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soldier, which they are anxious to wipe out, and they are fully satisfied that either there is some mistake about the terms of the message, or else that he was
delirious when he sent it.
In confirmation of this view we have always understood that you
saw General Armistead personally just after he was wounded, and the kindness with which you received and treated him, has always been a fragrant memory of those terrible days, when brother fought brother — each from honest conviction that he was maintaining the right.
Now if it was true that you had a personal interview, it does not appear why
General Armistead should have
sent you such a message. Was there anything in your intercourse during that interview, (may I ask?) which gave color to this alleged message?
I am sure you will pardon the liberty I take in addressing you this letter, which is prompted by a desire to vindicate
General Armistead, and a conviction that the gallant soldier whom I address will be only too ready to do justice to the memory of his old friend.
Waiving the question of who was right, and who was wrong in that great struggle, all who knew
General Armistead must feel that he followed the fortunes of the
State that gave him birth,
from conscientious convictions of duty, and those who knew him well, will be slow to believe that after leading his men to the heights of
Gettysburg, with unsurpassed heroism, he
whimpered and repented of his course after he received his fatal wound — unless indeed he was delirious from the effects of that wound.
Begging an early reply to this letter, I am, with high respect, and with best wishes for your health and happiness,
Very truly, your obedient servant,
