A Note From Mr. Bradford

THE brief reference to General Longstreet’s conversion at the close of my portrait of him in the December Atlantic has called forth indignant protest from many Catholics. I recognize that my words are susceptible of an interpretation which I certainly did not intend. The sole point that interested me was that a man of Longstreet’s immense self-confidence, always indisposed to submit to the judgment of others, should make the most complete self-surrender in the world. Intent upon this dramatic episode, I expressed it with an uncalled-for vivacity of phrase, which I shall remove when I reprint the portrait. I had no desire whatever to stir up a controversy quite inappropriate for discussion in the pages of the Atlantic, and utterly out of place in an article meant for all American citizens, Protestant and Catholic alike.

GAMALIEL BRADFORD, JR.