I believe that it is now conceded that the advanced position at the Peach Orchard, taken by your corps and under your orders, saved that battlefield to the Union cause. It was the sorest and saddest reflection of my life for many years; but, today, I can say, with sincerest emotion, that it was and is the best that could have come to us all, North and South; and I hope that the nation reunited, may always enjoy the honor and glory brought to it by that grand work.
Please offer my kindest salutations to your Governor and your fellow-comrades of the Army of the Potomac.
Always yours sincerely,
[Signed] James Longstreet,
Lieut.-Gen. Confederate Army.
APPENDIX D.
Reminiscences of the Fifty-Seventh Regiment, by Gen. William Birney.
Comrades:—It gives me pleasure to respond to your desire for my reminiscences of the 57th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers. They are all agreeable.
My first knowledge of it was from the gallant and chivalrous General Philip Kearny, under whom I had served in the New Jersey Brigade. August 12, 1862, I was exchanged as prisoner of war. August 13, the General sent for me and offered me the command of the 57th. speaking in very high terms of the intelligence, bravery and moral stamina of the men. All it needed, he said, to become one of the best regiments in the army was drill and discipline. I accepted his offer, was detailed by General McClellan from my own regiment and corps to General Kearny's, took command next day at the camp on James river, at Harrison's Landing, and kept it until October 12. These two months were filled with active service.