William T. Sherman to Ellen Ewing Sherman, January 27, 1861

SEMINARY, January 27, 1861.

. . . Since my last I have three letters from you. . . The mails have been much disordered by a break on the Mississippi Railroad. In my last I sent you a copy of a letter written to Governor Moore, to which I have received no answer.¹ He is very busy indeed, legislature and convention both in session at Baton Rouge, giving him hardly time to think of the Seminary. . .

The ordinance of Secession will pass in a day or so², but the legislature was adjourned till February 4, so that no business can be transacted there for some days. It don't take long to pull down, and everybody is striving for the honor of pouring out the deepest insult to Uncle Sam. The very men who last 4th of July were most patriotic and exhausted their imaginations for pictures of the glories of our Union, are now full of joy and happiness that this accursed Union is wrecked and destroyed.

This rapid popular change almost makes me monarchist, and raises the question whether the self interest of one man is not a safer criterion than the wild opinions of ignorant men. From all I can read Missouri and Kentucky will go with the crowd South and will be more seriously affected than any other part of the country.

As soon as I hear from Governor Moore I will let you know when to expect me. I know that he, the governor, will feel inclined to get rid of me instanter, but Dr. Smith wants me to stay for a successor, and he has no successor in his mind. If he proposes I shall stay till March, I will feel disposed to agree to it for pecuniary reasons, but I think the governor will feel hurt at my letter, and will be disposed to get rid of me. At all events, my position being clearly defined I cannot be complicated by these secession movements. I do feel a little mean at being made partially accessory to the robbing of the Baton Rouge Arsenal by receiving a part of the stolen property. . .

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¹ See pages 341-343, 350-351. – ED.

² It was passed on January 26, 1861. – Ed.

SOURCE: Walter L. Fleming, General W.T. Sherman as College President, p. 351-3

William T. Sherman to Ellen Ewing Sherman, January 8, 1861

ALEXANDRIA, Jan. 8, 1861.

 . . . Things are moving along with the rapidity of revolutions. The papers announce that the people of Alabama have seized the arsenals at Mobile Point, Fort Morgan, and above Mobile. I think similar steps will soon follow at the forts at the mouth of the Mississippi and Lake Pontchartrain. I have been in town today and had a long talk with Dr. Smith who goes next week to Baton Rouge to attend the meeting of the legislature and convention. He knows well my opinions; I have not concealed them, that I cannot do any act hostile to the United States. . .

The Board is unwilling to entrust the management here to any one of the other professors. It takes me all I can do to suppress disorder and irregularity. I had a cadet threaten me yesterday with a loaded pistol because I detected a whiskey jug in his room and threatened him with dismissal. He did not await trial but went off. Although a large majority of the cadets are good boys still we have some hard cases.

From what I see in the New Orleans papers Anderson is still in possession of Fort Sumpter, and the general government has failed to reinforce him and will wait till he is attacked. This disgusts me and I would not serve such a pusillanimous government.

It merits dissolution. This fact will increase the chances of an attempt to prevent Lincoln's installation into office, and then we shall see whether the wideawakes will fight as well as carry cheap lamps of a night zigzagging down the streets.

I see every chance of long, confused, and disorganizing Civil War, and I feel no desire to take a hand therein. When the time comes for reorganization then will come the time. I feel anxious for your comfort and safety but these cannot be threatened. . .

SOURCE: Walter L. Fleming, General W.T. Sherman as College President, p. 331-2

William T. Sherman to Ellen Ewing Sherman, November 26, 1860

ALEXANDRIA, Nov. 26, 1860.

 . . . I commenced writing a letter last night to Minnie, but a friend sent us out a newspaper of New Orleans, November 22 which had come up from New Orleans in a boat. For some reason the papers come to us very irregularly. The stage whenever it has passengers leaves behind the paper mail and only brings the bags when there are few or no passengers. Well, of late though letters come about as usual our papers come along very straggling. This newspaper so received brings intelligence, how true I know not, of a panic in New York, Baltimore, Virginia, and everywhere. Of course panics are the necessary consequence of the mammoth credit system, the habit of borrowing which pervades our country, and though panics transfer losses to the wrong shoulders still they do good.

But along with this comes the cause, the assertion that South Carolina will secede certain. Georgia ditto. And Alabama. Mississippi will of course, and with her Arkansas and Texas. This will leave Louisiana no choice. If these premises be true then indeed is there abundant cause for panic, disorder, confusion, ruin and Civil War. I am determined not to believe it till to withhold belief would be stupidity. The paper also announces that Governor Moore has called the legislature together for December 10, and specially to consider the crisis of the country and to call a convention. You know that the theory of our government is, as construed by the southern politicians, that a state, one or more, may withdraw from the Union without molestation, and unless excitement abates Louisiana will follow the lead of her neighbors.

