James Longstreet

James Longstreet, who was respected Confederate general of the American Civil War, enjoyed a wide-ranging post-war career that included a conversion to the Republican Party, as a diplomat and owner of a successful hotel.

Early life

Born in South Carolina Longstreet was raised in Augusta, Georgia, then Somerville, Alabama following the death of his father. After securing appointment to West Point from Alabama in 1838, he graduated in 1842. During the Mexican War (1846-1848) Longstreet rose to the rank of major, participating in the battles of Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, and Monterey among others. He resigned his commission in June, 1861 and immediately joined the Confederate Army with a rank of Brigadier General.

Civil War

General Longstreet withstood a Union assault on Blackburn's Ford during First Manassas. During the Seven Days Battles, Longstreet commanded the left wing of Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. At Second Manassas (Second Bull Run) he and "Stonewall" Jackson crushed the Union Army. At the battle of Sharpsburg (Antietam) Longstreet's men held the line against a numerically superior Union Army.

In December, 1862, his I Corps played a decisive role at Fredericksburg. Longstreet positioned his men atop Marye’s Heights and repulsed successive assaults by the U. S. Army. Rejoining Lee after Chancellorsville, Longstreet took part in Lee's Gettysburg campaign where he clashed with his commanding officer over tactics.

On July 2 Longstreet's delayed action on the Union left might have succeeded if Longstreet had not delayed his advance until reinforcements arrived. On July 3 Lee ordered Longstreet to charge the Union line, a task he assigned to General George Pickett. In a 1000 yard dash that became known as "Pickett's Charge", Confederate forces lost 7,000 men. Only after the death of Robert E. Lee did subordinates blame Longstreet for the defeat at Gettysburg.

Longstreet in Georgia

Lee reassigned Longstreet to General Bragg in Georgia prior to the battle of Chickamauga. As a result of Longstreet's timely arrival the tide of battle was turned, with the Confederates winning their greatest victory of the war.

Longstreet was unhappy with his new commander. Braxton Bragg had made a serious tactical error following the battle of Chickamauga, refusing to chase the staggering Army of the Cumberland to Chattanooga. Confederate President Jefferson Davis visited North Georgia, backing his old friend Braxton Bragg and ignoring complaints from some of the best generals in the Confederacy. As punishment, Bragg sent Longstreet on the disastrous Knoxville Campaign he was defeated. After Grant broke out of Chattanooga, Longstreet reported to Lee.

During the Battle of the Wilderness Longsteet was wounded by friendly fire during an attack on a Union position. He again assumed command of the Richmond, Virginia defensive line and surrendered his men at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865.

Following the War

Longstreet became friends with Ulysses S. Grant, and joining his Republican Party. In various assignments Longstreet served as Ambassador to Turkey (then the Ottoman Empire), postmaster of Gainesville, Georgia, and U.S. Commissioner of Railroads. Privately, he ran a hotel near downtown in Gainesville.

James Longstreet
The Longstreet Chronicles