Cadet William T. Sherman to John Sherman, December 6, 1837

WEST POINT, N.Y., Dec. 6, 1837.

Dear Brother:

In compliance with your request I sent you a paper shortly after the reception of your letter, which I should have answered much sooner had I not been till within a few days past under the impression that it had been done. This excuse is sufficient, I suppose, for my long delay, especially as a letter from me is not very desirable.

I hope that you still have as favorable opinions as ever with respect to your employment,1 for in my opinion a man's success in his profession depends upon the impressions he receives at the beginning; for if these are favorable, most undoubtedly he will endeavor to succeed, and success will be the necessary consequence. You have now been engaged at that employment about a year and must be by this time quite an expert engineer. I would not be much astonished if when I came home I would find you superintendent of some public work. I have not received many letters from home lately; in fact, I am almost too busy to write many, and if I do not answer all their letters immediately upon their reception, they follow my example apparently, which is the cause of it, I presume; but after our examination in January I will endeavor to be a little more punctual and expect the same of my correspondents. At present we are very much engaged in preparing for the examination which takes place immediately after Christmas. I think I will still have about the same standing as I have now in Mathematics and French, but in Drawing I think I will be among the first five. Preparation for the Christmas spree is now all the go. I have joined in with about a dozen others and laid the foundation for a very good dinner costing about three dollars apiece. I wish we could get ahold of some of our western turkeys, chickens, and the like, which cannot be obtained here except at an enormous price, and as money is something to us like teeth, we are obliged to go without. Winter seems to be very reluctant about setting in. The weather at present is more like spring than winter. This time last winter, the river was closed, and we had fine skating, but no doubt it will soon set in with a vengeance, giving us our full share of north winds, which it generally deals out very liberally to the inhabitants of the Highlands. It is now about half-past nine, and we are obliged to go to bed at ten. You must, therefore, allow me to come to a conclusion, wishing you at the same time to give my best love to all the family when you next write home. Do not fail to write soon.

From

Your affectionate brother,

W. T. SHERMAN.

JOHN SHERMAN, Esqr.

_______________

¹ John Sherman was then, at the age of fourteen, junior rodman in an engineer corps, engaged in the improvement of the Muskingham River, Ohio. Particulars of his life will follow in introducing his letters.

SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The Sherman Letters: Correspondence Between General and Senator Sherman from 1837 to 1891, pp. 2-3

Cadet William T. Sherman to John Sherman, March 7, 1840

MILITARY ACADEMY, WEST POINT, N.Y., March 7, 1840.

My Dear Brother:

I acknowledged the receipt of your last in my letter to mother, since which time I have been waiting in hopes that something might turn up to write you about; but although the river has opened, and is alive with steamboats and sloops, still West Point appears as dull as ever; in fact, the only visitors we have had so far have been tailors, shoemakers, etc., etc., who prowl about us, knowing our inexperience and the necessity we are under of getting a full supply of clothing at their prices. The snow has entirely disappeared, and for the past three weeks the weather has been beautiful, and reminds me very much of sugar-making times at home, and I have no doubt, if your weather has been as fine as ours here, your farmers have not been idle in their camps. An evening at old Mr. Buchanan's or Wilson's sugar-camp would be great.

I presume the idea of your studying law has been decided upon by Mr. Reese and Taylor, so that it would be rather impertinent for me to object in the least; but for my part, it would be my last choice. Everybody studies law nowadays, and to be a lawyer without being exceedingly eminent — which it is to be hoped you will be some day — is not a sufficient equivalent for their risks and immense study and labor. However, if you decide upon anything, you should immediately commence to carry it into execution. As to me, I am already provided for. As soon as I graduate I am entitled by law to a commission in the army, and from my standing in the class to a choice of corps. To be stationed in the east or west, to be in the artillery, infantry, or dragoons, depends entirely on my choice. This choice will be, unless war breaks out with England, the Fifth Regiment of Infantry, because it is stationed on the northwest frontier, a country which I have always felt a strong inclination to see; and if it meets my ideas, formed from descriptions of travellers and officers, it must be the finest spot on this continent. Also it is probable that the Indians will break out again, in which case I should have an opportunity of seeing some active service. Should war, however, be the consequence of this Maine difficulty, I should prefer the artillery, for the reason that it is stationed east of the mountains, which would be the seat of war, and it is an arm of service which I would prefer in a war against a civilized people. But as there is scarce a possibility of this, I have concluded to go to the west, and have accordingly ordered an infantry uniform. Whether I remain in the army for life or not is doubtful; but one thing is certain, — that I will never study another profession. Should I resign, it would be to turn farmer, if ever I can raise enough to buy a good farm in Iowa. If I can spare money when I am at the city of New York, I intend to get one of Colt's patent rifles to shoot ten times in succession as fast as you can cock and pull the trigger. They cost from $40 to $60, more than, I fear, I can spare. I have been very well indeed all winter.

