Monday, January 31, 2022

William T. Sherman to George Mason Graham, March 6, 1860

STEAMBOAT HODGES, March 6, 1860.
DEAR GENERAL:

We will reach Baton Rouge by three. I will at once see Dr. Smith and Governor Moore, and then take post at the wharf boat, calculating in my mind the quickest chance of reaching Ohio — by going to New Orleans or back to Vicksburg. If I could reach the city by daylight tomorrow I could be at Lancaster next Saturday — otherwise I will be caught by Sunday at Cincinnati. I will not attempt to write you from Baton Rouge unless it be a P.S. to this letter, taking it for granted that you will hear from there from other parties.

I was a little disconcerted yesterday by two things Jarreau who has heretofore held out to me his willingness to board me and family until a house could be built, told me very frankly that his wife was unwilling, being fearful Mrs. Sherman would not be satisfied. I then tried Poussin whose house I visited and found very good, but he tells me he intends to move in very shortly. The only other chance is the house of Biossat - now occupied by McNight. It is rather in a tumble down condition good enough for summer but calculated to give an Ohio lady the horrors. Still I won't let trifles bar my present movements. If I bring my family I may come by way of New Orleans and bring up all essentials for housekeeping, relying on your hospitality till I find other accommodations. But I do think it would be well in any event to take preliminary steps to procure the lumber, lime, etc., for the two professors' houses, certain to be built. I am aware that plans, drawings, specifications and estimates should precede any purchases, but still if that saw mill could get to work at once it would facilitate everything. You may rely on my giving you the quickest possible notice of my final determination by telegraph from Ohio.

[P. S.] 8 p.m., Tuesday. Reached Baton Rouge, 4 p.m. Saw Dr. Smith. His bill amended by the House to embrace fifty-one beneficiaries – and fifteen thousand appropriated therefor. Our idea of the University all mistake. In senate the beneficiary opposed on the ground of giving our institution the character of the indigent college, but it passed by the casting vote of the lieutenant-governor, is now the law. I am perfectly willing. The Arsenal Bill will pass if reached but no appropriation will be made for the present use of arms. I expect to reach New Orleans by 6 a.m. and to start north at 7:30 to reach Cincinnati Friday, and home Saturday. On Monday maybe will again go to Cincinnati and telegraph you or Governor Moore by Wednesday or Thursday. Dr. Smith says I can have the house of Mrs. —— next Robertson's. If the telegraph announces my coming with family, I shall depend on you somewhat to help me to temporary quarters. . . .

W. T. 

SOURCE: Walter L. Fleming, General W.T. Sherman as College President, p. 187-9

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