My dear Madam,—I beg to offer you my sincere sympathy. I greatly honored General Longstreet for his distinguished career as a soldier, and for his wise and patriotic course, teaching peace and conservatism, when war was ended. When history is written after time has modified all passions and prejudices, his career will stand in honorable and distinguished contrast with those of his critics who were “invisible in war and invincible in peace.”
I shall always honor his memory as soldier and citizen.
Yours sincerely and respectfully,
David D. Shelby.
*****
Fac-simile of Letter from General Frederick D. Grant
HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS
SAN ANTONIO.
Jan’y 7th 1903
My Dear Mrs Longstreet,
I was greatly shocked to see the enclosed article in this mornings paper. Tho’ I had learned sometime ago through friends, that General Longstreet was not in good health, I had no idea that the end was so near. The dear old General was one of the earliest and most cherished friends of my father and mother, and has always held a warm place in the hearts of the children of Julia Dent and Lieutenant (later, General & President of the United States) U. S. Grant. Be assured, my dear Madam, that I join with you in mourning the passing of the good friend, the brilliant soldier and the noble man, General James Longstreet