[Home] [Longstreet Page]
(Excerpts from the Augusta Chronicle)
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 gathered to pay tribute to the man historians now say was one of the greatest military minds of the Civil War.
During a three-honor 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 featured speaker. Other distinguished guests included Sen. Strom Thurmond, R-S.C., who could not attend due to ill health; his statement was read by a representative; Paul Coverdell, R-Ga. and reps Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. and Charlie Norwood, R-Ga.
Trisha Buie, who made the trip from Darien, Ga., wearing an 1860s-era replica dress, said remembering Longstreet should be a priority for all Southerners. ``He was General Lee's senior officer, and everybody knows the love of General Lee, and we respect his officers,'' she said.
At the event's conclusion, about 75 Civil War re-enactors in full uniform fired their rifles 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 before being appointed to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
He served the Confederacy in almost every major battle, from First Manassas to Appomattox.
After the war, some criticized 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 Longstreet's 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 from event organizers and a round of cheers as she helped unveil the monument. ``I'm glad this ceremony has finally arrived,'' she said.
Members of the Sergeant Berry Greenwood Benson Camp 1672 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Mrs. Jamie Longstreet Paterson (red coat) and Dan Paterson in front of the Monument after the dedication (Photo courtesy of Dan Paterson)
Dan Paterson (General's great-grandson) gives dedication speech (photo courtsey of Dan Paterson)
The Birthplace Monument is unveiled by Mrs. Jamie Longstreet Paterson (photo courtsey of Dan Paterson)
The Birthplace Monument (photo courtsey of Dan Paterson)
Inscription on the James Longstreet Birthplace Monument
Lieutenant General
James Longstreet, C.S.A.
Born at this site on January 8, 1821
In the home of his father's parents
He was educated in nearby Augusta
An 1842 Graduate of West Point.
He served ably in the United States
Army until June 1st, 1861. Joining
The Confederate States Army, He
Became it's senior Lieutenant General
Commanding the First Corps in
General Robert E. Lee's Army of
Northern Virginia. Known to his men
As "Old Pete," He was seriously wounded
In May 1864, yet returned to command
Through Appomattox in April 1865.
His excellent record, devotion to duty
Personal courage and unquestioned
Loyalty to the Confederacy were best
Appraised by Lee himself, who called
Longstreet "My Old War Horse."
He died on January 2nd, 1904 and
Was buried in Gainesville, Georgia.
Dedicated January 8th, 1998 by the
Sergeant Berry G. Benson, Camp 1672
Sons of Confederate Veterans
North Augusta, South Carolina