Longstreet, James (1821-1904) to William J. Fowler
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00671 Author/Creator: Longstreet, James (1821-1904) Place Written: Gainesville, Georgia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 June 1894 Pagination: 2 p. ; 20.2 x 14.5 cm. Order a Copy
General Longstreet discusses the reconstruction policies of Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson with Fowler, a judge in Boston, Massachusetts. States "The independent action of President Johnson, was the error that lead the grave troubles that came to the south, and to the north afterwards. Had Congress been called in extra session after the surrender, affairs would have been arranged in a way that would have been, as promptly accepted as was the independence policy" of President Lincoln.
Gainesville Geo
June 7th - 1894
Hon.
William J. Fowler
Boston Mass.
My Dear Sir
Your interesting letter of the 30th ultimo with the several enclosures were duly received and I am under obligation for your kind attention. There is no doubt but President Lincoln's views of the reconstruction policy was on the line of home rule, nor is there reason to doubt that he would have adjusted its application through the medium of Congress. The independent action of President Johnson, was the error that led the grave troubles that caused [2] to the south, and to the north afterwards. Had Congress been called in extra session after the surrender, affairs would have been arranged in a way that would have been, as promptly accepted as was the independence policy of the President.
Thanking you for your kind attentions
I am very truly your ob servant,
James Longstreet
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