The New York herald., 1867-06-11
Letter from General LOngstreet.
From the New Orleans Republican, June 81


New ORLEANS, La, June 8. 1857
My DEAR SR-Your esteemed favor or the 18th ui was
duly received. was much pleased to have tho oppor
tunty to hear Senator Wilson, and was agreeably sur
whom have been taught TO believe uncompromisingy
opposed to the white people or the South.
unite n eos % M hon 70
sition in the Unon through the party now In power
Ny letter Of the 9th Of April to which REFER clearly
indicates desire for practical reconstruction and
reconciliation. Practical surely dstin-
guish between practical reconstruction and recon-
strucion sa as , an abstract question win endeavor,
wishes In the matter The serious difficulty that
apprehend Is the want Of that wisdom which il
sary for the great work. shall be happy 70 work in
any harness that promises relief TO distressed people
and harmony 70 the nation It matters not whether /
ner 80 that may help TO bring the glory Of peace and
good will toward men,
shall se. out BY assuming proposition that hold to
Tho great principles that divided political parties prior
statesmen. when argument was exhausted resort vas
had TO compromise. When compromise was unavaing
discussion Was renewed and expedisns were sought but
none could DO found TO suit the emergency. Appeal
which q tho claims was % n: true 'ssa%as ssnasIas
decided In favor Of the NORTH and what they claimed
principles cease TO bo principles, and are become law
they are opposed 70 law Il Is therefore our duty
abandon dsss that are obsolete and conform 70 the
Qur0m0n0 OF law.
The Military bill and amendments are peace o6srines
We should accept them ~ such, and place ourselves
upon them q the starting point from which TO meet
future political issues a. they arisa
Like other southern men naturally sought alliance
with the democratic party, merely because i op-
posed 70 the republican party But far Judge
thero 10 nothing tangible about except the issues that
were staked upon the war and there lost Finding
nothing TO take hold Of except prejudice which cannot
be worked into good for any IL 10 proper and right
that should seek some standpoint from which good
may be done.
II appreciate the principles Of tho democratic party,
the colored man. and deny the right TO legsats upon
the subject Of suffrage except by the States ndv duay
These two features have tendency to exclude Southern
men from that party; for the colored Is already
enfranchisod here and cannot seek alliance with
party that would restrct his rights The exclusive right
OF the States TO legisate upon suffrage will make the
franchsement Of the backs whether for better for
worse fixture among Il appears, therefore, that
those who cry loudest against this new order OF
principles would fx it upon without q remedy.
Hence II becomes TO insist that suffrage should be
extended In all OF the States and fully tested Tho
people Of the North should adopt what they forced
upon and II IL be proved to be mistake they should
by the remedy under republican principles Of
uniform laws upon suffrage.
II every man In the country will meet the crisis with
proper appreciation OF condition, and fairly
up TO his responsibilities, on tomorrow the sun will
smile upon happy people. fields will again begin 70
yield their increase our railroads and will teem
resound with the tumu Of trade and shall bo invg-
GRATED by the blessings OF Almighty God l am sir
very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
JAMES L0NGsTREET.