The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1867-04-17
Gen. Longstreet on the Situation
Longs.rees in the Sunday Times.

We Auu ING 'c'io"1o iAeSieStiiic ietteF from
Longstreet in the Sunday Times.
NEW ORLEANS. April 9Th, 1ssz
TO the Editor Of The New Orleans Tines:
Since your publication Of my letter many c,,,az,:.
have reached me as to the prospects Of our poli,i
future and our duties at this crisis. Ny former
vas intended 10 meet all questions, and vas as 71
detail as a soldier should venture, in a field ~
tisey new to him. hare no inclination, howers- 'n-
avoid duties responsibilities, whatever may be- ~
! form in which they presented.
But TO attempt, at this time. general discussion ~
the merits and dement's Of all matter that is bong.
to be r1seral to the sub eet which absorbs our pts
est wonld require more time and labor than are at M
disposal Besides such discussion would leave NJ
last where armies surrendered. | must "a,
therefore that those who inclined to consider ms
| Tiews will excuse the e bluntness of soldier
| The Surrender Of the Confederate armies in 1sg,
| involved
| /. The surrender Of thu claim to tie right of So.
cesson.
! the negro.
3. TIE surrenasr Of ne Southern toy sas7ucg
These issues expired upon the field last occupied BY
the Confederate armies. There they should have been
buried The soldier prefers to have the sod that re-
ceircs him when he falls cover his remains The DO.
tical questions of the war should have been buried
upon the fields that marked their end. Our most
cherished objects of this EARTH blood of our blood
life of life if not duly deposited as ordained by
an All-wise Providence become offensive. So must il.
be with this dead matter If the last funeral rites OF
the Southern CoAfederacF have not been performed
let u.s. with due soemDty proceed to the discharge OF
that painful duty, and let deposit in the same grave
the agony of grief that may the better prepare
ourselves for return to the duties OF this fite
Il may be we'll TO remark that efforts at recon-
structon will be vain unless embark in the enter
prise with the sincerity of purpose which will COM
mand success. Great deeds not accomplished by
the cold support of Indifferent approval; they must be
built of "sterner stuff" We must apply ourselves
with diligence and with united resolution, il We hope
lift the darkness that threatens future and
comfortable issue from the difficulties that
round u.s.
The Fabian policy seems to be the one most in favor
amongst US; Familiarity termed the system of mas
terly inactivity" This policy has achieved great no.
toriety from the fact that distinguished Roman gen
eral (Fabus Aaximgs) at the head of well organised
and we'll disciplined army, by bis superior strategy and
tactics delayed the progress Of the march of the Car
thagenians, and saved Rome. That TO
be in condition to employ mastery inactivity"
without the organisation of political party, oven T..
the organisation OF political club, is beyond my un
Outstanding. We might better be likened unto the
bird that conceals its head in the sand, and at oncs
begins to geTe at the danger to its puFsuers who are
now left alone in the vast desert.
Before undertake to change the course of i'm
pending dangers, should endeavor to remove all
obstacles that may be likely 10 impede cur progress in
the work Of reconstruction. The chief of these the
opinion that prevails extent amongst our peo
pie that we cannot do wrong, and that NortherneFs
cannot do right have no doubt but the same feel
ings with regard to themselves, may be found amongst
the Northern people. Both sections are laboring un-
der msapprehensions which they should strive to
correct Both are subject to the frales Of human
nature, and each should extend charity if they expect
it in return Let US them begin dispe the deIuson
and see if establish our claim to greatness.
1t is now too late to go back TO look after
rights under the law and the Constitution. It is of
no practical importance for US to know whether
have been deprived of these rights by lawful
lawful process We know that they are gone and
that the only available law is martial law and the only
right, power. The more seek for law, when there
is no Law, the greater will be confusion. Law at
best is slow process by which to recover lost pos
sessions TO attempt to recover them under doubtful
laws and against power is futile.
Some think that the question OF resistance IS ad-
nissable in deciding course Of action. But this
grave error even if We had the power resist and
reasonable hope of successful resistance. For when
people to the violence of they should be
prepared to show to the world just cause of war
What cause can we claim unless say that did
not know what VIC were fighting for in the war just
ended
Oar duty resolves itself into two very simple propo
sltions viz: relieve ourselves from present
By returning to allegiance in good
aith, TO the General Government under the process
aid down by Congress, or seek protection under
oreign government. Those who determine to remain
should speed the work OF reconstruction, and put our
people in condition to make their laws and choose
heir officers for their execution.
/ an one of the particularly dsfranchsed, for |
have been Informed from the highest authority that
am Of those who will be the last to receive am
nesty. regard this as of the results that belong
10 the hazards of revolution and I have no better
cause of complaint than those whe have lost their
slaves.
1t frequently said, owa-days that constitutional
government is failure bgt the cause and effect are
not appreciated If there is failure the fault is with
he people, net with the government. lunatio fnay
destroy the most magnificent edice but it can onlT
Re rebuilt by the most sklIful artist
am sir, very respectfully
Your most o5edient servant
JAMES LoEasTRgEf