Officer's Memory Restored
Official Report from the Longstreet Birthplace Monument Dedication Jan 10, 1998
North Augusta-For More than 100 years the memory of Lt Gen James Longstreet was muddied by a legacy of rumors and lies left by his adversaries. But on a clear, warm Saturday afternoon in rural Edgefield County, hundreds of Southerners and a few Northerners too, gathered to pay tribute to the man historians now say was one of the greatest military minds of the Civil War.
During a three hour ceremony at Longstreet's birthplace outside of North Augusta, the Sergeant Berry Greenwood Benson Camp 1672 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans dedicated an 8-foot granite monument in his honor. Men and women dressed in 19th century costumes mingled with others wearing jeans and operating video cameras. "I've got eight great-great-granddaddies who fought in the Civil War, and about half fought with Longstreet," said C.Mike Long Sr. of Lincolnton who attended the ceremony. "This is long overdue--He was a true son of the South."
William Garrett Piston, author of "Lee's Tarnished Lieutenant: James Longstreet and his place in southern history," was the keynote speaker. Other distinguished guests included Sen Strom Thurmond, R-SC, who could attend due to ill health (his statement was read by his representative.) Paul Coverdell, R-GA and reps Lindsey Graham, R-SC, and Charlie Norwood R-GA.
Tisha Blue, who made the trip from Darien, GA, wearing an 1860's era dress, said remembering Longstreet should be a priority for all Southerners. "He was Gen Lee's senior officer, and everybody knows the love of General Lee, and we respect his officers," she said.
At the events conclusion, about 75 Civil War re-enactors in full uniform fired their rifles in a 21 gun salute in Longstreet's honor before singing a solemn round of Dixie.
Longstreet, South Carolina's highest ranking officer in the Confederate Army, attended Augusta Academy (Richmond Academy) before being appointed to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He served the U.S. Army 19 years prior to resigning his commission as major and enlisted as a brigadier general in the Confederate States Army. He served the Confederacy in almost every majoy battle, from First Manassas to Appomattox.
After the war, some critisized Longstreet for joining the Republican party and for cooperating with the federal government during its post-war reconstruction efforts.
Some jealous of Longstreet's friendship with Lee began spreading lies about his military tactics, blaming him for the South's defeat at Gettysburg. Historians have since rejected such claims.
Descendants of Longstreet simply are happy their ancestor's name is finally being restored. "Longstreet's sin wasn't against the Southern people but against the writers of Confederate History," said William Daniel Paterson, Jr a great-grandson of Longstreet.
Mrs Jamie Longstreet Paterson, a granddaughter of Longstreet, received a Confederate battle flag that draped the monument from event organizers and a round of cheers as she helped unveil the monument. "I'm glad the General is finally getting a monument," she said.
This was a beautiful ceremony with over 70 wreaths contributed. The monument is beautiful as well.
-- Excerpts from the Augusta Chronicle
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