You will hear by telegraph the actions of the conventions of South Carolina and Alabama. Should they assert their right to secede and initiate measures to that end, then you may infer that I will countermand my heretofore preparations for a move. Then it would be unsafe for you even to come south. For myself I will not go with the South in a disunion movement, and as my position at the head of a State Military College would necessarily infer fidelity and allegiance to the state, my duty will be on the first positive act of disunion to give notice of my purpose.

December 10 the legislature meets. It is hardly possible a convention will be called before January and until the convention acts the state is not committed. Still I think the tone of feeling in the legislature will give me a clew [sic] to the future. I confess I feel uneasy from these events, and more so from the fact that the intelligence comes so piecemeal and unsatisfactory. . .

SOURCE: Walter L. Fleming, General W.T. Sherman as College President, p. 308-9

William T. Sherman to Ellen Ewing Sherman, November 29, 1860

ALEXANDRIA, Nov. 29, 1860.

 . . . This is a holiday, thanksgiving and prayer, but holidays and Sundays are my worst days, as then the cadets are idle and mischievous.

Governor Moore has issued his proclamation calling the legislature together for December 10, and the proclamation is couched in ugly language, different from his usual more conservative tone. It is manifest to me now that the leading politicians of the state have conferred together and have agreed to go out of the Union, or at all events to favor the new doctrine of secession. The legislature will determine the call of a convention, and the convention will decide very much according to the other events that may occur in the meantime. This imposes on us a change of purpose, and it will not do for you or any one to come south unless the state of feeling changes. I know the governor and believe him an excellent thermometer of the political atmosphere of Louisiana. I hear that business is dead in New Orleans, all of which is evidence that the abolitionists have succeeded in bringing on the “Inevitable Conflict.”

I am sick of this everlasting subject. The truth has nothing to do with this world. Here they know that all you have to do in Ohio is to steal niggers, and in Ohio though the people are quiescent yet they believe that the South are determined to enlarge the area of niggers. Like Burton in Toodles I say, Damn the niggers. I wish they were anywhere or be kept at their work.

I observe more signs of a loosened discipline here. Boys are careless and last night because the supper did not please them they smashed the crockery and made a riot generally. Pistols were fired, which scared Joe very much — his education has been neglected, but I think he will get used to it. We have dismissed five cadets and others must share their fate. I fear the institution is in danger from causes which arose after I left last summer. The alterations made after I left were

in principle, causing General Graham to resign, and since then he will take no interest in our affairs. Governor Moore is intent on politics, same of Dr. Smith, so we are left to the chances of the caprices of a parcel of wild boys. Still this is a small matter susceptible of remedy, but the secession movement underlies the very safety of everything. . .

SOURCE: Walter L. Fleming, General W.T. Sherman as College President, p. 309-11

William T. Sherman to Senator John Sherman, December 1, 1860

ALEXANDRIA, Dec. 1, 1860.

DEAR BROTHER: . . . The quiet which I thought the usual acquiesence of the people was merely the prelude to the storm of opinion that now seems irresistible. Politicians, by hearing the prejudices of the people and running with the current, have succeeded in destroying the government. It cannot be stopped now, I fear. I was in Alexandria all day yesterday, and had a full and unreserved conversation with Dr. S. A. Smith, state senator, who is a man of education, property, influence, and qualified to judge. He was during the canvass a Breckenridge man, but, though a Southerner in opinion, is really opposed to a dissolution of our government. He has returned from New Orleans, where he says he was amazed to see evidences of public sentiment which could not be mistaken.

The legislature meets December 10 at Baton Rouge. The calling a convention forthwith is to be unanimous, the bill for army and state ditto. The convention will meet in January, and two questions will be agitated: Immediate dissolution, a declaration of state independence, and a general convention of Southern States, with instructions to demand of the Northern States to repeal all laws hostile to slavery and pledges of future good behavior. . .

When the Convention meets in January, as they will assuredly do, and resolve to secede, or to elect members to a general convention with instructions inconsistent with the nature of things, I must quit this place, for it would be neither right for me to stay nor would the governor be justified in placing me in this position of trust; for the moment Louisiana assumes a position of hostility, then this becomes an arsenal and fort. . . Let me hear the moment you think dissolution is inevitable. What Mississippi and Georgia do, this state will do likewise. . .

SOURCE: Walter L. Fleming, General W.T. Sherman as College President, p. 311-2

William T. Sherman to Ellen Ewing Sherman, December 15, 1860

December 15[?], 1860.

. . . I started to write a letter to Minnie but got drawn into this political strain that is not for her but you. Read her so much of the letter as you please and the rest to yourself.

