11 April 1865: “Should the future offer no chance of service in our cause, I trust you will take to some other country that zeal, intelligence, energy, and courage which have so illustrated the brief history of this.”

Item Description: Letter dated 11 April 1865 from General James Longstreet to General Edward Porter Alexander from Gen. Longstreet. Longstreet writes to commend Alexander on his service throughout the war.

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Item Citation: Folder 22b, Edward Porter Alexander Papers, #7, Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Item Transcription:

Head Qurs.  1st Army Corps.

April 11 1865

General

The sad events of the past few days have made necessary the severance of our military connection; I cannot allow us to separate though, without expressing my high sense of your most distinguished services in the cause, and the obligations I am under to you for ? ? always so cheerfully and ably rendered me.

As an engineer in the field, I regard you as without a superior in our service; As an Artillery officer, and as my Chief of Artillery, your name stands conspicuous amongst those who have most distinguished themselves on the battle field.

In another way also have you made your Country your debtor, I mean in the practical purposes to which you have applied your high scientific acquirements.

Hardly a branch of the Confederate Military service which has not benefitted by your efforts.

Should the future offer no chance of service in our cause, I trust you will take to some other country that zeal, intelligence, energy, and courage which have so illustrated the brief history of this.

I am General

Very truly yr. friend

J Longstreet

To

Brig Genl E.P. Alexander

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