ON BOARD GUN-BOAT JULIET,
MOUTH OF WHITE RIVER, January
28, 1864.
. . . I sent you a paper about the banquet2 which
was really a fine affair. The hall of the Gayoso was crammed and the utmost
harmony prevailed. Everything passed off well. My remarks as reported by the Argus
were about right. The Bulletin got mere incoherent points. I cannot
speak consecutively, but it seems that what I do say is vehemently applauded.
The point which may be wrongly conceived was this. As the South resorted to
war, we accepted it, and as they fought for Slaves and States' Rights they
could not blame us if they lost both as the result of the war; and again, that
they, the South, prided themselves on high grounds of honor. I am willing to
take issue then adopting their own rules, as those of the most fashionable
clubs of London, New Orleans, and Paris. If a member goes into an election he
must abide the result or be blackballed or put in Coventry. Now as the Southern
people went into the presidential election they, as honorable men, were bound
to abide the result. I also described the mode and manner of seizure of the
garrison and arsenal at Baton Rouge and pronounced that a breach of soldierly
honor, and the firing on boats from behind a cottonwood tree. People at the
North may not feel the weight of these points, but I know the South so well
that I know what I said will be gall and wormwood to some, but it will make
others think. I was at Memphis Tuesday and part of Wednesday. The festival was
on Monday and several real old Southerners met me and confessed their cause
would be recorded in history as I put it. I was not aware of the hold I had on
the people till I was there this time. Hurlbut did not mingle with them and was
difficult of access, and every time I went into a theatre or public assemblage
there was a storm of applause. I
endeavored to avoid it as much as possible, but it was always so good-natured
that I could not repel it. If I succeed in my present blow I would not be
surprised if Mississippi would be as Tennessee, but I do not allow myself to be
deceived. The Old Regime is not yet dead, and they will fight for their old privileges;
yet so many of our old regiments are going on furlough that we will be
short-handed. If we had our ranks full I know we could take Mobile and the
Alabama River in thirty days and before summer could secure all of Red River
also, leaving the Grand Battle to come off in East Tennessee or Georgia in
June. We could hold fast all we have and let the South wriggle, but our best
plan is activity. . . .
As I am about to march two hundred miles straight into
danger with a comparatively small force and that composed of troops in a manner
strange to me; but my calculations are all right, and now for the execution. I
expect to leave Vicksburg in a very few days, and will cut loose all
communications, so you will not hear from me save through the Southern papers till
I am back to the Mississippi. You, of course, will be patient and will
appreciate my motives in case of accident, for surely I could ask rest and an
opportunity for some one else, say McPherson, but there are double reasons: I
will never order my command where I am not willing to go, and besides it was
politic to break up the force at Memphis which was too large to lie idle, and
Hurlbut would not reduce it. I had to bring him away and make a radical change.
He ranks McPherson, and we have not confidence enough in his steadiness to put
him on this expedition. He is too easily stampeded by rumors. I have a better
sense of chances. I run two chances, first, in case the enemy has learned my
plans or has guessed them, he may send to Meridian a superior force. A bad road
may prevent my moving with the celerity which will command success. Would that
I had the Fifteenth corps that would march in sunshine or storm to fulfil my
plans without asking what they were. I almost wish I had been left with that
specific command, but confess I prefer service near the old Mississippi which
enables us to supply ourselves so bountifully. I hear but little from
Huntsville, but suppose all our folks are comfortable there. I sent Maj.
Taylor, Fitch and McFeely back to Huntsville from Memphis, and have with me
only my aids and quarter-master. I don't want any non-combatant mouths along to
feed, and am determined this time not to have a tribe of leeches along to
consume our food. Not a tent shall be carried or any baggage save on our
horses. The wagons and packs shall carry ammunition and food alone. I will set
the example myself. Experience has taught me if one tent is carried any
quantity of trash will load down the wagons. If I had ten more regiments I
would be tempted to try Mobile, but as it is if I break at Meridian and
Memphis, I will cut off one of the most fruitful corn supplies of the enemy,
and will give Mississippi a chance to rest. The State is now full of conscript
gangs carrying to their armies the unwilling, the old and young. We will take
all provisions, and God help the starving families! I warned them last year
against this last visitation, and now it is at hand. . .
I feel the full load of care and anxiety you bear, mourning
for Willy, fearing for the future, and oppressed with intense anxiety for
parents. I believe you can bear all, and that you will for our sakes. Just
think of me with fifty thousand lives in my hand, with all the anxiety of their
families. This load is heavier than even you imagine. . . .
__________
2 In a
letter written on the same day to his brother John, Sherman said: "I
could not well decline an offer of a public dinner in Memphis, but I dreaded it
more than I did the assault on Vicksburg.” See Sherman Letters, p. 221.
SOURCES: M. A. DeWolfe Howe, Editor, Home Letters of
General Sherman, p. 280-4. A full copy of this letter can
be found in the William
T Sherman Family papers (SHR), University of Notre Dame Archives
(UNDA), Notre Dame, IN 46556, Folder CSHR 2/10.
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