James Oliver Longstreet diary

This collection consists of James O. Longstreet's personal diary from the year 1856. The diary covers the second semester of his junior year at Wesleyan, as well as the first semester of his senior year. Many events are recorded in the diary, including the 1856 presidential election and the founding of the Middletown chapter of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity. Other notable subjects discussed in the manuscript include the caning of Charles Sumner on the U.S. Senate floor, President Buchanan's interest in the annexation of Cuba, Methodist missionaries in Fiji, abolitionism, temperance, the Mystical Seven, Psi Upsilon, the Eclectic Society, and other Wesleyan activities and organizations.

The diary begins in North Guilford, CT, where Longstreet was employed as a schoolteacher for the winter break. While serving as a teacher, he participated in the conversion to Methodism of several individuals, including Carrie and Evan Bartlett, Charles Fowler, Alden Fowler, Dwight Hall, Mary Ann Norton, Mary Chittenden and Cynthia Scranton. Longstreet's strong Methodist faith is in evidence throughout the diary. During the winter of 1856, he began leading prayer meetings in his schoolroom to the consternation of some local religious leaders, who appear to have viewed him as competition. On January 8, the diary records Longstreet's budding affection for one of his students, Miss Lois Dudley, whom he describes as "so smart." Longstreet's school was kept in working order with the help of several friends from the neighborhood of North Guilford, including students of his and participants in his prayer meetings, notably Anson Fowler and Edwin Bartlett. The arrival in mid-January of Mr. Dutton, another Methodist preacher, seems to have disturbed Longstreet as Dutton would eventually take the meetings "out of (his) hands", according Longstreet's December 31 year-in-review entry. Dutton would move into the parsonage and take Longstreet's place as preacher.

On January 18, Longstreet describes the conversion of Carrie Bartlett, a girl who he will counsel for much of the remainder of the year on matters of faith. On January 31, he notes that "Fowler hinted strange" against his prayer meetings in the school building. The opposition voiced by Fowler made him feel "a little bad." On February 3, "Fowler again hinted at me for doing meetings in the schoolhouse but he may hint on and it will do no good." In mid-February, a property dispute appears to have arisen between Longstreet and a man named Tobey. On February 13, he quips "Oh! Tobey, what a liar!" The debate is further explicated on February 16, when Longstreet notes that Tobey is currently in possession of goods formerly belonging to a Mr. Britton. Those goods appear to have been claimed by both Tobey and Longstreet, although Longstreet repeatedly calls Tobey a liar. Meanwhile, Longstreet's teaching job was nearing its end. He remained in North Guilford for two weeks after his engagement was over. On March 9, he heard a temperance lecture from a Mr. Cue which he described as "in most respects the most absurd thing I ever heard." His issues with Mr. Dutton continued, and on March 12 "the girls" were "annoyed" that Dutton gave Longstreet no chance to speak at the meeting. Anson Fowler, Edwin Bartlett, and Charles Fowler helped Longstreet to plan the exhibition for the end of school, which "went well except some of the singing" on March 19. On that date, he received the gift of "a beautiful gold pencil and pen" from a student named Augusta. His school ended on March 20, and he departed for Middletown CT and college on March 22.

Once at college, Longstreet attended the first of many meetings of the Mystical Seven secret society. He took classes including Mineralogy and Mechanics. During this time and afterward, he would often spend evenings at the home of Brother Fox, apparently a popular hangout for students at the time. On March 31, Longstreet went to Mr. Tobey's store to resolve their dispute over Mr. Britton's goods. Tobey agreed to "divide Britton's yard" or else sell his half to Longstreet for $80. After carefully examining the goods, including 75-100 "good books," he determined that the goods would sell for 70-80 dollars and determined to offer Tobey 20 dollars for his half of the goods. On April 7, he concluded a deal to purchase the other half of the goods from Tobey at a price of $38. "That way if they sell well, I will get my pay." In May, classes continued including German and Logic. On May 29, Longstreet mentions the health situation of Charles Sumner, the recently caned Republican abolitionist Senator, stating that he "is worse."

On June 6, Longstreet appears to have received marks. "Made 5 in Logic and German and 4 in Geology," he wrote. Throughout his diary, Longstreet questions the strength of his faith, including on June 7 when he worries that he is "too lifeless in (his) religion, tho still trusting with trembling."

