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<td width="100%"><p align="center"><strong><font face="Arial">
GENERAL LONGSTREET RECOGNITION PROJECT</font></strong></p>
<p align="center"><img border="0" src="images/longstreet.gif" width="300" height="480"></p>
<p align="center"><font face="Arial" size="2"><strong>Association Action to Memorialize <br>
The Military and Public Service of <br>
CSA General James Longstreet</strong></font></p>
<p align="center"><font face="Arial" size="2">sponsored by<br>
<strong>The Agribusiness Council<br>
Heritage Preservation Committee</strong></font></p>
<p align="center"><font face="Arial" size="2">All Rights Reserved</font></p>
<p><em><strong><font face="Arial" size="2">Background<br>
</font></strong></em><font face="Arial" size="2">Lt. General James Longstreet served in the Confederate Army
in high command positions from 1861-1865, from Manassas to Appomattox. "Old
Pete" (nickname) became known as Lee's "Old War Horse" and the best fighter
and corps commander in the Army.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2">Despite a distinguished military record and several
brilliant victories where his prescience, strategic vision and well-executed tactics saved
the Army of Northern Virginia from certain destruction, General Longstreet was unfairly
scapegoated and blamed for the loss of Gettysburg (and the war itself) for many years
after the conflict.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2">Within the past decade historians and Civil War experts
have refocused their attention on Longstreet with a view toward rehabilitating his
reputation with a more balanced assessment. Widespread public interest around by Ken
Burn's PBS series on the Civil War in 1990, followed by the movie, Gettysburg
(1993),
augmented the interest in Longstreet. Various programs, roundtable groups and memorial
funds emerged as a consequence of the Longstreet "revival," culminating with the
unveiling of a Longstreet statue on Seminary Ridge at Gettysburg in July 1998.
[Note: See "<a href="Search%20for%20Longstreet's%20Honor.htm">The Search for
Longstreet's Honor: The Power of Nostalgia</a>" for more information on past
tribute campaigns.] </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2">Despite these good efforts there remains a strong sentiment
among Longstreet's modern-day admirers that more can and should be done to rectify the
wrongs heaped upon "Old Pete" and his family for the sake of honesty and decency
in the treatment of heroic (if controversial) figures and American History itself.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2">At a time when the nation's values, its character and
leadership development qualities seem at risk, especially with the younger generations,
the challenge to reinvigorate American history is daunting. Yet, serious students of our
political process recognize that historical lessons and a revival of "old-fashioned
civic values" will be critical if the nation is to realize its potential for
greatness and contain the spread of the "poison" politics of personal
destruction, greed and corruption.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2">Just as these negative, media-driven barrages took a toll
on Longstreet and his family and countless other Americans, we are all reduced by these
vicious, orchestrated falsehoods. Our history becomes distorted and truth becomes a
casualty. Moreover, we as a nation are nullifying, even negating the enormous sacrifices
made by our ancestors, particularly the noble soldiers like Longstreet, if we
permit the erasure from history of their lives and achievements --the actions which
have created our current bounty.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2">James Longstreet's life encompassed much of the tumultuous
nineteenth century. As a West Point-trained officer, Longstreet served with distinction in
the Mexican War and matured with the young nation's Manifest Destiny, honing his military
skills in the rough wilds of the West. Longstreet knew the frontier and its values, and he
drew strength and vision from his experience which served him well in the Civil War and
beyond.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2">Longstreet's struggles with the exigencies of the South's
military situation and his acute awareness of broad facets of the interlocking tragedy
which unfolded after Appomattox did not inoculate him from one of American history's
cruelest outbreaks of scapegoating and ostracism through which he endured an unrelenting
barrage of personal attacks on his military record and beliefs. For nearly four decades
Longstreet stood against the ill winds, did his duty, and helped the country grow into an
industrial power. </font></p>
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<td width="100%"><font face="Times New Roman" size="2"> SHADY
MARKERS -- Little evidence of Old Pete remains in his adopted
Georgia hometown -- except his gravesite, a remnant of his hotel,
and a stone marking the site of his Park Hill residence
(above). The General's house burned to the ground with his
war memorabilia and papers under mysterious circumstances in 1889
(see <a href="Gainesville.htm">Gainesville Revisited</a>).
Longstreet's hotel (Piedmont), a commanding three-story structure
which he operated from 1875 to 1904, was demolished in 1918.</font><br>
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<p><font face="Arial" size="2">Serious students of American history need to understand
Longstreet's life, especially after his last great battle at <a href="wilderness.htm"> The Wilderness</a> (where he was
nearly killed by accidental wounding) -- what happened to him and why it happened to gain
a fuller understanding of what has transpired in the past one hundred and
fifty years.