Governor Moore has assembled the legislature in extra session at Baton Rouge and I have seen his message which is positive on the point of secession. You will doubtless have the substance of it before you get this; and I observe such men as Dick Taylor, the general's son, are in favor of immediate secession. I have scarce room now to doubt that Louisiana will quit the Union in all¹ January. The governor recommends the establishment of a large arsenal here. We now have a limited supply of arms.

I have announced my position; as long as Louisiana is in the Union I will serve her honestly and faithfully, but if she quits I will quit too. I will not for a day or even hour occupy a position of apparent hostility to Uncle Sam. That government is weak enough, but is the only thing in America that has even the semblance of a government. These state governments are ridiculous pretences of a government, liable to explode at the call of any mob. I don't want to be premature and will hold on to the last moment in hopes of change, but they seem to be pushing events ridiculously fast.

There is an evident purpose, a dark design, not to allow time for thought and reflection. These southern leaders understand the character of their people and want action before the spirit subsides. Robert Anderson commands at Charleston, and there I look for the first actual collision. Old Fort Moultrie, every brick of which is as plain now in my memory as the sidewalk in Lancaster, will become historical. It is weak and I can scale any of its bastions. If secession, dissolution and Civil War do come South Carolina will drop far astern and the battle will be fought on the Mississippi. The Western States never should consent to a hostile people holding the mouth of the Mississippi. Should I be forced to act promptly I will turn up either at St. Louis or at Washington. T. knows full well where I am but he is angry at me about his charge against Ohio of nigger stealing. You remember my answer from Lancaster. I am very well. Weather cold and overcast. . .

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¹ "In all January" means "all in January.” Sherman made frequent use of this peculiar construction. – ED.

SOURCE: Walter L. Fleming, General W.T. Sherman as College President, p. 314-6

William T. Sherman to Ellen Ewing Sherman, December 18, 1860

ALEXANDRIA, Dec. 18, 1860.

. . . I cannot remain here much beyond January 23, the time set for the state convention to dissolve the connection of this state with the U.S. The legislature only sat three days and passed unanimously the bills for arming the state and calling a convention. That convention has only to decree what has already been resolved on and proclaimed by the Governor, that Louisiana cannot remain under a Black Republican president. The opinion is universal that disunion is resolved on, and the only open questions are what states will compose the Southern Confederacy.

I regard the failure of Buchanan to strengthen Maj. Anderson at Ft. Moultrie as absolutely fatal, as the evidence of contemptible pusilanimity of our general government, almost convincing me that the government is not worth saving. No wonder Gen. Cass forthwith resigned. . .

SOURCE: Walter L. Fleming, General W.T. Sherman as College President, p. 316

Braxton Bragg to George Mason Graham, June 27, 1860

LAFOURCHE, Thibodeaux, P.O., June 27, 1860.

MY DEAR GENERAL: Since yours of April I have heard nothing from the Military Academy except from one of the cadets. Yet I have hoped you were working on smoothly and successfully. Much, indeed all, depends on an organization which will give a proper working Board of Supervisors, near the institution, and even then, a large discretion must be allowed your superintendent and Academic Board. Discipline to amount to anything must be firm, decisions prompt, and their execution immediate and irrevocable, except in very extraordinary cases. Hard cases arise under all laws, and it is better to do some injustice than to break down from laxity. This duty is the more difficult and trying from the very loose system which prevails in our southern society, and which has reduced parents to a subordination to children. But you have a man in Colonel Sherman who is admirably suited to initiate and carry out such a system, at the same time that he will temper it with good sense, moderation, and the best advice. And I venture to predict that he will secure a hold on the affections of his cadets which will make obedience easy, and the discharge of duty a pleasure.

Not having heard the result of the election of vice-president, I feel anxiety for your success – for, candidly, I have no confidence in the capability of our friend Dr. Smith. That he wishes success to the institution, I do not doubt, but his notions are so crude, so impracticable, so prejudiced, and he withal so ignorant of how to carry them out, that failure must be the result of any power placed in his hands. Last winter things were forced through the legislature in spite of him, when in reality he considered himself the special champion of the cause.

In a few days I shall visit Baton Rouge on business, and hope to see the governor. But I fear he is too much of a friend of Smith to allow me any influence. The only conversation I can recollect with Dr. Smith on the subject of a Board of Visitors, was simply to advise what I had already suggested to Governor Moore, the appointment, or invitation of some "influential gentlemen from different parts of the state to attend the examinations.” I neither said nor intimated anything in regard to myself, nor would I ever do so to any one in regard to any office. I have done my share of public duties in this life, and seek no more of them for honor or profit. Yet I am always ready to do my share in the advancement of a good cause and to fill my station as a good citizen.

I regret that I shall not be able to attend your first examinations, as I leave for the Springs soon after my visit to Baton Rouge. I predict that every unprejudiced observer will acknowledge greater progress in the same time, with the same means, than has ever been known in the state.

