Charles Mitchell
IT’S ABOUT TIME
LONGSTREET MEMORIAL FUND SEMINAR 1997
September 27,28 1997 was the third and last seminar to raise money for the General James Longstreet Memorial fund. It was exciting, informative, very organized, and professionally conducted. The seminar started with an introduction and welcome by Mr. Robert C. Thomas, Chairman of the Fund Committee. Later Mr William Johnson announced the schedule. The seminar would consist of three riding/walking tours of areas of the battle of Gettysburg that General Longstreet was associated with as follows:
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1. The counter-march on day 2 prior to the attack on the Federal left
2. The attack on the Federal left-Little Round Top - Devils Den
3. Longstreet’s Assault (sometimes known as Pickett’s charge)
We were taken places where the average tourist does not go and where only a very informed guide can interpret the importance of the locations. Lunch was severed back at the Gettysburg Fire Station, where the seminar was conducted, and where on Saturday night a very exciting and professional drama titled "COURT OF INQUIRY INTO THE ACTIONS OF GENERAL LONGSTREET AT GETTYSBURG." This play completely cleared the General of any wrong action at the battle. The participants were outstanding with General Lee, A.P.Hill, and Longstreet having the looks and mannerisms of the real people. All were in correct period costume. We were able to have our picture taken by a professional photographer with the Generals. There were sales and information booths by the Longstreet Society, The Memorial Fund, and the Texas State Representative. The play was exceptional. On Sunday the wrap-up was great. The committee had produced a video honoring Mr. Thomas; it was outstanding, very professional and emotional. Speeches by Gary Casteel, the sculptor of the monument, Dr. John Latschar, the Gettysburg NPS supertindent, and William Garrett Piston, author of the book on General Longstreet which prompted Mr. Thomas to decide to raise money to build the monument, were all outstanding with humor and emotions.
There were over 400 paid participants at the seminar(6 bus loads). Considering the first one in New York City attracted 40, the Fund has come a long way.
MR. THOMAS ANNOUNCED THAT ALL MONEY NECESSARY TO BUILD THE MONUMENT HAD BEEN RAISED .. IN ADDITION TO $13,000 TO REFURBISH THE NPS PLAQUE FOR THE GENERAL’S HEADQUARTERS.
We all were sad to have the seminar end . But as everyone said good-bye they all said:
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