Your affectionate brother,

W. T. SHERMAN.

SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The Sherman Letters: Correspondence Between General and Senator Sherman from 1837 to 1891, pp. 11-12

Diary of 5th Sergeant Lawrence Van Alstyne: December 28, 1862

We have had a rain and the hard ground made the softest kind of mud. It sticks to our feet and clothes, and everybody is cross and crabbed. The sun came out, however, and our spirits began to rise as the mud dried up. There was preaching and prayer meeting both to-day.

Our chaplain's courage is something wonderful and many of us attend the services out of respect to him when we had much rather lie and rest our aching bones. The captain of the Arago sent word he will be along to-night on his way to New York and would stop for letters. He will find some, judging from the writing that has been going on.

SOURCE:  Lawrence Van Alstyne, Diary of an Enlisted Man, p. 77

Diary of Edward Bates, Sunday, May 8, 1859

It rained hard yesterday afternoon, which again interferes with the planting of seeds — The weather is warm, and for the first time this season, I doft my double-breasted cloth waistcoat and put on a thinner — black satin —

Noon — the air is sultry and masses of clouds lying about, portending rain — and the Rain Crows (Cookcoos) are croaking for another shower.

John. C. Boone spent the night here, and returned to town about 10. oclock. He is about to buy a house and lot in Stoddard's addition, and settle there.

Sister Sarah⁴⁷ is very ill, and Julia⁴⁸ attends her continually, night and day, and is consequently, much worn down. I staid at home, not going to Church.

My letter⁴⁹ to the N. Y. Com[mitt]ee. (whig) has attracted great attention, and has been published throughout the Union, (except perhaps the extreme South, whose papers I rarely see.) The letter has attracted various criticisms in the Press: The Democrats, of course, condemn: The Americans, as far as I have seen approve — Many of the Republican papers approve, without reserve — Some of them however, and those influential, consider my denunciation of agitation a grave offence — a disqualifying error, concur[r]ing as they do in the rest.

In one assumption (and that erroneous) all seem to concur. The Press and private persons all assume that the letter is a Candidate's letter — a ' platform ' and a [‘]bid for the Presidency’! They forget that it is an answer to a Whig committee, which itself begun [sic] by denouncing the agitation.

[Marginal Note.] However men may agree or disagree with me, in the particular views expressed, the general tone of the letter appears, to be approved every where; and I am sure it has substantially increased my reputation for courage and firmness as a man, and perspicacity as a writer.

A great many papers are sent to me now, with comments on the letter — pro and con. And many private men write to me in terms very flattering to my vanity — Among them Saml. P. Bates⁵⁰ of Meadville Pa. — His beginning is frank and manly and induces a desire to cultivate him. I have answered his letter[.]

. . . ⁵¹

_______________

⁴⁷ Sarah Bates died on August 12, at the age of 86. See supra, " Introduction."

⁴⁸ Mrs. Bates. See loc. cit.

⁴⁹ Supra, 1-9.

⁵⁰ Lecturer on education; formerly principal of the academy at Meadville; at this time superintendent of the Crawford County schools in Pennsylvania.

⁵¹ Comments on the weather and on the state of his garden: the progress of his tulips, narcissus, snow drops, flags, pioneys [sic], snowballs, the Harrison or yellow rose, his grape vines, raspberries, blackberries, gooseberries, strawberries, Japanese potatoes.

