WASHINGTON CITY, May
10, 1862.
My Dear Brother:
I received your recent letter in which you mention your
position on the morning of Sunday very opportunely.
It arrived on the morning I had to make a speech on Ohio
volunteers. The imputations, whether just or unjust, upon our regiments make it
necessary in the opinion of our delegation that someone should speak, and I did
so. I was exceedingly anxious for your report and went or sent to the Adjutant
General's office daily for several days, but was informed that none of the
details or division reports had come, although several were published in the
newspapers. I collected all the information I could and made my speech. Whether
I am in a mile of the truth is mere chance, but I believe my statement is more
accurate than any made. Head it and let me know. You will see from Harlan’s
remarks there is much feeling against Grant and I try to defend him, but with
little success. Why is not your report sent in? Pray hereafter have a copy sent
to me of all future reports. . . .
I never spoke under greater embarrassment than I did
yesterday. It was a delicate subject, upon which my constituents were
sensitive, and yet I was in ignorance how far your reply would overthrow me. .
. .
As to your personal position you need not fear. Halleck’s
opinion about your action of Sunday is the opinion of the country. You are as
likely to be abused on my account as on your own. I am so accustomed to storms
of factious opposition as to be perfectly serene under it. I hope you will
become so.
Affectionately,
JOHN SHERMAN.
SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The
Sherman letters: correspondence between General and Senator Sherman from 1837
to 1891, p. 147
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