Private Watkins
2nd Lieutenant
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2014
- Location
- Oklahoma
Longstreet wrote this letter in 1877 responding to an inquiry he had received regarding the discussions between Lee, Mahone, and himself prior to the surrender at Appomattox...
Page 1
And here is my attempt at transcription... although if you think I've made any mistakes please let me know.
Page 1
And here is my attempt at transcription... although if you think I've made any mistakes please let me know.
Gainesville Ga
Augt 26th 1877
W. H. Stewart, Esq.
Portsmouth, Va
Dear Sir
I have your esteemed favor
of the 15th instant asking my account
of the conference between Generals Lee
Mahone and myself the morning of &
just before the surrender.
For the life of me it would not be
possible for me to give you a detailed
account of the interview. As I remember
the substance, Gen Lee expressed to
Gen Mahone and myself the difficulties
of his position and concluded his
remarks by saying that “it is impossible
for us to escape the enemy.” I am
of the opinion that Gen Mahone suggested
an interview with Gen Grant looking
for the best terms for surrender. I know
that I had made a similar suggestion
before Gen Mahone was sent for or
Augt 26th 1877
W. H. Stewart, Esq.
Portsmouth, Va
Dear Sir
I have your esteemed favor
of the 15th instant asking my account
of the conference between Generals Lee
Mahone and myself the morning of &
just before the surrender.
For the life of me it would not be
possible for me to give you a detailed
account of the interview. As I remember
the substance, Gen Lee expressed to
Gen Mahone and myself the difficulties
of his position and concluded his
remarks by saying that “it is impossible
for us to escape the enemy.” I am
of the opinion that Gen Mahone suggested
an interview with Gen Grant looking
for the best terms for surrender. I know
that I had made a similar suggestion
before Gen Mahone was sent for or