Rare Civil War Confederate General James Longstreet Signed Letter (ALS) BAS Auto

Title:
James Longstreet – ALS Dated March 8, 1880 – Civil War General Denies Knowledge of Individual – Beckett Certified

Description:
One-page Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) by Confederate General James Longstreet, dated March 8, 1880, from Gainesville, Georgia. Penned in Longstreet’s hand on lightly lined stationery, the letter is addressed to J.T. Richard, Esq. of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania and signed at the conclusion:

Very Respectfully, Your Obt. Servt.
James Longstreet

Encapsulated and certified authentic by Beckett Authentication Services (BAS) in a tamper-evident archival holder. The letter remains in fine condition, with expected folds and minor corner loss at the bottom right not affecting any text.

In Part:

Gainesville Ga
8th March 1886

..."I have no recollection of Mr. (?); he was not at my headquarters at that time to which you refer, nor did he at any time offer me the (?) of his residence.

Very Respectfully, Your Obt. Servt.
James Longstreet"

Historical Context:
James Longstreet (1821–1904) was one of the most senior commanders in the Confederate Army under Robert E. Lee. Known as Lee’s “Old War Horse,” Longstreet played a pivotal role in battles such as Second Manassas, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Gettysburg. After the war, Longstreet became a controversial figure in the South due to his postwar cooperation with the U.S. government, his affiliation with the Republican Party, and his public criticism of Confederate strategy, particularly Lee’s decisions at Gettysburg.

This letter, written in 1880 during Longstreet’s postwar civilian life, reveals his effort to clarify a historical inquiry regarding the presence of an individual—"Mr. Butcher"—at his wartime headquarters. His clear denial of any recollection or encounter with the man suggests either an attempt to dispel misinformation or his commitment to historical accuracy.

The letter offers insight into how Civil War veterans were frequently consulted decades later regarding the war’s events, often to verify facts or settle lingering disputes.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
Certified authentic by Beckett Authentication Services (BAS).

• Certification Number: 0001572656

• Full letter handwritten and signed by James Longstreet

• Encapsulated in BAS’s tamper-evident, museum-grade holder

• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
This rare postwar ALS from General James Longstreet offers collectors a direct connection to one of the Civil War’s most significant and controversial figures. With its original content, elegant handwriting, and firm denial of wartime association with an individual, it captures the enduring scrutiny Confederate leaders faced in the decades after the conflict. A must-have for collectors of Confederate history, Civil War correspondence, and iconic military figures.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.