If defeated in your place of administration, don't give up. It must succeed in the end, and no one can do as much as yourself for its ultimate triumph, or deserves so much the honor of success. Remember me kindly to Colonel Sherman. . .

SOURCE: Walter L. Fleming, General W.T. Sherman as College President, p. 236-8

Resolutions of the Faculty of Louisiana State Seminary, April 1860

RESOLVED: that the Academic Board respectfully ask the Board of Supervisors to define the true nature of “The Seminary of Learning and Military Academy,” according to the recent act of the legislature — whether it is merely a military institute, designed for the promotion of military and scientific knowledge, or shall the literary department be put on an equality with the scientific, with the military department added only for the sake of discipline and order?

RESOLVED: that the Academic Board respectfully request the Board of Supervisors to define, in general terms, under the recent law of the legislature, the relations and duties which exist between the superintendent and other professors.

SOURCE: Walter L. Fleming, General W.T. Sherman as College President, p. 204-5

Gov. Thomas O. Moore to George Mason Graham, February 21, 1860

BATON ROUGE, Feb. 21, 1860.

DEAR SIR: . . . I have had but little conversation with Major Sherman relative to the Seminary, my time during the sitting of the legislature being so constantly occupied with business in my new sphere, that I am too much wearied when I get from the State House to think of anything but rest. The Major has been absent in the city two days, which I did not know until yesterday. . . I went to the Harney House to invite him to take a room at my house, as I had a comfortable one, and would have him with me, where I could talk to him at my leisure, and will invite him as soon as he returns to do so, and will do all I can to induce him to remain at the head of the Seminary.

I do not feel disposed to make myself responsible with others for the $5,000 salary, as, if it were necessary for the Board of Supervisors to give the amount to retain him, and I should be in favor of it, it might be supposed or charged that I was so, from the fact that I have guaranteed to him the amount.

With the amount now on hand and that, that Dr. Smith hopes to have appropriated, we can afford to give the Major an additional one thousand dollars which I trust will retain him, but I would agree to the five thousand dollars sooner than lose him, and have no doubt the Board would vote it. . .

SOURCE: Walter L. Fleming, General W.T. Sherman as College President, p. 181-2

William T. Sherman to George Mason Graham, April 12, 1860

LOUISIANA STATE SEMINARY, Alexandria, April 12, 1860.

DEAR GENERAL: I have been pretty busy in obeying the orders of the Board of Supervisors and of the Academic Board in writing constantly according to their dictation, and last night learned with some surprise that I was to continue to act as treasurer, bookkeeper, etc., whilst Henarie was to hold the money. I have been in town all day to find out what is meant. I can't see the system, though Dr. Smith insists on its being carried out and expects me to try the system. I can see very well that all moneys appropriated by the legislature and that arising from the tuition fees of cadets, should be appropriated by the Board of Supervisors, and, as it will be paid in large amounts [it] could be held in the bank at New Orleans without risk and without cost, whereas as I now look at it you are to pay Henarie six hundred dollars for that whilst I am as heretofore to ask for money to pay the cadets' wants, supply them and keep the accounts.

Here is a work that employs about a dozen at West Point, at least three at Lexington, Va., and yet I must do it all. I can do it all, not thoroughly but good enough, if the treasurer resides here and relieves me of the necessity of taking care of so many little items of books, clothing, and every species of things needed by cadets. If the institution be pressed by want all of us can do extra work, but this six hundred dollars now is absolute wastage, and negatives the idea of poverty. Still that is none of my business and from present appearances I see I will have my hands full.

The atmosphere has changed since I went north, and I will find out its drift. I think I see where it lies, and I think I divine your plan of defence. Judging from the personal nature of your colleagues and their fondness of disputation I only say that if their intention be to submine our regulations, you can by encouraging discussion on the earlier passages cause them to desist from a close examination of clause by clause, and have them generally adopted as originally agreed on by the committee appointed to draft them.

If you can get the regulations substantially adopted, and adjourn with an order for their publication, and an agreement as to the arrangements of the terms, I will be willing to go on keeping the individual accounts of cadets through this term, but if my powers are substantially curtailed, or any overt disposition made to complicate matters too much I may have cause to regret my sudden refusal of the Roelofson proposal. I have abiding faith in you — and knowing that you can prevent their meeting for mischief now, that without you they cannot act at all, and that you can command a quorum always, I will continue to have faith.

I do think the new fence ought to be built to keep out hogs and cattle, and because I made a distinct point before the committee at Baton Rouge. Were you to make the want of fences next year a cause of application for more money it would be detected. Still if you have postponed it till after June, I will give Ledoux notice that at the close of April, I will discharge one and maybe two of his negroes, as all wood-cutting and carrying has ceased, and Henry with occasional assistance can sweep the galleries and empty the water. I will await the result of your Saturday meeting, and conform thereto.

