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Longstreet’s letter offering his services to Alabama |
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.