Longstreet Society Seminar Held In Gettysburg

Originally published January 2017 · pp. 20–21

The Movers and shakers of the Longstreet Society, C.J. Clark president, Maria Lagonia, and longtime president Richard Longstreet Society Seminar Held In Gettysburg the group, welcomed them to the seminar and to Gettysburg. This evening proved to be simply awesome as Wayne Motts, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Civil War Museum, presented “Lewis A. Armistead: Regular Army Officer and Confederate Brigadier.” Motts was the youngest person to become a certified tour guide in Gettysburg park. He received the Emeritus Guide designation, also the youngest person to be honored. He recently co-authored the book: Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg along with James Hessler who was also present during the presentation. I was one of the first reviewers and hold it in the highest regard. Mott talked about Armistead’s early life, his family, his days at West Point, and his time as one of George Pickett’s officers. Importantly he separated the truth from the Hollywood version of what transpired during and after Pickett’s charge. Unlike the movie Armistead received nonlife-threatening wounds to his arm and leg, and was expected to make a full recovery. Motts said that modern doctors believe he had an embolism which moved to his lung killing him. The next speaker was Dr. CarRichard Pilcher presents the 2016 Helen Dortch Longstreet rol Reardon. She gave an overAward to Robert Thomas. view of the next day’s tour. She The Longstreet Society web Many of those attending the planned a high impact day for page notes that it “is dedicated to seminar arrived earlier in the following Longstreet while rethe celebration and study of the week to take in the park and its maining within the realm of the life of Gen. Longstreet, especial- surroundings. The park is so vast overall context of the three-day ly his skill and valor as a soldier and its stories so many, one is battle. Reardon is recognized as and as commander of the famous overwhelmed at the mere thought one of the authorities on Pickett’s old First Corps of the Army of of just driving the historic roads Charge. Her book Pickets Charge Northern Virginia; his fervent alone. This is a place that requires in History and Memory is a standedication to the restoration of many visits and much study, each dard in the study of the battle. the American Union; his love of visit opening new doors of in- She has served as a visiting fachis Southern homeland; his advo- trigue. It is truly an amusement tuality member at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and cacy for the ideals of peace and park for Civil War buffs. understanding among all peoples; On Friday evening the many the U.S. Army War College. She his belief in the brotherhood of seminar attendees gathered for is a respected leader and facilitaman.” The Society was formed fellowship and to learn more of tor of staff rides. She is known in 1994 in Gainesville, Ga. and their favorite General. They were for tailoring her broad talents and is headquartered in the old Pied- not disappointed. Longstreet knowledge to facilitate the group mont Hotel owned by Longstreet President C. J. Clark IV greeted she is lecturing to on the field. Without a doubt, these talents were in full force with the Longstreet Society. She also authored I Have Been a Soldier All My Life GETTYSBURG, PA.—This year the Longstreet Society returned to Gettysburg after a tenyear absence. Gettysburg holds a mystical draw on all who visit here. It is a place where one can find peace and unity, relive the harshness of a torn land, and at the same time enjoy its immense beauty. Its monuments and statuary, numbering into the hundreds, is like an outdoor museum. This weekend focused on General Longstreet. It was here that the controversy surrounding him was born, unfolding decades after the battle ended.

his last years. He is buried nearby, and his touch remains on the area. The Society boasts over 500 members from 42 states and 6 countries. If not Gainesville, where better to host a Longstreet Seminar than the hollowed grounds of Gettysburg? After the 1994 release of the movie Gettysburg, a resurgence of Longstreet followers began. Book sales and even documentaries drove the revival of the Longstreet story. One location was riveted to the General like no other, and it was hereGettysburg! about Longstreet. Richard Pilcher, a founder and longtime Longstreet Society president, was next on the schedule as he presented the Society’s Helen Dortch Longstreet Award. The Longstreet Society presents an engraved crystal bowl to the person who best exemplifies the courage, determination and dedication of Helen Dortch Longstreet in her life long effort to defend the reputation of her husband, General James Longstreet. It is presented in honor of the General, in memory of Helen, and in appreciation of the hard, often thankless work done by members and friends. This year’s recipient was Robert Thomas for his leadership in making the Longstreet Monument on the Gettysburg battlefield a reality. Thomas gave a heartfelt talk about the dream to see a monument to Longstreet at Gettysburg and the long road to fruition. He declined to take the bulk of the credit, but mentioned many along the way that had helped pave the road to success.

