MANSFIELD, OHIO,
Aug. 4, 1872.
Dear Brother: . . .
Just now all interest is centred upon the Presidential election. As you say,
the Republicans are running a Democrat, and the Democrats a Republican. And
there is not an essential difference in the platform of principle. The chief
interest I feel in the canvass is the preservation of the Republican party,
which I think essential to secure the fair enforcement of the results of the
war. General Grant has so managed matters as to gain the very bitter and active
hostility of many of the leading Republicans, and the personal indifference of
most of the residue. He will, however, be fairly supported by the great mass of
the Republicans, and I still hope and believe will be elected. The defections
among Republicans will be made up by Democrats, who will not vote for Greeley.
The whole canvass is
so extraordinary, that no result can be anticipated. You will notice that Sumner,
Thurman, Banks, and others are for Greeley, who is probably the most unfit man
for President, except Train, that has ever been mentioned. I intend to support
Grant fairly and fully, as best for the country and Republican party.
SOURCE: Rachel
Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The Sherman Letters: Correspondence Between
General and Senator Sherman from 1837 to 1891, p. 338-9
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