SENATE CHAMBER,
WASHINGTON, May 19, 1862.
Dear Brother:
Your official report was so complete and satisfactory that
it has settled forever all the absurd stories about the battle of the 6th and
7th. It also shows me that with all my care to be right I made several
mistakes, especially as to the volunteers of the 6th and 7th.
Deep anxiety is felt here as to your position. I talked with
the President on Saturday about the general state of the war. He evidently
fears the accumulation of forces under Beauregard and said he had and would
again telegraph Halleck not to move forward until he was certain to win. If the
Mississippi is clear of the enemy and we get Richmond, it is thought that will
secure the border States and we can afford to wait. In the mean time, even
under terrible financial pressure and drain of active war, the country is
flourishing. Our bonds are above par, trade is active and produce bears a good
price. Much of this may be induced by the inflation of paper money, but gold is
abundant, foreign importations active, and foreigners are making investments
here heavily. In my experience in public affairs I have never known times more
easy. If the war could only be brought to a close upon the basis of the unity
and integrity of the Government, we should have a rebound of national
prosperity that would soon heal all the losses and burdens of the war. As to
politics now, lines are being drawn. Radicals and Conservatives are taking
sides without regard to party reasons. If the rank Secessionists would only
give up their insane attempt at division they could easily secure every
reasonable right. They must, however, lay aside the insolence and dogmatism
with which they have domineered over our better men. If they do not abandon their
cause, events will force a war in the cotton States between the whites and
blacks. Hunter has already invited it, but his
inconsiderate proclamation will be set aside. However, delay, defeat or a
much longer continuance in the barbarity of rebel warfare will prepare the
public mind in the North for a warfare that will not scruple to avail itself of
every means of subjection.
In the course of business I have received many kind messages
for you from your many friends, among others from Swords, Van Vleit, Garesche
and others.
Affectionately yours,
JOHN SHERMAN.
SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The
Sherman letters: correspondence between General and Senator Sherman from 1837
to 1891, p. 150-1
No comments:
Post a Comment