Smith tells me you are down on him for gallanting. I ought to take the blame. At the wedding he appointed a revisit to the party, and on Sunday at church he asked my leave to accompany them to Mrs. Flower and Dr. Bailey. Miss Patterson is the daughter of a particular friend of mine in St. Louis. I gave Smith permission because I was glad to see him attentive to that party. Not an iota of duty was lost. Boyd heard his class. I drilled and had evening parade and he was home by tattoo, and if we must conform to every rumor we will lead a devil of a life here. If we do our work the public ought to be well satisfied. I think had Miss Patterson been of Rapides Parish, Smith would not have been complained of. . . .

SOURCE: Walter L. Fleming, General W.T. Sherman as College President, p. 198-200

William T. Sherman to Ellen Ewing Sherman, February 17, 1860

BATON ROUGE, Feb. 17, 1860.

I wrote you day before yesterday. I dined yesterday with Governor Moore, to-day am to dine with the attorney-general and on the whole am treated with so much consideration, that I cannot mistrust the general expression of a hope that I will not leave them.

The legislature promise to build me a house, to endow the Seminary and to put all things on the best footing. They seem to think that I can accomplish great good, and as they have dealt by me so fairly I am loath to quit.

We have now pretty well agreed on a bill for the legislature which is liberal and which will easily pass. It provides six thousand dollars for a house for us, and also makes provision so that the Board can enlarge my salary. I hope by Tuesday it will pass so that I can telegraph and write to Roelofson as I agreed. Still I will defer it to the last minute so that if any contretemps should arise I can take advantage of it. Here they want me to say if they pass the bill I will stay.

I tell them whether I stay or no the provisions made for the Seminary are essential to its success. Still I do think it would be more agreeable for you here than in England. We have beautiful warm weather now, flowers and trees in bloom.

W. T.

SOURCE: Walter L. Fleming, General W.T. Sherman as College President, p. 169-70

William T. Sherman to George Mason Graham, February 21, 1860

NEW ORLEANS, LA., Feb. 21, 1860.

DEAR GENERAL: Dr. Smith has finished his report and bill, which though a medley of old and new ideas, maybe falling within the parable of new cloth in old garments, I was forced to assent to as the best compromise. As it stands, “A Seminary of Learning and Military Academy,” possessed in fact of military organization, it may (by keeping that idea clear and distinct before you) be made to fulfill your sanguine hopes.

At all events I see no reason why it should not. The report and bill were to be printed, and as the senate had dispersed to Thursday I came down to see if I could not pick up a tailor and shoemaker — and pay up a few small bills owed here. I have paid the bills but as yet have not heard of a tailor or shoemaker willing to come. I must return to Baton Rouge to-morrow, but will in the meantime continue to look for tailors who do not seem indigenous to your otherwise fertile soil.

I have also opened communication with Mrs. Sherman, by telegraph, and she is so strongly in favor of the London project that I must decide. This is my last day of grace, and I must, as the case stands, choose the London project, but as I told you I will do all I can to give you a successor better than myself, and use any influence my acquaintance with Bragg, Colonel Taylor, and others may give to secure to the Seminary all the help that this legislature can grant. I have in my mind two gentlemen, one named Trowbridge, who married in Savannah — resigned and is now in the Coast Survey Office, who graduated head of his class some ten years ago. Also Captain Stone who is now I fear in Sonora, Mexico. I have written to Buell, advising each to apply for my vacancy, and to send credentials, which however they need not tender, as their records are perfect.

If the legislature appropriate you should have a superintendent, but if it make a shabby appropriation you could so manage this term to save the cost of that officer. I propose to hold on till you can spare me, but would like to get off about April 1, so that I could spend a few days in Ohio, before again embarking in the stormy sea of finance. I confess I make this step in doubt, and the strong preference of my family is all that turns the scale in my mind. I therefore announce to you my determination, and will give you an official document as soon as I return to the Seminary.

SOURCE: Walter L. Fleming, General W.T. Sherman as College President, p. 179-80

William T. Sherman to George Mason Graham, February 13, 1860

SEMINARY OF LEARNING, Monday, Feb. 13, 1860.

DEAR SIR: I enclose you Dr. Smith's letter which I have read with concern. I thought of copying our regulations in full – but the task is too large. Dr. S——r is up at Dr. Bailey's and entre nous, Dr. S. is not the kind of man for contact with young men or association with. Still charity is a virtue and he should have the benefit of it.

I understand Jarreau is now here at Parker's. I am glad of it, as the irregularities in the mess and washing must cease. Mr. Smith,¹ under the contract, has prescribed the bill of fare, and will hereafter inspect the mess before meals. And I will give notice that if cadets have their clothes properly marked, and delivered to the laundress at the right time, the value of any article lost shall be charged. I know Jarreau has an awful dull set of niggers, and he himself has been sick and away, but to secure system and economy somebody must do their work right. Again as to regulations, I thought of sending a copy of the Virginia rules — erased and altered, but on comparison I find the alterations too numerous and important to trust to interlineation.

