Freestone P.O., Prince William County, VA.,
November 12, 1877
My Dear General Longstreet,--The winter after the death of General Lee I was in Lexington, visiting my sons at the V.M.I General Pendleton called to see me at the hotel. General Custis Lee was in my room when he came in. After General Lee left, General Pendleton asked me if General Longstreet was not ordered to attack on the 2nd of July at Gettysburg at six o’clock in the morning, and did not attack until four o’clock in the evening. I told him it was not possible. When he left me I was under the impression I had convinced him of his mistaken idea. I told General Pendleton that you and General Lee were together the greater part of the day up to about three o’clock or later; that you separated at the mouth of a lane not long thereafter. You said to me, "Those troops will be in position by the time you get there; tell General Hood to attack." When I gave the order to General Hood he was standing within a step or two of his line of battle. I asked him to please delay his attack until I could communicate to General Longstreet that he can turn the enemy,--pointing to a gorge in the mountain, where we would be sheltered from his view and attack by his cavalry. General Hood slapped me on the knee and said, "I agree with you,--bring General Longstreet to see for himself." When I reported to you, your answer was, "It is General Lee’s order; the time is up,--attack at once." I lost no time in repeating the same to General Hood, and remained with him to see the attack, which was made instantly. We had a beautiful view of the enemy’s left from Hood’s position, which was close up to him. He gave way quickly. General Hood charged, and I spurred to report to you; found you with hat in hand cheering on General McLaws’s division. . . ."
Truly your friend,
John W. Fairfax
Source: From Manassas to Appomattox