Seminary, Friday, Jan. 6, 1860.
Dear General: Things
move along so so — only twenty four cadets. Captain Walters brought his boy of
fourteen years and eight months and I will receive him. Vallas is so zealous
that he keeps his class nearly four hours in the section room. I may have to
interfere, but for the present will leave him full scope to develop his “Method.”
To-morrow, Saturday I will have a drill and afterward daily.
We had some conversation about John Sherman. You have seen
enough of the world to understand politicians and the motives which influence
and govern them; last night I received a letter from him, which explains his
signing that Helper book.1 He is punished well and deservedly for a
thoughtless and careless act and will hereafter look at papers before he signs
them. I also send you a letter he wrote me before he left home to go to
Washington. Whatever rank he may hold among politicians I [know] he would do no
aggressive act in life. I do think southern politicians are almost as much to
blame as mere theoretical abolitionists. The constant threat of disunion, and
their enlarging the term abolitionist has done them more real harm than the
mere prayers, preachings, and foolish speeches of distant preachers. It is
useless for men to try and make a party on any basis. The professional
politician will slip in and take advantage of it if successful and drop it if
unsuccessful.
The true position for every gentleman north and south is to
frown down even a mention of disunion. Resist any and all assaults calmly,
quietly like brave men, and not by threats. The laws of the states and Congress
must be obeyed; if wrong or oppressive they will be repealed. Better to bear,
etc. I don't pretend to endorse republicanism, John Sherman or anybody else but
I send these letters to show that he is no abolitionist. As he is my brother,
is honest, of excellent habits, and has done his duty as a son, brother,
neighbor, etc., and as I believe, he will fill any post creditably I wish him
success.
_______________
1 The Impending Crisis
of the South: How to Meet It, published in 1857.
SOURCE: Walter L. Fleming, General W.T. Sherman
as College President, p. 102-4
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