The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-04-26
GENERAL LONGsTREET's CRITICISM
OF THETIMES.

The point in our article OF April Sth that
General Longstreet complains Of in his
letter to The Times. printed in this morn
ings ISSUE is contained In the follow
ing language-to-wit:
But there is a criticism which has not
yet been made, but can be made. upon
his part I'm the battle OF the 3D. and ii is
one of the most serious and damaging
character. He was ordered by General
Lee to advance the artillery with the in
tantry and to keep up its fire, and he
did not do it and allowed its fire TO
suspend during the assault. He can never
answer this, and it lost us the day"
The entire question raised by General
Longstreet In this letter is whether Cen
eral Lee gave him any such order. We
had said that he did. General Long
street now says that he did not. We
quote the following from his letter OF
this morning:
Recurring now TO this last charge.
The first impression upon the mind OF
one familiar with the records is OF sur
prise that General Lee could have been
so careless OF his records TO fail 10
mention an order, the execution OF which
would have gained his battle.
He made Two official reports OF the
battle. at six months interval: was in
daily and confidential correspondence with
the President but IN none OF these does
ne even refer TO the alleged order. There
was some method shown in this apparent
carelessness. as i propose TO show.
He did not refer 10 this matter because
he never gave the order"
And we reply that the first impression
upon the mind, OF all familiar with the
records is Of amazernent that General
Longstreet shorad have made this state
ment. General Lee says in his report
Of the battle OF Gettysburg. OF the third
days fight:
"a careful examination was made OF the
ground secured 10y LOngstreet. and his
batteries placed IN position, which IL was
believed would enable them 10 silence
those OF the enemy. HIS artillery ana
part OF Ewelfs was ordered 10 open sinful
taneously, and the assaulting column to
advance under cover OF the combined fire
OF tho three. The batteries were directed
to be pushed forward as the Infantry
progressed, protect their 1anks, and sup
port their attacks closely"
Any one can read this in General Lees
report, to be seen in the 9th volume or
the war records, part 2. page 800.
General Lee not only tells US that he
rave this order. but General Longstreet
practically admits. in his official report OF
the battle. written within three weeks OF
A.. chat he received the order. He says
sn that report (speaking Of the three
days battle):
IT concluded. therefore. that we must
attack very soon. IL we hoped TO accom-
plish anything before night. / gave orders
for the batteries TO refill their ammuni-
sion-chests, and 10 be prepared 10 follow
up the advance OF the infantry" 10.
y. $50.
Why did he give this order? The in
ference is Irresistible that II was because
General Leo gave It TO him.
And General Pendleton. chief OF the ar
sillery of the army. says In his official
report,
by direction OF the commanding gen
sral, the artillery along our entire line
was 70 Be prepared for opening as early
- possible on the morning Of the third. a
concentrated and destructive fire. cOn<e-
ouent upon which general advance was
20 be made. Proceeding again 10
che right 20 see about the anticipated al
yanos Of the artillery. delayed beyond
expectst1on." &c. ID. SSl-s62.
And Major Dshleman. commanding the
MasAtngeon Artillery. says In his report
II ~ eAstis, IN having bssu unAa,stosd