Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1868-09-01
interview Will, General Longatreet.

Yesterday chieftain of the late rebellion
General James Longstreet-arrived in New
York. Since the war he accepted the situa-
ton, and has used his influence to counsel
and. guide his people and to lead them safely
back toan enduring peace. Yesterday evening
a reporter of the Tribune called upon the
General at the New York Hotel. Imagine
seated at table tall, well-built man in
suit of black. The face is kindly, pleasant
one, the beard is sandy and grizzled, and the
cheeks are flushed. The forehead is high,
and the eyes are grey, and soft in expression.
The mouth, squarely cut, denotes decision !;
and there is that quiet, resolute air about him
that reminds one of General Grant, whom he
strongly resembles in looks and manner
Although suffering. from an attack of fever,
he bore himself resolutely above pain, and
after dinner conversed freely upon affairs in
the southern States. As a portion of the con-
versaton bears directly upon the coming CAM
paign l give it in full.
Reporter: Doyou think we willhave better
days in the southern States
General Longstrcet: Assuredly. The cot
ton crop has been very large this year, and we
will soon. have capital Of, our own to work
upon.
Reporter Suppose Seymour is elected, DO
you think we will have another war?
General Longstreet: / cannot say as to
that, but believe that If he as elected al mtU
open all those old issues, and ace acU hare
trouble; but do not think he will be elected.
Reporter What do you think Of Grant?
General Longstreet: He as nly man. |
believe he is fair man. l met him at West
Point. think he is above meannsss. HIS
silence rs grand.
Reporter There is one thing would like
to ask. 1t is in regard to the negro.
General Longstreet (smiling): 1 will tell
you all 1 know
Reporter: Will he Keep ais contracts in
regard 10 labor?
General Longstreet: 1 can relate nay own
experience. Mine have worked we'll. They
like to have a white man come out in the
field and tell them what to do. There was
always class of lazy men who would sit in
their houses and give their orders, These
men deserve to haze trouble.
Reporter And in regard to jury; trials
mean negroes upon jury bench
General Longstreet: In some cases that is
bad for instance, Negroes generally are ig-
norant upon intricate matters of business
But il, district is disposed to do right with
them the jury may b. diyided-w.hite and
black. They (the negroes) soon. learn, and
appreciate the position.
Reporter: About negro supremacy 2
General Lopgstreet: All, that can never
be; it silly to think of it. They can never
be stronger than they are to, day, and the whites
of the South know it ; but they miscd by
the politicians.
Reporter In regard to the acts of,r rccon-
struction?
General Longstrcet 1 advise my friends
to accept them, and come into the Union and
try %. bring about peace aud prosperity. l
told the people Ct Alabama i they would not
be guided by the politicians they woaId come
out all right.
Reporter: And you think it viii come out
all right?
General Longstrect: I do; the crops are
large. The cotton crop is worth S200,000,-
600. That is n. step toward bringing about
the desired result. Chase was my man. |
think if nominated he could have been elected,
and the southern people would rally about him
without knowing it !; L cannot vote for Sey-
mour; but any way, thip!k good times are
not far distant.-Ne,0 York Tribune.