“Longstreet’s magnificent service at Gettysburg gives that field the great place it holds in history to-day.”
As one of his defenders, in the interest of truth, justice, and fairness, having participated in the battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Pegram’s battery, A. P. Hill’s corps, and knowing, from frequent visits to that sanguinary field since the engagement, something about what occurred on that eventful occasion, I can confidently say that General Longstreet and those under him performed such grand and magnificent service on that battle-field as to give it the great and important place it holds in history to-day. We never knew that it was otherwise questioned until after the war. Future history will vindicate his character in his course on that field and everywhere else where duty called him during the eventful period from ’61 to ’65.—John T. Callaghan, Vice-President Confederate Association.
Washington, D. C.
*****
(Encampment No. 9, Union Veteran Legion, New Castle, Pennsylvania.)
“A brave, generous, and great man.”
Resolved, That the death of Lieutenant-General James Longstreet has caused the loss to the nation of a brave, generous, and great man. None knew his bravery or his greatness as a commander better than we of the Union Veteran Legion who often met him on fields that tested to the limit the fighting qualities of the American.
We extend to his wife and family our sympathy in their bereavement, and the assurance of our great respect for their lost one.
Samuel F. Ellison,
Colonel Commanding.