General William T. Sherman to Senator John Sherman, October 1885

[St. Louis, October 1885.]

The newspapers here now state that the Ohio election has gone fairly and conclusively to the Republicans, and pronounce you as the cause. So, apart from the immediate results and the influence it may have on other elections, it will introduce the "Bloody Shirt" as a part of the Republican doctrine. Of course the name "Bloody Shirt" is pure bosh, like the old political cries of "Black Republicans," "Niggers," etc., etc., so familiar to us in 1860-61. I understand your position to be that by Section 2, Article 14, Amendments of the Constitution, by which Representatives in Congress are apportioned, the South gained in numbers, and yet practically have defeated the main purpose of the Amendment. Now, as Congress had the power to enforce that Section by the Fifth Section, I am asked why it was not done when the Republicans had the Government. So far as I can learn the negroes at the South are protected and encouraged in gaining property and education; also in voting when their vote does not affect the result. But the feeling is universal against their "ruling white men." How force or law can be brought to bear is the most difficult problem I can conceive of, and I think you are perfectly right in making the issue; a good result will follow from its fair, open discussion. My notion is that the negro himself will have to fight for his right of suffrage, but the laws of the United States for electing Members of the House should be made as strong as possible, to encourage the negroes in voting for their candidates, and, if need be, fighting for their right when they have an undoubted majority. . . .

Affectionately yours,

W. T. SHERMAN.

SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The Sherman Letters: Correspondence Between General and Senator Sherman from 1837 to 1891, p. 367-8

Sumner’s Blood Shirt Sent To Boston — published May 28, 1856

This maltreated garment, we learn, has been conveyed by carful hands to Boston. In advance of the august ceremonies which doubtless will mark its advent, his patriotic constituency, will have had their minds and hearts, if they have either, well stored for “mutiny and rage,” by the fervid eloquence of their Beecher Saint.

This meek and holy priest is, we suppose, to officiate upon the occasion of the shirt demonstrations which will be made. As it is a new theme, and may draw to heavily upon his imagination, we suggest to him to read Mark Anthony’s speech over the body of the beloved Caesar.—As Thus: “If you have tears, prepare to shed them now. You all do know this “garment.” I remember the first time Sumner put it on—‘twas on a summer’s morning, in his room. That day he hoped to overcome the triumvirate. oh! Now you weep! And I perceive you feel the dint of pity; these are gracious drops! Kind souls, what weep you, when you but behold our Sumner’s vesture stained? Look you to yonder Southern city, where is himself, marred by the hands of traitor!

“1st Cit. O, piteous spectacle!

“2d Cit. O, Noble Sumer!

“3d Cit. O, woeful day!

“4th Cit. O, traitor villain!

“1st Cit. O, most bloody sight!

“2nd Cit. We will be revenged! revenge! About—seek—burn—fire—kill—slay—let not a traitor live!”

Stop right here holy Beecher, the stones of Boston begin to rise and mutiny!

It is a most excellent oration and has well done its work—grateful, too, to the sufferer, it will be, for the mindful consideration of his classic taste.—Was. Sentinel.

SOURCE: Richmond Daily Whig, Richmond Virginia, Wednesday Morning, May 28, 1856, p. 2