SOURCE: Howard K. Beale, Editor, Annual Report of The American Historical Association For The Year 1930, Vol. 4, The Diary Of Edward Bates, pp. 14-15

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Thursday, March 20, 1862

Wet drizzling day, as uncomfortable as need be. No news yet from Comodore Foot. I fear he has met with a repulse. Doct David & his Brother James were down and dined with us today. James is not attached to the Reg^t but is going down with it. It is expected to go tomorrow, but uncertain. Prof Sparks was here this evening hearing Julia recite her Spanish. He brought he[r] up a Spanish Dictionary & other books in the Spanish language. She seems to be making some progress. I have not been out of the house tonight, looked at the boys writing Books &c, & read the papers.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Saturday, March 22, 1862

We have been listening all day to the booming of Cannon and beating of Drums. Troops are constantly embarking at the Arsenal and marching through and about the City. But the tents on the hills back of the City do not seem to diminish in number, but most of the Reg^ts are under marching orders to be ready in a few minutes when called upon to go. I[t] rained nearly all last night and rains tonight and the mud is almost as bad as ever in the streets, and the boys are again levying toll upon passengers at the crossings. — Doct David called this morning with another Surgeon. I think the D^r is a little homesick (very little). Comodore Foot is still throwing shells among the rebels at Island No 10. Yesterday the land forces were to arrive and act in concert with him. Went down to the Av^e after dinner. Visited the “Ariated Bread” Bakery foot of 10^th st. Went into some Machine Shops. Penn Av^e was crowded to excess, Carriages, Hacks, Gov^t Wagons, stubborn mules refusing to go, drivers swearing, Soldiers marching, Drums beating, Bands playing, Dragoons and “orderlies” rushing through at great speed. Officers and Privates, Citizens & Congressmen, Negros & Newsboys, all hurrying to and fro on the broad Side walk without any order or regularity as regards turning “to the right.” All put together made a lively time of it, and I was not sorry to get away from the uproar and confusion of the Av^e to a more quiet part of the City. The two elder boys have been up to the camp of the 98^th today. They have gone to bed tired. Julia is reading her Spanish lesson. Wife has prepared a cup of tea & some ariated Bread & buter, and placed it invitingly near me on the table. We rarely get a regular “Tea” at night, dining past 4 renders it hardly necessary. It is usualy done in a sort of fugitive way about 8 or 9 o'clock, sometimes later. We cannot contrive to get to bed before about 11 o'clock, that is, myself and wife. Julia goes before 10 usualy, and the boys about 8.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Sunday, March 23, 1862

No War news public today. It has been rather pleasant and no rain. Our next door neighbor Comodore Smith had his house robed last night. The Thief went all over the house gathering up watches, money, spoons, &c, without alarming the inmates. He unlocked the back door with Burglers nippers. The Comodore seems to be in bad luck. He recently lost his son, Lieut Jos. B Smith, on the Congress in her fight with the rebel Iron Clad Steamer “Merrimac.” I have not been to church today, wife & the rest of the family went. Took a walk with the boys before dark, saw the Battalion of Cavalry which brot the Body of Co^l Slocum of the RI 2^nd who was killed at Bull Run in July. The Reg^t is now near the City and the body was just recovered and brought over to the Reg'^t. The Cavalry came over as an Escort and were on their return when we saw them.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Tuesday, March 25, 1862

This has been a pleasant day. The troops have been quite active, some five or six Regiments marched through the City to the River to embark. No particular news afloat. Nothing is allowed to be published relating to army movements except official dispatches from the War department. The news papers are consequently rather stale at present. After dinner we all went up to the camp of the 98^th NY to see the Lyons boys and bid them good bye. They expect to start tomorrow for down the River. They all seemed to be in good health and spirits. Surgeon David came down and took tea with us. We all regret to have him go. We are all much attached to him. He appears so amiable and quiet in his demeanor and so sincere in what he says. We got back from the camp before dark. After Dr David left, Julia and I called at Mr Hartlys on NY Avenue. I also called at the office of Maj A B Williams on 11^th street. Met Mr VanMaster of Lyons and Mr Underwood of Auburn NY. Gen^l Burnside has taken Beaufort N.C. & Fort Mason.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Wednesday, March 26, 1862

