Friday, October 30, 2020

William T. Sherman to George Mason Graham, January 30, 1860

SEMINARY OF LEARNING, Jan. 30, 1860.

SIR: A case has this day arisen requiring my prompt action under the paragraph of regulations quoted below:

“In extraordinary cases of resistance to authority, calling for immediate action, the superintendent may adopt the measures necessary to maintain order and good discipline, but in all such cases he shall forthwith submit to the Board of Supervisors his report in writing of all the facts and reasons for his action.”

 Cadet D. F. H—h was reported to the commandant of cadets, by Cadet S. M. H—s, acting as sergeant for some delinquency. He made an excuse in writing, which the commandant of cadets referred to Mr. H—s for explanation. Just before drill this p.m., Mr. H—s spoke to Cadet H—h about the excuse; some words passed resulting in Mr. H—s using the word “lie.” H—h retorted the same when H—s struck. H—h then went to his room and returned with a dirk knife, and renewed the altercation with the knife open, and threatening to use it. I have the knife and it is of the bowie knife pattern.

 Mr. Smith happening to be near, interfered and caused Mr. H—h to go to his room and remain there during drill. At the moment I was showing some visitors through the building. As soon as the matter was reported to me, I forthwith informed Mr. H—h that no possible cause or provocation could justify or palliate the use or display by a member of this Seminary of a deadly weapon: and that he must leave. I made an order to that effect, and although I told him he could remain till morning, still he preferred to leave to-day.

 I will to-morrow cause the whole truth to be determined and recorded, and if Mr. H—s is to blame, he too must be punished according to the degree of offence. The word “lie” must never be used here, with impunity, but I assert the broad principle, that no word, or even blow must for a moment give a pretext for the use of a deadly weapon.

SOURCE: Walter L. Fleming, General W.T. Sherman as College President, p. 137-8

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