There are profound lessons for all of us in understanding Longstreet, his
trials and times, especially during the sesquicentennial years
(2011-2015).</font></p>
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<td width="100%"><font face="Times New Roman" size="2">LYNCHBURG --
In this house General Longstreet recovered from near-fatal wounds
sustained at the Battle of <a href="wilderness.htm">Wilderness</a>. His stay here was
brief, as he was moved south to a more secure location in
<a href="http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/metro/2012-07-22/historian-seeks-secure-augusta-native-longstreet-rightful-place-confederate">Augusta,
Georgia</a>. </font><br>
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<p><em><strong><font face="Arial" size="2">Objectives<br>
</font></strong></em><font face="Arial" size="2">The General Longstreet Recognition Project (GLRP) is
broadening awareness of James Longstreet and translating his achievements and honorable
life into a colorful series of events (i.e., <a href="wilderness.htm"> Wilderness</a> memorial tribute,
a videotaped interview about <a href="http://youtu.be/-Cwj5PbvOvE">Longstreet-Grant
Friendship 1839-1904</a>) ultimately
designed to elevate Longstreet's memory. </font></p>
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<p><font size="2">WHITE HAVEN -- Nicholas Hollis behind historic Dent
plantation outside St. Louis where "Pete" Longstreet introduced his
first cousin, Julia Dent, to fellow-West Pointer Ulysses "Sam" Grant
while they were posted at Jefferson Barracks in 1843. The
courtship led to marriage on August 22, 1848 with Longstreet serving as
Grant's best man. For the rest of their lives the two men regarded
each other as "kin." (Photo: July 2013)</font></td>
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<p><font face="Arial" size="2">GLRP seeks to do the following:</font><ul>
<li><em><font face="Arial" size="2">maintain and expand the recognition of General James
Longstreet's achievements and virtues as an American hero;</font></em></li>
<li><em><font face="Arial" size="2">identify leadership and character traits in Longstreet
which could serve as guides for young people today;</font></em></li>
<li><em><font face="Arial" size="2">identify educational opportunities to promulgate
"lessons learned" with Longstreet's life and times as primers;</font></em></li>
<li><em><font face="Arial" size="2">expose and counter falsehoods and "politics of
personal destruction" which have tarnished Longstreet's reputation as a pioneer,
soldier and statesman;</font></em></li>
<li><em><font face="Arial" size="2">identify creative ways to highlight Longstreet's many
contributions to American history in general and Southern history in particular;</font></em></li>
<li><em><font face="Arial" size="2">develop a database to effectively disseminate
information on Longstreet throughout the multitude of Civil War organizations;</font></em></li>
<li><em><font face="Arial" size="2">assist other Civil War groups devoted to rehabilitating
the reputation of General Longstreet; and</font></em></li>
<li><em><font face="Arial" size="2">develop a speakers clearinghouse to assist writers,
experts and others interested in having Longstreet's perspective presented at various
Civil War programs, reenactments, and theatrical productions.</font></em></li>
</ul>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2">GLRP is achieving these objectives by blending its
activities with public relations and legislative/education programs on the national level
in cooperation with others who share GLRP objectives (e.g., Longstreet Memorial Fund,
Longstreet Memorial Association, various preservation groups and Civil War Roundtables). GLRP is
chronicling Longstreet's military achievements through key battles such as the
<a href="wilderness.htm">Wilderness</a>,
Chickamauga, Second Manassas and
<a href="Longstsreet/profile%20of%20a%20commander.htm">Antietam</a> where the General's participation was decisive.
The aim of this prong is the erection of a monument and/or other physical markers
to provide more lasting recognition of the General's presence in important engagements.
