The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1867-03-27

LEE AND LoNGsrREET ON THE S1rUArIoS-Bod, er
ergec men of war proverbally the one -tongued
men OF peace Strategic studies converted
true soldier into politician. Generals Lee and Long
street remarkably exempfy this truth. The Ne,
Orleans Times Of the 9th publishes the following let
ter from Cen Longstreet, which we heartily recon
mend to the public. We agree with the Times that tn
opinions and advice Of such men will and ought t,
have large and controlling influence the senti
ments of those of our fellow citizens, who may fee
some hesitation in adopting the course recommended
from an apprehension that it may have an aspect O.
abandonment and compromise of those who have hello
positions of prominence and incurred dsfrancbisc
ment in the late war:
New ORLEANS March IS, 1867.
To the Editor of the New Orleans Times:
Dear S1r-ln your paper of yesterday you have
expressed desire to hear the views of several gentle
men upon the political condition Of the country |
find my name mentioned upon your list, and proceed
without hesitation to respond.
As have never applied myself to politics, 1 cam
not claim to speak to the wise statesmen of the
try who deyoting their energies to the solution Of
the problem which agtates the public mind. | can
only speak the plain honest convictions of soldier
1t can hardly be necessary at this late day. to enter
into discussion of the matter that is usually brought
up in arguing the proposed plan for demonstrating the
Government. Indeed, I think that many of them are
not pertinent to the question.
The striking feature, and the one that our people
should keep in view, is, that we are a conquered peo-
pie. Recognising this fact fairly and squarey there
is but one course left for wise to pursue Accept
the terms that offered by the conquerors
There can be no discredt to conquered people for
accepting the conditions offered by their conquerors
Nor is there any occasion for feeling of humiliation
We have made an honest, and l hope that may say,
credtable fight, but have lost. Let us come for
ward then and accept the ends involved in the strug
gle Our people earnestly desire that the constu
tona government shall be reestablished and the only
means to accomplish this is to comply with the re-
guirements Of the recent Congressional legislation
1t is said BY some that Congress will not receive us
after we have complied with the, conditions But l
can find sufficient for entertaining this pro-
position for a moment. l cannot admit that the rep
men of great nation could make such
pledge in bad faith Admitting, however that there
is such mental reservation, can that be any excuse
for us failing discharge duty? Let US accept
is lack Of good faith, let it be upon others.
am, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
JAMES LoyGsTREET.
The opinion of Gen. Lee comes to us in q less au
horitative way, but doubt not the telegraph rela
oily reports him. We quote here the telegram
RICHMOND, March est is authoritatively stated
hat even Gen Lee is strongly in favor of the people
'otng for the convention; that every not actually
lsranchised should only take the necessary steps
o prepare himself to vote, but prepare his friends
White and colored, to vote.