It occurs to me, that as things now are working smoothly and well, I might take these regulations and move down to Baton Rouge, appear before their committee and satisfy them fully, and return in a week. At that time, too, I could judge for myself the temper of the legislature and come to a conclusion as to my own proper course. I must give R. a positive answer by the twenty-first or twenty-second instant at furthest. I have promised him to do so and I have never failed to comply in my life. But whether I go or not I assure you I won't leave here till you have a successor of your own choice, as well if not better qualified, than I am. Before the middle of March the cadets will be well drilled, armed, and clothed. All books necessary for this year will be here, and all supplies needed by then. Books will be opened and records properly arranged, and the money affairs so adjusted that the machine would work of itself. And if the legislature meanly act by the Seminary you could save the salary of the superintendent.

As to your giving a personal guarantee, while I admire the spunk, I think you ought not to do it. I think the matter should be treated as any business transaction. If the legislatures of the country are going to trammel the Seminary, entitled to help, you ought not to intervene. . . .

[P.S.] Have you the letter to Madame D. from the assistant engineer? She sticks to her belief that the governor knew what he caused to be written her — that all her son's expenses should be paid. Yet she begs delay and promises if the legislature do not provide support for her boy that she will. She wants that letter, and I think I sent it to you.

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¹ The commandant of cadets. - ED.

SOURCE: Walter L. Fleming, General W.T. Sherman as College President, p. 166-7

William T. Sherman to George Mason Graham, February 16, 1860

BATON ROUGE, LA., Feb. 16, 1860.

DEAR GENERAL: We got here last evening; I soon found out Colonel Bragg, who is here living in the mess of Richard Taylor and two other gentlemen of the senate. I also found Dr. Smith and many others in authority. All seem very generally well-disposed to us. The whole subject was referred to the Committee on Education, and I have been most of the day in copying a long report of Dr. Smith tracing the history of the Seminary from its first inception to the present moment.

This report is designed to accompany a bill which is substantially agreed on in committee, viz: to amend the old bill by modifying the provisions for indigent State cadets so that we educate fifty, one from each parish and two additional from New Orleans – these to be designated by the police juries, the state further to appropriate eleven thousand dollars for two professors' houses, five thousand dollars for chemical, philosophical, and other apparatus and books; and to provide for the election of a vice president to the Board of Supervisors, who with four others shall compose a quorum, to have all the powers of the present Board.

Bragg has also prepared a bill to make the Seminary a State Arsenal. For the fifty state cadets no provision is made for tuition and they are limited to three hundred dollars each and an appropriation made for them of fifteen thousand dollars per annum. Dr. Smith of course is leader. He will not consent to a change of title or to modify it further, but he still says he can get a liberal appropriation for its support.

The committee was willing to grant the superintendent the rank of Colonel, but as long as it is not military by law, I think a naked rank would be ridiculous. Dr. Smith, Bragg, Mr. Taylor, another, and myself dined together to-day and they pitched into the Doctor without grace, telling him now was the time to make this the Military Academy by law. All agreed that the legislature would be almost unanimous but Dr. S. will not budge. A simple bill, with few clauses and liberal appropriations, Mr. Taylor says, would pass without difficulty, but as the Committee of Education have it in hand, it must come through them or be attached to their bill by way of amendment.

All admit that Governor Wickliffe's recommendation has no weight, and that the constitution limits the school fund to a “distribution to parishes in the proportion of the white children.” The legislature has no control over it. The clause certainly reads so, and I can't imagine why Governor Wickcliffe should have overlooked. But the general fund is large, and all admit willingness to provide amply.

Dr. Smith will not report your bill, but will [report] the one now in committee maybe the day after to-morrow. Taylor may offer a substitute to test the sense of the senate. I will stay here till this matter is determined. In the bill for an Arsenal they provide five hundred dollars for the superintendent. I can not commit myself till next Tuesday, when I must. I would much prefer to see the Seminary made the Military Academy by law, when its character would be fixed beyond change, but unless the Senate be very strong that way he will not change. . . .

SOURCE: Walter L. Fleming, General W.T. Sherman as College President, p. 168-9

George Mason Graham to Dr. S. A. Smith, January 21, 1860

ALEXANDRIA, Jan. 21, 1860.