Another prong will illuminate Longstreet's post-war life, especially during
Reconstruction. </font></p>
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<td width="100%"><font face="Times New Roman" size="2">GENEALOGICAL
TRACES -- Retired Brig. General J.L. Sibley Jennings (right) points
out Longstreet family links with the Randolph and Jennings families
to Nick Hollis in Milledgeville, Georgia. Hollis' great grandfather,
William Nevinson Jennings, was born near Perry Georgia before the
Civil War."<br>
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<p><strong><font face="Arial" size="2">Current Situation<br>
</font></strong><font face="Arial" size="2">Despite the resurgent interest in James Longstreet, there
is a distinct possibility that current memorial/preservation efforts will fall short of
realizing the potentials which exist now for a more sweeping rehabilitation of
Longstreet's reputation. Many of the same obstacles which blocked earlier campaigns for
Longstreet, particularly political residues held over through flawed scholarship, remain
intact. Some of these negatives have become almost institutionalized within the
bureaucracies of government institutions and universities which control disproportionately
a large share of resources available for historical preservation purposes. These agencies
and their network of professional historians are unlikely to view Longstreet
rehabilitation as a priority. Other potential allies such as Civil War clubs and
battlefield preservation organizations may provide only mixed support, despite their
members' interest in Longstreet. Organizers are renowned to restrict their fundraising
energies to programs which they control and/or will result in a contribution check made
payable for their organization's use. It is a challenge to locate magnanimous Civil War
program spirits, but they do exist.</font></p>
<p><em><strong><font face="Arial" size="2">Expectations<br>
</font></strong></em><font face="Arial" size="2">The General Longstreet Recognition Project (GLRP) is
generating positive benefits for participant historians and students interested in a
unique case study of how one military commander demonstrated leadership on the national
stage within a complex weave of issues providing a window on his time. Longstreet's
contributions to U.S. military and politics are reflected in his own complex
interests at
a water-shed period of U.S. history. GLRP is helping to illuminate Longstreet by
generating publication and educational materials. GLRP is enhancing the communication
networks among those seeking to advance Longstreet-related interests, and serves as an
informal association effort to accelerate the "Longstreet revival" driving the remaining negatives from the
field.</font></p>
<p><em><strong><font face="Arial" size="2">Method of Operation<br>
</font></strong></em><font face="Arial" size="2">GLRP is achieving its objectives through standard research,
publications and event education techniques in cooperation with Washington area-based
research institutions. This research is supervised and conducted by a trained historian
with advanced-degree education and publication experience.</font></p>
<p><em><strong><font face="Arial" size="2">Supporters<br>
</font></strong></em><font face="Arial" size="2">GLRP enlists support, initially through a non-financial
enrollment process. This muster is reaching "critical mass" due to favorable
newspaper coverage (see clips). Various units are organized for specific research and/or
event implementation. At present GLRP is receiving support from The Agribusiness Council
(ABC), a nonprofit and tax-exempt organization based in Washington, DC. A special account
has been established.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2">The Agribusiness Council (ABC) continues to demonstrate
interest in researching prominent leaders who have contributed to America's rural
development and/or who exemplified moral courage in pursuit of the national interest.
ABC's late chairman, U.S. Senator Jennings Randolph of West Virginia (1902-1998), was an
admirer of General Longstreet and a distant relative through the Fitz-Randolph
family.
Randolph shared Longstreet's keen interest in military technology, but was most remembered
for his pioneering efforts in international peacekeeping. ABC president, Nicholas E.
Hollis, also has family ties through his mother (<a href="Jennings%20Heritage/cornerstone_for_courage.htm">Jennings
family</a>) ancestors of William
Nevinson Jennings (1847-1934) with roots in Tennessee, Louisiana, North Carolina,
<a href="jennings%20Heritage/origins_of_a_farmer_soldier.htm">Vermont</a> and
Virginia.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2">Financial support for this project is underway with
contributions from individuals, foundations and organizations interested in General James
Longstreet and American history (Civil War/Reconstruction). State agribusiness
associations with historical interest programs and/or specific Longstreet links are being
solicited for assistance in promoting the GLRP as part of a review of twentieth century
figures who contributed to regional/national perspectives on rural heritage (i.e.,
Jennings Randolph Recognition Project, etc.). The various Civil War research centers at
universities may also be approached for specific project activity support. </font></p>
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<td width="100%"><font face="Times New Roman" size="2"><a href="wilderness.htm">WILDERNESS</a>
TRIBUTE CAMPAIGN EXPANDS -- GLRP's memorial/wreath-laying service at the site of Longstreet's accidental wounding at
Wilderness has sparked a broader campaign. Nick Hollis (with
binoculars) discusses expansion of the viewing area at the historic
marker with NPS ranger. Hollis reiterated this proposal during a
lecture before the Friends of the Wilderness and
recent discussions with NPS rangers/historians. Program was featured
in Fredericksburg <u>Freelance Star</u> front page story on May 19,
2002.<br>
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<p><font face="Arial" size="2"><b><i>Longstreet and Election 2000<br>
</i></b>In the aftermath of Election 2000 and the contested
Florida vote, historians are reminded of the infamous, deadlocked
Tilden/Hayes presidential struggle of 1876-77. But how many will look
deeper and find Longstreet's courageous leadership, commitment to duty and
the national interest? We know "Old Pete" was a central
figure during Reconstruction in Louisiana, but how many realize the enormous
impact his actions had on history? For more information, read "<a href="Battle-Liberty.htm">Old
Pete at Liberty Place: Links to 1876 and Election 2000</a>." Also
check the <a href="publications.htm">publications</a> section of this
website to obtain a copy of Nick Hollis' speech on this subject --
"James Longstreet: A Profile in American Courage," before the
Mahoning Valley Civil War Roundtable in Youngstown, Ohio (October 9, 2000).</font></p>
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<td width="329"><font face="Times New Roman" size="2">LEGISLATIVE
CAMPAIGNERS -- Nick Hollis greets U.S. Rep. Herb Bateman (R-VA)
outside of the hearing room where testimony was presented to the
House Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands to preserve the Wilderness Battlefield (July 1999).
