Very Sincerely,
John Ireland
Mrs. E. D. Longstreet
*****
“General Lee’s bull-dog fighter.”
Comanche, Texas, February 1, 1904.
Mrs. General James Longstreet,
Gainesville, Georgia:
Dear Madam,—Enclosed please find resolutions of respect passed by John Pelham Camp, U. C. V., No. 565, Comanche, Texas, to your husband.
As a Confederate soldier who followed the banner of the lost cause for four years I desire to extend to you personally my heartfelt sympathy in this great loss to you. I was in the Army of Tennessee, but a great admirer of General Longstreet. I had a brother in his command under General Hood. The Southern people never treated General Longstreet with that respect that was due him. He was General Lee’s bull-dog fighter during the war, and remained true to the cause until all was lost. I read with great interest your defence of your husband in the Gettysburg affair, and you show to any fair-minded people that he was not in any way responsible for the loss of the battle. I greatly admire your courage and fidelity in this matter. General Longstreet has many strong friends in Texas. Please pardon me for the liberty I have taken in writing you. I have two letters from General Longstreet which I value highly.
With kindest regards and best wishes, I am truly your friend,