Chief among these was former Gettysburg park manager Dr. John Latscha, who always found a way around obstacles standing in the way of the monument. Thomas talked about lacking any corporate support, “no funds at all,” as he and a band of activists began selling mugs, T-shirts, tote bags, pens and cross-stitch portraits of the general. They attended reenactments and passed out fliers across the country. It was a moving reminder of what a few determined people can to. Today the General proudly rides along his lines, no longer missing from the landscape. This is Thomas and others gift to us and future generations. While many stop to view the statue and pose for pictures with it, few realize the struggle it took to place it there. Thomas talked about the joy he feels in seeing children posing for pictures on the back of the horse. Robert Thomas was most deserving of this award and his gracious acceptance was moving. Friday evening included a choice of cake and drinks for the attendees. The Society also has a large silent auction which was displayed on tables around the room. Motts and James Hessler signed copies of their book as did Carol Reardon. Saturday morning dawned bright and beautiful in Gettysburg. The LS group was again in the meeting room early for a hearty breakfast buffet. We were all on the bus and moving out for the park by 8 a.m. Dr. Reardon has that military flare for getting the troops on and off the bus quickly. We began by driving by the Thompson House that Lee reportedly used as a headquarters.

The Civil War Trust has returned this piece of property to its 1863 appearance by removing three modern buildings. This morning we stopped along Seminary Ridge as Dr. Reardon detailed the events of the second day. It was here near the seminary that Longstreet would arrive to confer with Lee under a star filled sky. We followed Confederate Avenue and heard in detail the arrival of the Confederates. Longstreet, of course, was vital in the deployment of the army. Much of the signage along the road reflects the presence of General Longstreet. We, of course, stopped at the Longstreet monument. This long overdue tribute to the General seems to draw visitors like a magnet. Lacking the large pedestal of the older monuments, this one allows you to get up close and personal instead of staring up into the sky to see the rider. We all posed with the General before moving along Confederate Avenue. Another stop was at the Virginia monument where Lee’s plans to attack and roll up the Federal left was deployed. We then moved to the area where Laws, McLaws and Hood would sweep out of the woods. This was also the site where the Longstreet Equestrian monument was planned for the 1940’s, but war and financial issues permanently sidelined the project. Longstreet was ordered by Lee to move into position unseen by the enemy. With signalmen on Little Roundtop, this caused the Confederates to move further back and use the ridge for concealment. This brought a delay in getting into position, and we followed Longstreet’s Corps on the back roads as they tried to remain out of sight. Daniel Sickles received a lot of attention here and the next stop as he moved forward without orders. We learned more about Sickles deployment while at the Wheatfield.

Our final stop of the morning was at the Peach Orchard and Excelsior Field where Sickles fought desperately to hold back Longstreet. It is fitting to mention that Dan Sickles was one of Longstreet’s greatest defenders following the war. We moved on to enjoy a fine buffet lunch at, where else, General Pickett’s Buffet. The food was great, and the atmosphere only added to the Gettysburg experience. We had a chance to visit with other seminar participants as we dined. It would not be long before General Reardon was calling “boots and saddles” and we were again on the bus and into the park. The afternoon focus was around Culps Hill. We stopped at the North Carolina monument and peered across the fields at the Union lines and the copse of trees. Dr. Reardon gave details of hourly events as they unfolded. She interjected stories from the soldiers themselves as well as modern theories. Her words brought the group closer to the battle; we almost saw the long lines of troops waiting in the trees. The day’s tour finished with stops at the Spangler Farm and the famed High Water Mark on Cemetery Ridge. In thirty visits to the famed site, I can say this was the best in-depth tour

I have enjoyed. Carol Reardon and the Longstreet Society are to be commended for developing a tour to explore Longstreet at Gettysburg. However, the day was not over yet. The evening brought the society’s annual banquet. Carol Reardon presented another fine program on “Pickett’s Charge.” If one missed a few details during the day, they were quickly brought into the fray of the third day on this evening. General Longstreet’s great-grandson, Dan Paterson presented a program on “The Origins of the Longstreet Controversy.” He used many accounts including letters and newspaper articles to bring to light just where and when Longstreet became the point of controversy. It was obvious that Longstreet was used to place the blame of those less efficient during the unfolding of the battle. The evening ended with the announcement that the 2017 Longstreet Seminar will be in Greeneville, Tennessee on October 6-7. To join the Longstreet Society, and for information on next year’s seminar visit the Society web page: http://www.longstreetsociety.org or the Longstreet Society Facebook page. Even better plan to visit Gainsville, Georgia, and the Historic Piedmont Hotel.