MANSFIELD, OHIO,
March 20, 1863.
Dear Brother:
I am at length at home with sufficient leisure to think, but
still somewhat jaded from a very laborious session. When I went into the Senate
I anticipated quiet and dignified leisure with ample time to read, reflect and
study such grave questions of politics as I chose to turn my attention to. Such
thus far has not been my experience. The vast and complicated legislature
required by war, demands of Senators an amount of labor in committees never
before given. The Senate has become a laborious committee where bills are drawn
as well as discussed. It has so happened that although a junior yet I have had
to carry the most important financial bills, such as the Bank Loan and Tax
Bills, subjects full of difficulty and detail. . . .
The laws passed at the last session will be a monument of
evil or of good. They cover such vast sums, delegate and regulate such vast
powers, and are so far-reaching in their effects, that generations will be
affected well or ill by them. These measures are distinguished as much by what
were omitted as by what were adopted. The negro was not legislated upon. The
laws of confiscation, emancipation, &c., were left precisely upon the basis
of previous laws, the proclamations of the President and ultimate decisions of
the courts. The arming and employment of negroes is left upon the old law and
mainly to the discretion of the President. There was but little speech-making
and that mainly to the matter in hand. The Union or rather Republican members
made scarcely a political speech in either house. They felt too constantly the
pressure of practical measures demanding action. On the whole, the recent
Congress may fairly appeal to their constituents for a favorable judgment upon
the general aggregate of their acts. For myself, I do not reproach myself with
any glaring fault. I opposed arbitrary arrests, general confiscation, the destruction
of State lines and other extreme measures, and thereby have lost the confidence
of some of my old friends. On the other hand, I have taken my full share in
framing and supporting other great measures that have proved a success, and
think I may fairly claim credit for many of the most valuable features of our
financial system, which has been wonderfully sustained under enormous
expenditure. I can also claim the paternity of the Bank Law yet to be tested by
experience, and for the main features of the Conscription Law. This latter law
is vital to our success, and although it was adopted with fear and trembling
and only after all other expedients failed, yet I am confident it will be
enforced with the general acquiescence of the people and that through it we see
the road to peace. But after all, Congress cannot help us out of our
difficulties. It may by its acts and omissions prolong the war, but there is no
solution to it except through the military forces. The people have got beyond
the first danger of the war. They no longer underrate the power of the
Confederates and no longer expect a short or holiday war. When coming home at
Philadelphia, and in the cars, and here among plain people I find a healthy
feeling. They want peace. But very few would accept it on any other terms than
the preservation of the Union. They know very well that the South will only
yield to this after being thoroughly whipped, and this has not been done.
I am very much rejoiced that you did not act upon your hasty
impressions about resigning. The history of your Vicksburg expedition is now
well understood and you stand well with all classes.
Most of the papers who joined in the clamor against you have
corrected their statements. You never lost the confidence of the department and
especially of Stanton and Halleck. . . .
Affectionately yours,
JOHN SHERMAN
SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The
Sherman letters: correspondence between General and Senator Sherman from 1837
to 1891, p. 194-6
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