DEAR DOCTOR: . . . I endorse you, herewith, a draft of an act for making the Seminary a Military Academy by law, and I hope the reflections of your mind will bring you to the conclusion to support it. Look at the immense sum, $1,500,000, expended by the state in educational efforts; and where are the results? Not a vestige of them remains for any useful purpose. Look at the youth of the state, and the low grade of education pervading it. Look at the lethargy of the parents in regard to the education of their sons, and the reluctance of the sons to submit to control or guidance either at home or at school. The superintendent told me that already a very insubordinate . . . disappointment is manifested by several of the boys. The Academic Board has no power to punish in case of any difficulty; a meeting of the Board of Supervisors can hardly be obtained before next spring. The state must lend the whole aid of its power and influence to enable the institution to exercise a beneficial control. This can only be done by a military government — this makes the young men themselves a part of the power for governing themselves that soon becomes attractive and works better than any other system of college government. But the boys themselves will be very quick to perceive the difference between a system established by a gentleman and one established by a legislature authorizing with the little pomp and circumstance of military parade in music, colors, etc. The people of the state will be brought to take an interest in it that they never will take in any other kind of school or college. This I witnessed at Lexington, Va., in July, 1857, when six hundred people, come to witness the “commencement” of the Virginia Military Institute, dined at one of the hotels of the place.

SOURCE: Walter L. Fleming, General W.T. Sherman as College President, p. 133-4

William M. Evarts to William H. Seward, June 10, 1862

NEW YORK, June 10, 1862.

Governor SEWARD,

Secretary of State:

MY DEAR SIR: A gentleman well-informed in the financial relations of the New Orleans banks has handed me the inclosed memorandum of what he supposes to be the probable status of the specie found under the protection of the Dutch consul at New Orleans. I send it to you, thinking it may be of some service in your investigations.

The idea of this gentleman is that the existence of an occasion for a remittance of some $800,000 to Hope & Co. has been made a cause for this deposit, without the least intention of so paying or providing for the debt, which had, doubtless, been otherwise met.

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Weed yesterday at a very agreeable dinner given to him by the district attorney. He seems in excellent health and spirits.

I am, very truly, yours,

WM. M. EVARTS.

[Sub-inclosure.]

MEMORANDUM.

The Citizens' Bank was chartered by the Legislature of Louisiana about the year 1836. The State loaned its bonds to the bank to constitute or raise the capital on which it has been doing business. The bank indorsed the bonds of the State, and negotiated some $5,000,000 of them through Hope & Co., of Amsterdam, where the interest and principal are payable. It is said that $500,000 of these bonds become due and payable at Hope & Co.'s counting-house this year (1862), which, with one year's interest on the whole amount outstanding, probably constitutes the sum placed by the bank shortly before the capture of New Orleans in the hands of the consul of the Netherlands. It is almost certain that Hope & Co. have nothing at all to do with any funds intended to be applied to the payment of the bonds negotiated through them by the Citizens' Bank until they reach Amsterdam; they (Hope & Co.) acting merely as distributors of the funds when placed there with them, all risk of transmission belonging to the bank. Such, I know, was the case with the bonds negotiated by Baring Bros. & Co., issued by the State of Louisiana to the Union Bank of Louisiana. Moreover, it is very probable that the Citizens' Bank has ample funds in London to make the payment due in Amsterdam this year, and will use them for that purpose should the money seized be given up. It should not be forgotten that the Citizens' Bank, or the president, or some other person connected with the bank, has been reported as acting in some way, directly or indirectly, as fiscal agent of the Confederate Government, and that that Government may have funds in the hands of such agent, which were on deposit with the Citizens' Bank. It is even probable that a portion of the gold stolen from the mint in New Orleans at the commencement of the rebellion was deposited in the Citizens' Bank by some agent or officer of the Confederate Government. My opinion is that if the money seized should be delivered up to the consul it will find its way back into the vault of the Citizens' Bank, and that Hope & Co. will be placed in funds to meet the bonds and coupons due this year from other resources of the bank. If the money seized should be found to belong rightfully to Hope & Co., then let the Government send the equivalent amount from here to Hope & Co. by bills of exchange on London, and use the specie where it is for their own purposes.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series III, Volume 2 (Serial No. 123), p. 139-40

William T. Sherman to Thomas Ewing, January 29, 1860

SEMINARY, Jan. 29, 1860.

DEAR SIR: . . . I perceive no signs of insubordination on the part of the cadets. On the contrary they are well behaved. No person here would think now of suspecting me, though I have made no promises or advances. The governor too, Wickliffe, in his message, congratulates the people of Louisiana in having secured so good a faculty, and the new governor, Moore, has I know expressed himself well pleased at all I have done. I have initiated the Seminary, and its details work as smoothly as an older college, and already bills are introduced into the legislature to appropriate annually the sum of $25,000 which in addition to the fund accruing at interest on the proceeds of sale of U.S. lands will place us in good financial condition. Also, it is proposed to enlarge the number of State cadets to forty-eight, one from each parish, and to establish here a State Arsenal. If these be done or only in part this Seminary must become an important institution. It is furthermore proposed to change our title to the Louisiana Military Academy. The State of Louisiana is comparatively wealthy, and she is abundantly able to do these things handsomely. . . .

