WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan.
27, 1863.
Dear Brother:
The pressure of official duties here prevented my writing
sooner, but I have kept a watchful eye on all your movements recently.
I have not the slightest hesitation in justifying every
movement you have made. The newspapers are generally down on you and will
command the public attention to your prejudice, but intelligent persons do not
fail to notice that not a specific allegation is made against you. The
authorities sustain your actions throughout. This is especially so as to the
Secretary of War. I read your official report, and was very anxious to have it
published. It would correct many errors and would be a complete justification
and explanation of many things not understood.
I asked Gen. Halleck to allow me to publish it. He declined,
unless the Secretary of War consented, and said he would submit my application
to the Secretary. Afterwards I saw the Secretary, and he told me he had
directed a copy of the report to be furnished for publication. I again called
at Halleck's, and saw Gen. Cullum, who objected to the publication of the
report on various grounds.
After a full conversation with Cullum, I supposed I had
satisfied him that it ought to be published, and he agreed to submit my reasons
to Halleck and ask a reconsideration. This morning I received a note from
Halleck stating that, as further operations would occur before Vicksburg, he
did not deem it advisable to publish the report at present. Thus the matter
ends. Cullum stated to me that there was no officer of the army who did not
entirely justify your attack on Vicksburg under the circumstances as you
supposed them to be. In the end you will be justified in public opinion.
Military affairs look dark here in the army of the Potomac.
Burnside is relieved and Hooker is in command. The entire army seems
demoralized. Perhaps when it is ready to move it may be all right. A certain
amount of dissatisfaction always will exist in an army. I was very glad to
notice that you were popular with and had the confidence of your men. This is
the case with but few officers. I deeply pity Porter.1 . . .
If we recover from the folly of legislators and the quarrels
of our generals, it will be evidence of vitality, remarkable in the history of
any nation. I believe we shall survive all these dangers, and I agree with you
that no course is left for us but to fight it out. I cannot respect some of the
constituted authorities, yet I will cordially support and aid them while they
are authorized to administer the government. Pray write me as often as you can.
Affectionately yours,
JOHN SHERMAN.
__________
1Fitz-John Porter
SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The
Sherman letters: correspondence between General and Senator Sherman from 1837
to 1891, p. 186-7
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