On June 21, he mentions attending a Republican meeting. "I am determined to get up a platform," he reports. On June 22, he notes that Carrie Bartlett is "discouraged trying to be a Christian," a situation she seems to find herself in repeatedly. On June 25 he reports that the local Republican club has "adopted the constitution that we drew up." More political news follows, with a "grand Democratic splurge" on July 17. "Fremont men [including Longstreet] cheered after meeting adjourned." He describes how "some Democrats, headed by Putnam, made [Brother] Fox run for his life. He hid in Mc. Donough." On July 21, he commenced reading Frederick Douglass. "I like it well."

The diary describes the founding of the Middletown chapter of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity. On July 23, Longstreet's friend Powers (probably Orville Watson Powers, class of 1856) contacted him because his society, known as the Lebanians, wanted to "become a chapter of ΑΔΦ and he wants me to recommend his society to Head." Also on that date "fire broke out in the college barn. Buddington's horse was burned." Longstreet wrote the recommendation letter for Powers on July 24. On August 1, Longstreet writes, "This morn have learned that the Betrians and [Powers' group] have united and come out ΑΔΦ!!!"

On August 7 was commencement, and in possibly the first recorded instance of its kind at Wesleyan, "Carr was rejected by ΑΔΦ and feels dreadfully." After commencement, Longstreet visited family in New York. On September 4, he returned to school. September 9, Longstreet was elected president of the Missionary Lyceum. "I don't like the responsibility of the office," he wrote. Longstreet was involved actively in cultivating new members for the Mystical Seven during this period, including Wardell, Edson and Gould. Competition between the societies (Longstreet mentions Mystical Seven, Chi Psi, Eclectic, Alpha Delta Phi and Psi Upsilon) was sharp. October 7 he had tea with Professor Van Vleck. On October 9, he and Lois, Ella, Mary E.C., Katy D., Carrie, Mary B., Anson, Edwin, Harrison and Fayette went to the state fair in New Haven.

On October 17, Longstreet reports that Buchanan had won the presidential election. According to Longstreet, ". . . the country will go to the Devil." He showed great interest and involvement in the Republican cause, even after John C. Fremont's electoral defeat. His diary records the widespread interest in the election. For example, when he went for dinner at his friend Mr. Blake's house on November 5, he reported that, "They are very much excited about the election. They think old Buck (Buchanan) will make slaves of us all." On November 11, Longstreet was hired to teach school in North Branford, CT, for the winter. On a few occasions, most recently on December 30, 1856, he reported that he was reading about Methodist missionary work amongst the Feejies (Fijians).

Of Interest:

Several Wesleyan faculty appear repeatedly in the diary, including Professor True, Professor Johnson, Prof. Huber in German, Professor Lindsay who "preaches a good sermon," and Professor Van Vleck.

Longstreet often worried about his health. February 14 he complained of back pains, while on March 2nd it was "pain in the back and shoulders." June 11, he was in bed all day with headache. June 13, he remained in bed but was feeling better. December 4, "looseness of bowels" sent him "with haste to the barnyard" several times during the night. On December 20, he said "Don't feel well. Am conscious I am going down. Oh God if consistent give me good health." He complained of headache and general sickness.

On February 12, Longstreet recorded sending a letter to the "Honorable J. Longstreet," possibly his father's name. His mother's name is not mentioned.

Longstreet's Year in Review

James O. Longstreet's diary in unusual, in that it contains a sort of "year in review" section in which he reflects on his experiences in 1856. The following is a full transcription of this section. The underlines (and grammatical irregularities) are Longstreet's own. This section is followed, in the manuscript, by Longstreet's personal financial accounts.

12/31/1856 (Wednesday)

The school today has been very noisy and most tired me out. Fine winter weather tho just at night it was snowing some. Lydia, Mr. Chidsey's daughter has gone to a party. Eve Fayette called at my room. This day closes up the year 1856. It is with rather sober feelings that I look over the past year and into the new one just at hand. When this year came in I was at North Guilford teaching the pleasantest school I ever expect to have. Soon after the commencement of the year, Lois R. Dudley, a young lady of about 16 came into my school. Of her more anow. When 1856 came to us I was having good times in school and had begun to hold religious meetings in school room and they were interesting. Anson Fowler and I did most all the work but as the winter went on the interest increased. We had after a time a prayer meeting and a class meeting every week. In the course of the winter Edwin Bartlett, Charles Fowler, Alden Fowler, Dwight Hall, Carrie Bartlett, Mary Ann Norton, Mary Chittenden and Cynthia Scranton gave good evidence of conversion and Fayette, Augusta and Ada Rassiter, Myrta Heall, George Hall, Mary Bartlett, Louise Norton and Ella Dudley were deeply interested until Mr. Dutton came and took the meetings out of my hands, then all interest died out. I was greatly opposed by both churches and when Mr. Dutton came I had nothing to see to except the class meetings which I kept. Where all these are tonight is more than I can tell. I fear only a very few are trying to be Christians. Oh God save them going to perdition.

