The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-11-04

alighted He had no escort. Alone he
climbed the steps and alone walked down
the aisle to where there was a vacant seat.
He had not proceeded far before gallant
ex-leader was recognized. There was the
faintest sort of cheer at first Then the
applause grew into a demonstration. A
rebel yell was sounded from five thousand
threats. Hats flew into the air. Disabled
Confederates forgot their infirmities and
tried to reach him. An old flag that he had
fought under at Chattanooga, where nun
dreds of his men fell by the little pond
near the mountain side, was brought for
ward. The band struck up Dixie. Tears
were in his eyes. Former friends grabbed
his hands. Thus from one moment of pain
full anxiety he was transported into another
on the wings of inexpressible joy.
The South does not abuse him any more.
Immediately after General Grant had
leans. and after he had seen the criticisms
of his former friends printed IN the news.
New Orleans the following; IF there is
any sense in keeping up this family quarrel
/ confess am unable to see or appreciate
it, l believe that l fought for our views as
much as any one in the land, but / must
say that when we laid down our arms l
ceased to fight. / asked for peace. 1t is
offered in the terms that the victors see fit.
think it is our plain duty to accept and
go to work to restore the Union. Congress
requires reconstruction upon republican
basis If the whites won't do this the
blacks will. We shall then be set aside or
else expatriated. Then 1t seems plain TO me
that the whites should do the work. Thus
we will get the best men in Office.
NO one has worked more than /, nor lost
more
II think the time has come for peace and
/ am not willing to lose more blood or
means in procuring ii.
IF there are any in the country inclined
to fight this question / hope not to be in
cluded in that number. l shall not abuse
them for their views. and hope that they
VIII not deny me the right to withdraw
from the contest
General Grant had as much to do with
Longstreets becoming Republican as any
one else They had been schoomates at
West Point. had graduated the same year
end received their commissions at the same
time. They had fought among the cactus
bushes of Mexico and had drunk mescal
from the same jug a thousand times 1t was
at Jefferson barracks. near St Louis. that
LOngStreet introduced. his cousin. Miss Julia
self who told the young lady of the worth
of his friend. They were married and the
Georgian was at the wedding. When they
next saw each other II was at Appomattox.
After the formalities of the surrender were
over, General Grant took General Long
street to enc side and said:
Julia wants to see you. Go home and
your family and then come 10 see me, won't
your
Longstreet promised and he kept his word
asked for his advice and begged that his
former adversary now be one of his adj
viseIs General Grant never had truer
friend during his administration. They knew
at Mount McGregor Longstreet suffered as
If IL were the loss of a brother He has
often visited the tomb on the Hudson and
has laid the gentlest tribute Of friend
all hope that he will find his new position
a pleasant one, and that long since his wife
has smoothed out the burrows that age
work and the malice OF men have EAade.