Neglected Hero

Wow! Stephen W. Sears’s article on James Longstreet is so overdue (“General Longstreet and the Lost Cause,” February/ March 2005). It is disturbing that the general’s reputation was maliciously destroyed, seemingly with the blessing of historians who should have known better. Civil War history is very important to us as a warning about the pitfalls of pride and prejudice. Longstreet’s bravery after the war, just as strong as it was during, should be heralded as an example of sacrifice and patriotism. He is truly a significant example of heroism now in a time when we need it.