ALBUQUERQUE, N. MEX., February 15, 1861.
His Excellency Governor A. B. MOORE,
Montgomery, Ala.:
SIR: Our communication with the States is so very irregular that I can form but a very indefinite idea as to what is to be the result of the troubles now agitating our country. I presume, however, that Alabama is out of the Union ere this. I desire, therefore, to tender through you my services to her, should she need a soldier who has seen hard service. I am the senior officer of the army, from Alabama, and should be the first to offer her such assistance in my profession as I may be able to render. I should have returned to my State in anticipation had it been possible to do so, but a severe winter season and the hostile attitude of the Indians between this and the settlements render the trip next to impossible.
With the greatest respect, I remain, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
JAMES LONGSTREET,
Major, U. S. Army.
Source: From Manassas to Appomattox
Commentary
This is the letter with which Longstreet offerred his services to the state of Alabama should that state have left the Union.
Note: While Longstreet is largely known as a Georgia native, he was actually born in South Carolina and had received his commission to West Point from Alabama. This lack of identification with any particular state -- without good cause -- would hurt his reputation later in life.