Bateman's bill (H.R. 1665) passed and was signed into law.
Rep. Bateman passed away in September 2000.</font><br>
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<p><em><strong><font face="Arial" size="2">Activities/Governance<br>
</font></strong></em><font face="Arial" size="2">Consistent with stated aims, GLRP has shown effectiveness
through:</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2">(1) passage of H.R. 1665, the <a href="wilderness.htm"> Wilderness</a> Battlefield
preservation legislation, following testimony on July 20, 1999 before Rep. Hanson's
Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands and a letter-writing campaign to Congress.
H.R. 1665 was signed into law on December 9, 1999; </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2">(2) successful genealogical research campaign on
Longstreet/Randolph links; </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2">(3) ongoing speech campaign to civil war roundtables and
university groups which generates media and public interest in General Longstreet; </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2">(4) successful refutation of falsehoods about Longstreet
through printed letters/coverage in leading newspapers (i.e., The Washington Post)
combined with impromptu debates at local civil war roundtables challenging speakers
espousing distortions/fabrications similar to those utilized by Lost Cause southerners
after the Civil War which tarnished Longstreet's reputation unfairly;</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2">(5) initiating and leading
"campaign" to expand viewing area around Longstreet wounding
site marker at Orange Plank Road at <a href="wilderness.htm"> Wilderness</a> Battlefield
Park (see special section on "Ghosts in the Darkness"); </font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="Arial" size="2">(6) spearheading
"campaign" for Longstreet's broader recognition via links with key
relationships (i.e.
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Cwj5PbvOvE&feature=youtu.be">
U.S. Grant</a>, Robert E. Lee, and others -- see
<a href="http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2012/032012/03112012/685944">
Fredericksburg Freelance Star</a>).</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2">(7) evaluating "<a href="Gainesville.htm">historic
preservation</a>" programs, including questionable commercial groups
which abuse public trust and Longstreet's honor by soliciting funds in his
name. </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2">GLRP's "campaign" for honest history focuses on
Longstreet's courageous life as an example for all Americans, particularly young people.</font></p>
<p align="center"><img border="0" src="Lee%20and%20Grant.jpg" width="560" height="357"></p>
<p align="center"><font face="Times New Roman" size="2">APPOMATTOX - APRIL
9, 1865</font></p>
<p><font face="Times New Roman" size="2">Longstreet's
<a href="http://youtu.be/-Cwj5PbvOvE">friendship with Grant</a>
and his advice to Robert E. Lee were instrumental in the reconciliation
process which began with the surrender at the McLean House.</font></p>
<p align="center"><font face="Arial" size="2"><a href="enrollment_form_gl.htm">Enrollment</a></font></p>
<p align="center"><font face="Arial" size="2"><a href="contribution_form_gl.htm">Contribution</a></font></p>
<p align="center"><font face="Arial" size="2">Contributions to the General Longstreet
Recognition Project (GLRP)<br>
are tax-deductible under IRS Code 501(c)(3) with checks payable
to:</font></p>
<p align="center"><b><font face="Arial" size="2">The Agribusiness Council -
GLRP<br>
P.O. Box 5565<br>
Washington DC 20016</font></b></p>
<p align="center"><font face="Arial" size="2">Questions may be directed to the project
secretariat at: </font></p>
<p align="center"><font face="Arial" size="2">Tel: (202) 296-4563<br>
<a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></font></p>
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