My school closed March 20th. Eve before, had exhibition which went off well. 28 of my scholars presented me a beautiful gold pen and pencil which I now prize very highly. Parted with my school in tears and on March 22nd went to Middletown. Worked hard 'til end of term, passed examinations and spent one week of vacation visiting North Guilford. Went back to college and in July came again for a few days. Passed examinations at the end of the year and became a senior. Went home. Stayed 3 weeks. Bought for sisters a Melodian (cost $90). Leave home with tears and come back to college. During fall made several fruitless attempts to get a school for the winter and at last determined to go home. Packed my trunk and got excused from college November 10th. Came to North Guilford to make short visit and while there had offer of district school in North Branford at $35 and found per month of 20 days each and I took it. So here I am at the close of the year teaching within four miles of where I was one year ago. This year which is just leaving has been in some respects the best of my life and will be long remembered. Last winter was a bright page in my history. But what is my present situation, prospects and c.? Not as good as I could wish. My school is too large and by no means a pleasant one. My boarding place is worse than the school. The board is the worst I have ever had in my life and if I could move my quarters I would do it suddenly. My room is comfortable and my bed good. I now expect to preach at North Madison every other Sunday during the winter. I hope God will use me for accomplishing some little good. My health is not good. I have had several poor days this winter,and feel that I am going downhill. I work pretty hard and have poor fare and grow poor under it. I hope and pray for health, for if that leaves me, I am gone for I have nothing to live upon, much less to pay my debts with.

I have been dreaming for some months about getting married. Not that I wish a wife now, but I would like some Yankee girl in about two years. I have been on the look out for some time but have seen none that quite suit me. I want a good, pious girl, well educated and moderately handsome and a good singer and a neat housekeeper. For quite a while I have had Lois in my mind and I cannot get her out, though I know in all reason she can never be my wife. She is smart enough and good enough and her singing will do and I am sure that she is neat and she is pretty good looking and has a good figure; but am some six years the older, she has not yet sufficient education, though she might improve that before I should want her, and she has red hair. These are some objections on my part and no doubt on her part there are many more, so that if she was alright it might do me no good. She is a blessed good girl and I shall not only keep alive our acquaintance but push it further, but must do it cautiously. At present I think more of her than all the other girls in the world but shall not allow the back part of my head to run away with me. I have prayed and continue to pray, "Oh God, direct me in so important a matter as the selection of a wife." Well here I am truly just on the brink of the old year's grave. In looking over my life for the past year I can see some things which I did and am now sorry for but my fault has been not so much in positive evil acts as in living at too great a distance from God. I have not been spiritual enough through this whole year. I think on the whole I have improved in some respects. I think I have a more settled Christian character than I had one year ago but am not more alive. Will I do better for the future? I am almost afraid to promise, for I see no reason to think I shall keep it any better than I have kept others. But Lord if thou will assist me to keep my promise I will agree to live nearer thee.

Another year has gone and I am one year nearer my grave. I have one year less in which to do good. Oh, how swiftly does time move on. Soon my work will be ended, or at least my time for work and I shall be in the presence of my judge. Oh God, help me to live so that I can give up my account with joy. Show me my duty oh Lord that I may do it. Will thou have me to preach thy gospel? Prepare me for the great work and I will go forth. My trust in God tonight it strong. I give my all into his hands and firmly believe that he will direct my ways. Tonight I am comfortable and happy. Where will I be in one year from this night? Perhaps in eternity. Oh Lord thou alone canst tell, prepare me for what is before me. Old year I sigh to bid you adieu. 1857 may be as pleasant, but thy face is familiar. Thy name I have learned to love, and what the next day may bring no mortal knows. I am almost afraid to trust it, but thou canst no long stay so good bye, old year, good bye. Thou hast been my friend, and in thy new made grave I drop a tear. Well little book I have about done with thee. Thy page will tell truthfully the most of my history for the past year. Thou has been willing to receive my sorrows and trials as well as my joys, and in after time I will love to hear the stories that thou will tell of my course through the year 1856. Little book I am now to place you among my old friends. Good bye.