SOURCE: Walter L. Fleming, General W.T. Sherman as College President, p. 131

William T. Sherman to Mary E. “Minnie” Sherman, Sunday, January 22, 1860

Seminary, Alexandria, La., Jan. 22, 1860.

Dear Little Minnie: I have not written to you for a long time, but I have sent many messages to you and the children through your Mama, but as my letters have come very irregularly, I suppose mine to you have also been very irregular. It has rained very hard here, and the roads are so bad, that the stage which brings the mail can hardly travel. We have no railroads here and no telegraphs.

Our school began the day after New Year's and every day since cadets have been coming, sometimes one and sometimes two a day. I have to write many letters to their fathers and mothers, who think I must take particular care of their children, but I cause all to be treated just alike. They all recite every day in algebra, French, and Latin, besides which we drill them like soldiers an hour each day. At present I help the other professors, but after a while that won't be necessary, and therefore I will have more time. We now have fifty young men, some of whom are only fifteen years old and some are men, but all of them eat, sleep, study, and recite their lessons in this building.

We put three or four in a room. All have their beds, which they make on the floor; at daylight they make up their beds, roll them up and strap them. They then sweep out their own room, and study their lessons till breakfast at seven o'clock, then they commence to recite and continue reciting till 4 p.m. when they are drilled an hour. At sundown they get supper and study their lessons till 10 o'clock, when all go to bed and sleep till day-light.

They all seem to like it very much, and the governor of the state is much pleased at our arrangements and system. He has made a message to the legislature, recommending much increase, and that suitable buildings should be erected for me and another professor, who has a family. If the legislature will do this then I will see that we have a good house, so that next year you and Mama, Lizzie, Willie, Tommy, and the baby will all come down to Louisiana, where maybe we will live all our lives. I think you will like it very much.

There is no snow here now. We had snow only two days this winter, and there is plenty of good wood, but to-day it was so warm we did not need fires at all. The grass is beginning to grow, and the trees begin to look as though we would soon have flowers, but generally the leaves do not sprout until about March.

I find the professors here very nice gentlemen, especially Mr. Boyd and Mr. Smith. Mr. St. Ange is a real Frenchman, and we laugh a good deal at his oddities. Mr. Vallas has a family, several boys and one fine little girl about three years older than you. I know you will be nine years old when you get this letter. . .

Your Loving Papa.

SOURCE: Walter L. Fleming, General W.T. Sherman as College President, p. 125-7

William T. Sherman to John Sherman, January & February, 1860

[January and February, 1860].

Dear Brother: I received your letter explaining how you happened to sign for that Helper book. Of course it was an unfortunate accident, which will be a good reason for your refusing hereafter your signature to unfinished books. After Clark's resolution, you were right, of course, to remain silent. I hope you will still succeed, as then you will have ample opportunity to show a fair independence.

The rampant southern feeling is not so strong in Louisiana as in Mississippi and Carolina. Still, holding many slaves, they naturally feel the intense anxiety all must whose property and existence depend on the safety of their property and labor. I do hope that Congress may organize and that all things may move along smoothly. It would be the height of folly to drive the South to desperation, and I hope, after the fact is admitted that the North has the majority and right to control national matters and interests, that they will so use their power as to reassure the South that there is no intention to disturb the actual existence of slavery.

. . . The excitement attending the speakership has died away here, and Louisiana will not make any disunion moves. Indeed, she is very prosperous, and the Mississippi is a strong link, which she cannot sever. Besides, the price of negroes is higher than ever before, indicating a secure feeling. . .

I have seen all your debates thus far, and no southern or other gentleman will question their fairness and dignity, and I believe, unless you are unduly provoked, they will ever continue so. I see you are suffering some of the penalties of greatness, having an awful likeness paraded in Harper's, to decorate the walls of country inns. I have seen that of Harper, and as the name is below, I recognize it. Some here say they see a likeness to me, but I don't.

. . . I don't like the looks of the times. This political turmoil, the sending commissions from state to state, the organization of military schools and establishments, and universal belief in the South that disunion is not only possible but certain, are bad signs. If our country falls into anarchy, it will be Mexico, only worse. I was in hopes the crisis would have been deferred till the states of the northwest became so populous as to hold both extremes in check. Disunion would be Civil War, and you politicians would lose all charm. Military men would then step on the tapis, and you would have to retire. Though you think such a thing absurd, yet it is not so, and there would be vast numbers who would think the change for the better.

I have been well sustained here, and the legislature proposes further to endow us well and place us in the strongest possible financial position. If they do, and this danger of disunion blow over, I shall stay here; but in case of a breach, I would go north. . .

SOURCE: Walter L. Fleming, General W.T. Sherman as College President, p. 118-20