HEADQUARTERS MILITARY
DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
ST. LOUIS, Nov. 4,
1865.
Dear Brother:
Ever since my return from my trip in Iowa, Nebraska, and
Kansas, I have been so busy that I have neglected to write to you. We are now
most comfortable in our new house, and I am settling down into a kind of
routine that looks like old banking times. I see a great many people, and get
any quantity of letters with all sorts of invitations, but I decline all save a
few here in the city. I think I will go to see Henry Sherman1 at his
commencement at Dartmouth next spring, and that will carry me to Boston, where
I expect to be besieged. Strange to say, I receive more strong feeling of favor
from that quarter than any other, spite the attempt made to put me in
antagonism to their special hobbies. I shall not go near Washington this year,
nor take part in the reorganization of the new army until ordered to do so
officially. I have the report for the Committee on the conduct of the war
nearly done, and will send it by a staff-officer to Mr. Wade before the meeting
of Congress.
It will contain much detailed and original matter which has
never seen the light, and will make the great campaigns as clear as possible,
being composed wholly of letters which passed at the time between me and all
the officers above and below me. It is more voluminous than I intended, and I
will curtail it all I can, but as it is now it is very interesting. I will also
accompany it with a map which is very valuable, and I want it engraved on
metal. I know Congress will appropriate for proper maps, and not insult us with
such lithographs as have heretofore been customary. I may have to get you to
help me in this, as I have expended vast labor on this map and want it done right.
I notice that foreigners are very anxious to see me, and all
who come here come to call. I shall be here all winter, and if you want
anything I can do it. I hope you are sure of your re-election. I have many
inquiries as to your prospects, and cannot answer them. I think you have more
influence and reputation out of Ohio than any man of the State. . . . You
observe that Mr. Johnson is drifting toward my terms to Johnston. He cannot
help it, for there is no other solution. Any plan will have objections, but
that least of all.
Affectionately,
W. T. SHERMAN.
__________
1 His eldest brother's elder son.
SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The
Sherman Letters: Correspondence Between General and Senator Sherman from 1837
to 1891, p. 256-7
No comments:
Post a Comment