Another pleasant day, in the office as usual. After dinner took the boys over to the River Wharfs where the Soldiers are embarking. Saw the “John Brooks” leave with the Mass 10^th Reg^t (Co^l Briggs) leave. Some of the 36^th N York left on the same boat. There was great Cheering when the Boat left. Just before the Boat left a lady made her way through the crowd and stood on the corner of the Wharf looking most anxiously for some one on the boat. Soon she caught the face and waved her hankerchief, and soon began to cry putting linnen to her face and sobbing violently. The Boat moved slowly off and I thought she would fall but as the Boat passed on she turned slowly away wending her way through the crowd alone, steped into an elegant carriage which was waiting and drove off. We got home before dark. Ed Dick[erso]ⁿ was up tonight and staid an hour. Julia stays with Mat[ty] Hartly tonight.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Thursday, March 27, 1862

The weather continues delightful and the mud has nearly dried up in our streets. There is no particular news afloat today. The Battle near Winchester on Sunday last proves to have been a very severe fight, and a total route to the rebels. The boys have all been up to the camps on the Hill today. No troops are leaving from there yet. Lieut David (James) called here today. Mrs Bassett was here at the time. She is an immense talker and withall rather a vain woman. She amused the Lieut very much. I have been to the Av^e this evening, an immense throng there. The City seems to be entirely full. A great many foreighners, particularly Englishmen, are here looking on and “taking Notes.” All nationalities almost are to be met with and almost all languages are heard on the Av^e of an evening. German predominates but French and Spanish are very common. Julia is studying French and Spanish and I am paying those languages some attention myself. Think that I will soon be able to read Spanish.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Friday, March 28, 1862

Very pleasant today. Streets quite dry & dusty. A great movement of troops. A stream of men and Gov^t Wagons have been going down 14^th S^t for a number of hours. The Divisions of Gen^l Keyes and Casey, 10,000 or 12,000 each, have moved for Alexandria to embark. Doct David called about 6 o'clock this evening on his way down. The 98^th had been paid today and he left $730.⁰⁰ with me to send to his wife. He kept $100. We all felt quite sad at parting with him and his own eyes were quite moist. We walked out to14^th S^t and stood for near two hours seeing the troops pass. It was quite dark before the 98^th came down. We could not recognize many of our friends in the Reg^t. The street through the City and the road beyond the “Long Bridge” was one living moving mass for miles. Artillery, Cavalry, Infantry & Wagons made up an immense procession. No news of importance tonight.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Saturday, March 29, 1862

We have had quite a snow storm today and the streets are again wet and muddy. No particular news from any of the armies. The Bombardment of Island No 10 continues. I presume it is merely to keep a large force of the rebels Gun Boats &c away from other points New Orleans perhaps while our troops attack them. Bought a Draft this morning for 730, less 1/4 pr ct at discount and sent to Doct Davids wife, Lyons, as requested. The 98^th is now encamped near Alexandria. “Bud” rode down there today and saw them. The 27^th are at their old camp near the Seminary. Twenty thousand men passed over the River yesterday and last night, but soldiers and officers seem to be about as thick on the Av^e as ever. Congress is draging along the Tax Bill, and discussing the everlasting Negro. When will that question end?

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Sunday, March 30, 1862

This has been a cold rainy day, as uncomfortable for the soldiers as could well be. It rained so hard that none of us went to church in the morning. Wife and the boys went in the afternoon. I have not been out, staid in the house reading.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Monday, March 31, 1862

It has been pleasant today after the thunder shower which we had last night. Got my months Salary today, bought me a new hat, wore my old one a year and a half. Paid Bills “too numerous to mention.” We know but little of what is going on relating to the War as nothing is allowed to be published in the papers but there must be a great Battle soon in Tennessee betwen Buel & Beauregard. It is thought that the “cord” is tightening round Richmond. We shall probably hear soon. The Ladies Fair of the 4^[th] Pres[byterian] Ch[urch] commenced tonight. Julia did not get home till after 11.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C.

Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Monday, May 21, 1860

Very warm day. At work in office Dined with Gov Morgan of NY at Q House

SOURCE: The Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 408

Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Thursday, May 24, 1860

St. Louis     Reached St Louis at 6 A. M. went to Planters House and had short interview with Gov Morgan of New York. Also met Judge Bates & Mr Gibson there, and made an appointment with the Judge to meet him at his office at 11 O'clock. I then had a long talk with Gibson in the parlor of the Planters House, and at 11 he and I met at Judge Bates' office. The Judge had just recvd and read my letter of Tuesday—I exhibited to him the letter I had received from Springfield, and made an urgent appeal to him to come into Illinois, and make a few speeches. Whilst I was engaged in urging such considerations as I thought would be most effectual in prevailing with him, Mr Goodrich,¹ one of the Massachusetts delegates to the Chicago Convention, came in and united with me in the appeal I was making. But our efforts were unavailing. Judge Bates very emphatically declined to take the stump, saying that such a thing as one who had been before the convention as a candidate for nomination for the presidency taking the stump was unprecedented that he thought it would be in very bad taste, and incompatible with the dignity of his character & position, and that he must respectfully decline to do so that his situation was peculiar that he had been thought of as a candidate for the Presidency not because he was a member of the Republican party, but because he was a man outside of the Republican party harmonizing with it in political sentiments, and because it was supposed, therefore, that he could bring outside strength to the support of the party—that the platform, in the main expressed his sentiments, but there were some things in it unnecessary and untrue, which did not meet his approval, and mentioned particularly the clauses relating to the power of Congress over slavery in the territories, and the naturalization laws—that he felt no emotion of chagrin, or regret at not getting the nomination—that he entertained the highest regard for Mr Lincoln, appreciated and admired his character, and should rejoice at his success over any democrat who could be nominated, but that he must take a little time to deliberate as to the course proper to be when pursued by him, and that when he had reflected and matured his opinions he would write me fully upon the subject. I met Sam Glover and had a short conversation with him.² He thought Judge Bates ought to write me a letter for publication endorsing Lincoln's nomination, but he would not advise him, as he was a man of great intellect who thought, and acted for himself, and he had never known him make a mistake especially in a matter of taste and propriety

At 11 A. M. called on Mrs Bennett She was not in. At 2 P. M. called and spent an hour with Mrs Greenleaf. At 3 came on board Die Vernon on my way home Very hot day.

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¹ Probably John Z. Goodrich, born 1801. Elector on Harrison ticket, 1840; representative in 32d and 33d congresses; collector of customs at Boston, 1861-1865.

² Among the Browning letters in the Illinois Historical Library at Springfield is one from Sam T. Glover to Browning, dated St. Louis, June 13, 1860. This letter deals with the attitude of Mr. Bates. After stating that he (Mr. Glover) had recently identified himself with the Republican party, and felt considerable concern as to Bates's course, he writes of a call which he made upon Mr. Bates in order to elicit some statement as to his position. The letter continues:

"He then took out of his desk and read to me a most happy well considered eloquent letter . . . defining his own position as not a republican but as a whig & one who is from principle obliged to vote with that party as the conservative party of the country. He shows up the negro democracy in their native colors— He turns the other end of the Telescope on Bell & Everet and shows how small they really are He does justice to Lincoln & Hamlin & spurns the idea that any little feeling of personal pique can influence his conduct.

 

"The letter is truly a great one. It is as solid as iron and brilliant as jaspar. I urged him to publish it immediately     He did not give me a satisfactory answer . . .

 

"Can you come here     If not can you not write to Mr B a strong letter urging him not to postpone longer his promise to send the letter"

The letter referred to was addressed to Browning and was published in the St. Louis Democrat of June 19, 1860, and widely copied. See entry for June 19, 1860, post, 416-417 n. 3.

SOURCE: The Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, pp. 410-2

Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Friday, May 25, 1860

Quincy. Arrived at home about 2 p. m. Very hot day. At Dr Warrens to tea with some other company. All vegetation is perishing for want of rain. Have had very little since last fall, and none at all since a light shower in April.

SOURCE: The Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 412

Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Saturday, May 26, 1860

Continues very warm and dry. At work in office. Just at night had a pleasant little shower — about enough to lay the dust. Mrs Pearson of California & Mrs DeKraft to tea with us.

SOURCE: The Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 412

Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Sunday, May 27, 1860

Very pleasant day. Took some medicine last night, and not out to Church this morning, but went in the P. M.

Getting ready to go to Carthage tomorrow to attend Court

SOURCE: The Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 412

Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Tuesday, May 29, 1860

Attending Court. Cool this morning — Cloudy and very windy day, and by night quite cool enough to make fire comfortable

SOURCE: The Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 412