The Union flag. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1865-187?, 1867-07-05
General LOngstreets Letter.

The following is the text Of General Long
streets letter upon reconstruction, In reply
to communication addressed to him by
John NJ. G Parker:
NEw ORLEANS, June 3, 1867.
Your esteemed favor OF the 18th ult. was
duly received. ! was pleased to have the
opportunity TO hear Senator Wilson, and was
ngreeably surprised to meet such fairness
and franknsss in politician whom | have
been taught TO believe uncompromisingly op-
posed to the white people of the South.
have Inaturely considered your sugges-
ton to "Wisely unite in efforts to restore
Louisiana TO her 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
reconsu uctioR and reconciliation. Pracu-
cal men eau surely distinguish between prac-
tical reconstruction and reconciliation as an
abstract question. will endeayor however,
With renewed energy, to meet your wishes in
the matter. The serious difficulty that ap-
prehend is the want OF that wisdom which is
necessary for the work. shall be happy to
work in any harness that promises relief to
our distressed people and harmony to the
nation. II matters not whether bear the
mantle OF Mr. Davis or the mantle OF Mr..
Sumner, 80 that may help to bring the glory
Of "peuce and good will toward msn."
shall set out by assuming q proposition
that hold to be Self evident, viz The high
est Of human laws iSthe law that is estab-
lished by appeal 10 arms.
The great principles that divided political
parties prior 10 the war were thoroughly dis
cussed by our wise statesmen. When argn-
ment wus exhausted resort was had to com
promise. When compromise was unayailing,
discussion was renswed, and expedients were
sought, but none could be found to suit the
emergency. Appeals was finally made to the
sword, 10 determine which Of the claims was
tue true construction Of Constitutional law.
The sword has decided in favor Of the NORTH,
and what lbey claimed as principles ceased
to he principles, aud are become law. The
views that We held ceASe to be principles be-.
cause they are opposed to law. 1t is there
fore our duty to abandon ideas that are OBJ
| solete, and conform 10 tho requirements Oi
law.
The military bill and amendments are peace
offerings We should accept them as such,
and place ourselves upon them as the start
| ing point from which to meet future political
issues AS they arise.
Like other Southern men. naturally sought
alliance With the Democratic party, merely
because IL was opposed to the Republican
party. But as far AI can judge there is
nothing tangible sbout il, except the issues
| that were staked upon the war and were lost.
Finding nothing To take hold Of except pfeju-
| dice. which cannot be worked into good for
| any one, it is proper aud right that should
seek some stand point from which good may
| no done.
II appreciate the principles Of the Demo.
cratic party, its prominent feature oppose the
enfranchisement Of the colored man, and de-
ny the right to legislate upon the subject o
suffrage, except BY the States individually
These two features have tendency to ex-
clude Southern Dfn from that party, for the
eolsYed man is already enfranchsed here
and We cannot seek alliance with parry
that would rsstrict bis rights. The exclusive
rigbS Of the States TO leglslate upon suffrage
wiz make the eniranehisement OF the blacks
whether for better or for worse hxture
among US.
II appears, therefore, that those who cry
Ioudest against this new order OF things al
A public calamity, are those whose prineiplti
wouk AZ Il upon us without remedy
Hence Il becomes us 10 insist that suffrage
should be extended to all the States, and
fully tested. The people Of the North should
adopt what they have forced upon US and !
n be A mistake, they should remove It by thu
remedy under republican principles OF uni
form laws upon suffrage
m eyery man In the country will meet th'
crisis With proper appreciation Of our con
dihon, and come fairly up to bis responsible
tiles, on tomorrow the sun will smile upon
happy people, our 6elds will again begin Z
Weld their increase, our railroads and river
wlllteem with abundant commerce, our town
and cities will resound with the tumuIt o
trade, and We shall be invigorated BY lh'
blessings Of Almighty God.
lam, sir, very respectfully
-FOUR most obedient SERVANTS
JAMES LoSosrREEr.