n. G. PARKER.
New ORLEANS, La, June s. 1867.
]. M. G. Parker, ESQ.,:
Ny Dear Sir-Your esteemed favor of the l5tl
ut. was duly received. much pleased to have
the opportunity to hear Senator Wilson, and wa
agreeably surprised to meet such fairness and frank
ness in politician whom / have been taught to be
eve uncompromisingy opposed to the white people
of the South.
have maturely considered your suggestion t.
former position in the Union through the party now
in power" Ny letter of the 9th of April to which
you refer clearly indicates desire for practical re
construction and reconciliation. Practical men car
surely distinguish between practical reconstruction ane
reconstruction as an abstract question ! will en-
deavor, however, with renewed energy to meet youl
wishes in the matter. The serious difficulty that
apprehend is the want of that wisdom which is neces
sary for the great work. | shall be happy to work
in any harness that promises relief 10 our distressed
people and harmony to the nation. 1t matters not
whether bear the mantle of Mr.. Davis or the mantle
of Mr.. Sumner, SO that may help to bring the glory
Of peace and goodwill toward men,
shall set out by assuming proposition that hold
to be selfevident viz: The highest of human laws is
the law that is established by appeal to arms.
The great principles that divided political parties
prior to the were thoroughly discussed by our
wisest statesmen. When argument was exhausted re-
sor: was had 10 compromise When compromise was
unavailiug, discussion was renewed, and expedents
sought, but could be found to suit the
geney. Appeal was finally made to the sword, to de-
termine which Of the claims was the true construction
of constitutional law The sword hes decided in fa-
vor of the North, and What they claimed as principles
cease to be principles, and are become lam. 1t is
therefore duty to abandon ideas that obsolete
and conform to the requirements of law.
The military bill, and amendments, are peace offer
ings We should accept them as such, and place our
selves upon them the starting point from which to
meet future political issues they arise.
Like other Southern men, I naturally sought ALI
anee with the Democratic party, merely because it
was opposed to the Republican party. But far as
judge, there is nothing tangible about it, except
the issues that were staked upon the and there
lost Finding nothing to take hold of except preju
dice, which cannot be worked into good for any QUE
it is proper and right that should seek some stand
point from which good may be done.
If appreciate the principles of the Democratic
party, its prominent features oppose the enfrancse
nent of the coored man, and deny the right to legis
late upon the subject of suffrage except by the States
Individually. These two features have tendency to
exclude Southern from that party; for the col
sred is already enfranchsed here, and cannot
eek alliance with a party that would restrict bis
lights The exclusive right of the States to legslate
lpen suffrage will make the enfranchisement of the
blacks, whether for better or for worse, fixture
mongstus 1t appears, therefore, that those who
ny loudest against this order of things pub
c calamity these whose principles would FIX it up
list that suffrage should be extended in all of the
hould adopt what they have forced upon US; and if
be proved to be mistake, they should remove it
J the remedy under republican principles of uniform
lws upon suffrage.
If every man in the country viii NEE. the crisis
18th proper appreciation of our condition. and come
airy up to his responsibilities, tomorrow the
ill smile upon happy people, our fields will again
egin to yield their increase, railroads and rivers
ill TEEN with abundant commerce, our towns and |
tiles will resound with the tunult Of trade, and
lal be nvigorated by the blessings of Almighty God
am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedent ser
ant JAMES LoSGSTREET.