MANSFIELD, OHIO, Nov.
14, 1863.
My Dear Brother:
. . . . . . . . .
.
On Tuesday next I start for Gettysburg, to take part in the
pageant of a dedication of the battle-field as a national cemetery. From thence
I shall probably go to Washington, two weeks in advance of the session. The very
first thing I mean to do is to press the enforcement of the draft. The long
delay and the various shifts and subterfuges by which the execution of the law
has thus far been defeated, is disgraceful, and very injurious to the cause. . .
. I notice in some of the Southern papers that a hope is entertained that the
draft cannot be enforced. This is idle. The war was never more popular than at
this moment. The new call will fall lightly. Ohio must send thirty-five
thousand, or one to fifteen of her voters. The apportionment has been made even
to townships and wards, and in very many places the quota will be made by
voluntary enlistments, aided by large gratuitous bounties from citizens. There
is no lack of men or of a determination to send them. The wonderful prosperity
of all classes, especially of laborers, has a tendency to secure acquiescence
in all measures demanded to carry on the war. We are only another example of a
people growing rich in a great war. And this is not shown simply by inflated
prices, but by increased production, new manufacturing establishments, new
railroads, houses, etc. . . . Indeed, every branch of business is active and
hopeful. This is not a mere temporary inflation caused by paper money, but is a
steady progress, and almost entirely upon actual capital. The people are
prospering and show their readiness to push on the war. Taxes are paid
cheerfully, and the voluntary donations for our soldiers and their families are
counted by thousands. ... I confide in your success.
Affectionately,
JOHN SHERMAN.
SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The
Sherman letters: correspondence between General and Senator Sherman from 1837
to 1891, p. 215-6
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