The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-04-30
LONGS STREET
How and why lie Became.a Hepublican-
Rnmored Change Of PolItics.

Inc new OlltaU~ ittn says ANtt tii'
moving impulses Of General Longsiroefs
political course have been misrcprcscntcd
and misunderstood has been well known 90
those friends who enjoyed The honor or tho
brave old soldiers confidence. But. acting
upon honest conviction. De- was never an
lpologist for the cause he o~poused as long
rs Dee felt 10 20 be toe right one.
Recently am old letter OF the Generals
was discovered, and as 40 threw strong
light upon his motives and possessed much
historical value. bis permission TO make 10
public was solicited. Amer at FIRST doclin-
ing tO accord this. he has been persuaded to
leave The question tO tac judgment of
others. as will De seen hy tho following
note:
GAINESVILLE. CA, March D. 1890.
Ny Dear Colonel owen: Thanks for kind
/ expressions and attentions. such lctter,
may De interesting reading after | haze
answered the final summons. ] don't see
that they can avail any practical purpose
now. However, If my friends dOsire o.
/ publish the letter and agree that it may
serve good purpose. ] .hlil offer no
/ further opposition io your Wishes.
Very truly yours.
j. LONosrHhEr.
Following is tine letter. which we lcol as
/ throughout the entire country.
NEW ORLEANS. la. July 3. 1867.
r. IL. Tallaiouo. EsQ.:
Ny Dear SIR Your letter OF business. ln
which you allude t0 my politics, is received.
As am NOT "a politician ! can only briefly
state my position in addition 'o my letter
which ! send YOU.
Ny politics are tO sgYo the little ihlt ie
I To- fI I|I ID l
little as best wc may. ! believe that the
course that some politicians have pursued
tends tO increase our humiliation and d'.-
trcss and leads ms to greater trouble. until
we finally shall have cOufscaiion and eNpH-
triatl0n. Since the negro haas been given
the privilege of voting it i- all important We
should exercise such influence over fnGf
vote as to prevent it being injurious 90 us.
and we can Ouly do SD as Republicans.
As there Is mo- principle 40 issue now that
should keep as from the Republican party,
and an our interests are dependent urou
thai party IL seems tO me That our duty fo
ourselves and to an OF our friends, requires
that our party South should seek alliance
with the Republican party.
Since my letter was published / have ra-
ccNcd letters from many Republicans Boz
Congress. assuring me- that iho entire party
will Doe glad % restore all of our people o.
their privileges as soon as they admit facts
as do. II there is any sense or reason in
keeping up This family quarrel. ] confess
am unable Cd sec on appreciate 10. / believe
that fought for our view. as much as ans
one IN the land. but / must say thai when
We laid our arms down. ceased 20 ii-ht.
and ask for peace.
10 is offered ia the terms that the Nlciors
have seen ht. / think 30 our plain duty lO
accept, and go tO work to restore the ui0u.
Congress requires reconstruction upon the
Republican basis. n the whites WON'T d0
this. the thing must Doe dOue hy thc blacks.
and We shall Dee set aside, II not cNpaifl-
atod
Then it seems plain 10 me that we should
do the work ourselves, and have 10 white
instead OF black, and have our best men in
office.
d0 not think that any one can lnd fault
with my letter if they will read DO without
feeling of prejudice. 10 was intended to
open their eyes tO their condition and illo
dangers which threaten them n they reject
the present propositions.
II they do not approve nay views ms Che
true ones, they should 40 least allow me the
privilege of my opinion.
so one has worked more than J. nor lost
m0ro
think the time has come for peace, and
ann not willing % lose NOR. blood of
means In procuring 10.
N there are amy in the country inclined o.
fight this question / hope n0t tO Dee included
IN that number. | shall not abuse in,m .or
their views, and hope that they viii nof
deny me the right 90 Withdraw lom ine
contest.
I'm giving your opinion upon One natter
would suggest that 1ou study it ont hl
Yourself after mature reelection.
This is the only way i0 arrive dt iho truth.
ln discussion men geo excited and fail iO
do themselves Justice after tle.rieeiines afc
over aroused.
Please present my Kind sl.u.liions O.
your family and friends.
MO,l sincerely yours,
j. LONCrIHrEr.
p. s. see it frequently stated Chat
have deserted the people. J think shat ii
can not hs long before they Will begin o.
see that j. OF ai others, have not DESERTED
them. and that my advice wouii have saved
them great trouble.
The above must Dee considered in c0nnoc-
ton with subsequent reconstruction as it
was actually enforced. in order tO correctly
determine the true value NJ General LONG
streets political precedence. And tle inter
est in this conclusion may he enhanced by
the current report that ne has determined
hereafter 90 vote with the Democracy