CAMP PETERSBURG, August
29, 1864.
GENERAL J. LONGSTREET:
MY DEAR GENERAL, — I received yesterday your letter of the
23d, and am much gratified at your improvement. You will soon be as well as
ever, and we shall all be rejoiced at your return. You must not, however,
become impatient at the gradual progress you must necessarily make, but be
content with the steady advance you are making to health and strength. Your
progress will be the more certain and your recovery more confirmed. Do not let
Sherman capture you, and I will endeavor to hold Grant till you come. I am glad
to hear such good accounts of my little namesake. Good lungs are a great
blessing, and nothing expands them better than a full, hearty yell. I hope Mrs.
Longstreet is well, and that she is enjoying the good peaches and melons of
Georgia. We have but little enjoyment here. Our enemy is very cautious, and he
has become so proficient in intrenching that he seems to march with a system
already prepared. He threatens dreadful things every day, but, thank God, he
has not expunged us yet.
All your army friends inquire for you anxiously, and will be
delighted to hear of your improvement. We shall not object to your chirography,
so you must practise it often, and let me hear of your progress and well-doing.
Please present my kindest regards to Mrs. Longstreet, and love to my namesake.
The gentlemen of my staff are very grateful for your remembrance, and unite
with me in sincere wishes for your welfare and happiness. I am sure the rest of
this army would join did they know of the opportunity.
With great regard,
very truly yours,
R. E. LEE.
SOURCE: James Longstreet, From Manassas to
Appomattox, p. 639-40
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