White House,
Washington D. C.
June 7, 1904.
My dear Mrs. Longstreet:
Permit me to subscribe for the book you have just written, on the work of your gallant husband. General Sickles has just called my attention to the fact that the book is to be published. Not only must all Americans hold high the memory of your husband as one of the illustrious captains of the Civil War, but they must hold it high particularly because of the fine and high-souled patriotism which made him, when the war was ended, as staunchly loyal to the Union as he had been loyal to the cause for which he fought during the war itself. In his letter to General Sickles, in speaking of the part the General played in the winning of the victory of Gettysburg for the Union cause, General Longstreet wrote:
"It was the sorest and saddest reflection of my life for many years; but, to-day, I can say, with sincerest emotion, that it was and is the best that could have come to us all, North and South; and I hope that the nation, reunited, may always enjoy the honor and glory brought to it by that grand work."
This is the spirit that gives us all, North and South, East and West, the right to face the future with the confident hope that never again will we be disunited, and that while united no force of evil can ever prevail against us.
With great regard,
Sincerely yours,
Theodore Roosevelt
Source: Lee and Longstreet at High Tide
Commentary
Following is a letter of condolence from President Theodore Roosevelt sent to Helen Dortch Longstreet upon James' death as well as a request for Mrs. Longstreet to send him a copy of her book Lee and Longstreet at High Tide.