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"James Longstreet in Winter" Dale Gallon https://inhonoredglory.wordpress.com/2012/02/page/3/
Who knew? On August 5, 1865, James Longstreet was ambushed and an attempt was made on his life by a drunk man near White Plains AL* (near Oxford AL)? Ok, maybe I haven't done my homework on what happened to Confederate Generals after the surrender at Appomattox? I suppose I thought the surrendered Confederate army just packed up their belongings and went on home. Seems there was plenty happening as they made their way home. Has any one ever heard of this before?
I found this diary of Thomas J. Goree by accident while searching for something else. 1st Lieutenant Thomas J Goree was Aide de Camp to James Longstreet, appointed Dec 31, 1861. The diary begins June 26, 1865 at Lynchburg, VA and follows Longstreet's travels through August 6, 1865 at Talladega, AL. Fascinating!
August 3d. Left camp early this morning. Stopped to noon 2 miles east of Dallas (Ga). Passed this morning within 2 miles of the New Hope battle ground. The country for several miles east of Marietta to Dallas has been made almost a complete waste. The fencing all destroyed and all the best houses burned. It will take many many years for the country to recover its former prosperity. Travelled on this evening through the town of Dallas towards Van Wirt travelled over a rough moun- tainous Country. Fell in during the evening with Major Byrd, formerly Quarter Master of Wofford's Brigade. At his in- vitiation I rode in his ambulance and had my horse led. We camped a little more than three miles from Van Wirt. The Maj had along a very large nice water- melon which we enjoyed very much. We were joined to night by a Mr Thompson of California, an acquaintance of Mr Wm Longstreets (brother of Genl Longstreet) who proposes travelling with the party to Mississippi.
August 4th. Passed this morning thro Van Wirt, a small dilapidated looking place. Stopped here with Maurice to have horses shoes fixed. Others went on. Maj Byrd left us here. Shop Caught up with the party about 11 o clock, stopped to noon near the house of Mr Gomez. Bought oats from him for horses. The Genl, Mr L and myself took dinner with him. He had a son there who resides in Rusk Co Texas. After leaving Mr G's travelled 8 miles and camped near Judge Hutchings'. Horses had corn & good pasture. Mrs H send us down some nice milk. Mr Thompson has something the matter with his eye and is suffering very much with it.
Aug 5th. Got a very early start this morning Travelled 16 miles before stopping to noon. Stopped near a house- had a ham boiled and bought 5 chickens, which we had fried. We travelled this evening to within 21/2 miles of White Plains. 2 or 3 miles before reaching Camp. Genl Longstreet who was behind in the ambulance was accosted by a drunken man who wished him to drink with him and wanted also to trade his horse for a mule. On Genl L's refusal he rode off but before a great while he overtook the ambulance again and with a cocked pistol in his hand ordered the driver of the ambulance to stoppe. He then put his pistol inside as if endeavouring to shoot the Genl. When the Genl seized the pis- tol & wrenched it from him, where upon the man put spurs to his horse and made away as fast as possible. The Genl will report the circumstance to the Yankees and try & have them arrest him...... http://digital.library.shsu.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p243coll3/id/2993
That guy must've been pretty intoxicated! Who would be stupid enough to try and shoot General Longstreet - with no cavalry or artillery support? August 4th. Passed this morning thro Van Wirt, a small dilapidated looking place. Stopped here with Maurice to have horses shoes fixed. Others went on. Maj Byrd left us here. Shop Caught up with the party about 11 o clock, stopped to noon near the house of Mr Gomez. Bought oats from him for horses. The Genl, Mr L and myself took dinner with him. He had a son there who resides in Rusk Co Texas. After leaving Mr G's travelled 8 miles and camped near Judge Hutchings'. Horses had corn & good pasture. Mrs H send us down some nice milk. Mr Thompson has something the matter with his eye and is suffering very much with it.
Aug 5th. Got a very early start this morning Travelled 16 miles before stopping to noon. Stopped near a house- had a ham boiled and bought 5 chickens, which we had fried. We travelled this evening to within 21/2 miles of White Plains. 2 or 3 miles before reaching Camp. Genl Longstreet who was behind in the ambulance was accosted by a drunken man who wished him to drink with him and wanted also to trade his horse for a mule. On Genl L's refusal he rode off but before a great while he overtook the ambulance again and with a cocked pistol in his hand ordered the driver of the ambulance to stoppe. He then put his pistol inside as if endeavouring to shoot the Genl. When the Genl seized the pis- tol & wrenched it from him, where upon the man put spurs to his horse and made away as fast as possible. The Genl will report the circumstance to the Yankees and try & have them arrest him...... http://digital.library.shsu.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p243coll3/id/2993
Edit to Add: After re-reading the diary, it seems that this incident took place 2 1/2 miles from White Plains, AL which is near present day Anniston/Oxford AL. The incident was reported to Federal authorities at Oxford where there was a garrison. I have edited the original post to reflect the correct location. @War Horse had you ever heard of this?
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