Col. James E. Rains
will march at 4 o'clock to-morrow morning, via Barboursville, to Laurel Bridge,
on the London road, with his regiment, provisioned for six days, three rations
of which should be cooked, leaving his tents in this encampment. Colonel
McNairy's command will accompany him or follow him, by a right-hand road
crossing Laurel Creek about 2 miles above the bridge. Colonel R. will have
command, and will dislodge a supposed force of the enemy at the bridge by
attacking simultaneously with infantry and cavalry at both ends of the bridge.
He will be furnished a guide who will give him information of some arms, which
he will capture, if practicable. He will take with him also Lieutenant
Falcond's section of artillery. A battalion of Colonel Statham’s infantry, with
three companies of Colonel Branner's cavalry, will be posted on the road to be
pursued by Colonel McNairy about 10 miles back, to give support, if necessary.
Simultaneously. Colonel Cummings' regiment, with two companies of Colonel
Broydton's [Brazelton's?] cavalry, will escort a train of wagons to the Goose
Creek Salt Works, 16 or 18 miles east, in Clay County, to load with salt. The
different detachments will communicate by express messengers with each other
and with me, and when the salt train returns all will return to this
encampment. Much is trusted to Colonel Rains' discretion in whatever may
transpire on the way.
Monday, May 30, 2022
Brigadier-General Felix K. Zolicoffer, September 25, 1861
Colonel Theophilus T. Garrard to Brigadier-General George H. Thomas, September 28, 1861—5 p.m.
Colonel Wolford has
sent me a special messenger to notify you the rebels are within 8 miles or less
of London. They suppose there are from 5,000 to 7,000; does not say whether
they have artillery or not.
I am in camp
one-half mile this side of the intrenchments, and will do our best to maintain
our position. It is unnecessary for me to make any suggestions as to more men,
as you will understand all.
P. S.—I will not
seal this. I will authorize the messenger to show it to the commander of any
troops he may meet. It is 13 miles from here to London.
Colonel Theophilus T. Garrard to Brigadier-General George H. Thomas, October 2, 1861
Since General Carter
arrived we have been over considerable country. The general thinks when the
work is completed we will be secure against almost any force. With strangers
they could not find passways, but persons acquainted with the country could get
into our camp really ways. Still, they could not do so if we had a small force
at each point. The distance from Little Rockcastle River to Big Rockcastle is
some 3½ miles. A considerable portion of this distance is defended by natural
cliffs, so that it relieves us from performing much labor at those places. Ten
miles of the road south of our camp is almost a dense thicket on each side of
the road, and could be defended, or at least we could annoy the enemy with
infantry the entire distance, whilst we would be comparatively secure, provided
we acted cautiously. General Carter can explain more explicitly.
Colonel Brown
desires me to say to you that he can supply his command of twelve-months' men
with beef and bread, but will be dependent on you or General Crittenden for
sugar, coffee, soap, candles, and such other articles as are furnished. He has
no tents or camp equipage. Many of his men are bare of shoes, clothing, and
blankets.
Colonel Brown
desires to know whether or not he must open a correspondence with General
Crittenden or must he address you on all matters connected with his military
affairs? He desires such instructions as you may from time to time think proper
to give.
Colonel Brown has
now enrolled and in camp some 250 twelve-months' soldiers. He has muskets, but
no cartridge-boxes, caps, pouches, nor bayonet scabbards. He desires to hear
from you as soon as convenient. Mount Vernon is the post-office, if sent by
mail.
I have not heard
anything of the rebels since they reached Barboursville. The last account is
that some 100 or upwards were in Barboursville. I have heard, but do not say
that it is reliable, that there is a robbing party going through Knox County,
plundering every person (almost) they come across, and that it is headed by men
by the name of Arthur, citizens of Knox County, Kentucky.
I have got Colonel
Brown to move all of his men to the river except one company, and they are
outside our camp in a rock house. We have been much annoyed by them, as well as
visitors and others who were driven before the rebels. Some of them returned
this evening part of the way home, but heard of the rebels below London, and
they returned to camp. The report, I am satisfied, is false.
William W. Mackall to Brigadier-General Felix K. Zollicoffer, October 3, 1861
Dispatch received. Exercise your own discretion in attacking the enemy.
SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 4 (Serial No. 4), p. 435
Brigadier-General Simon Bolivar Buckner to Major George B. Cosby, October 2, 1861
SIR: Accompanying
this is an order assigning you to the command of this district. The general
purposes to be accomplished are: To cover the left flank of my line of
operations and the right flank of the line of operations of General A. S.
Johnston; to disperse assemblages of troops which may be collected in the
interest of our enemy and to prevent other similar assemblages; to collect the
arms which may be the property of the enemy; to muster into the service of the
Confederate States all organized bodies of Kentuckians who may present
themselves for that purpose. You will consider Green River your northern line
of defense, and, as soon as possible, it is expected that you will occupy
Ramsey, and disable the navigation of Green River if you should find it
necessary to evacuate that point. In collecting arms you will adopt the most
conciliatory policy, and avoid the searching of private houses; and in
searching any portion of the premises of individuals, you will see that it is
not done without the strongest reasons for doing so. My object is to protect
the civil rights of all citizens, without regard to their political opinions,
as far as is consistent with the safety of the army. With this view, you will
visit with the severest penalties every act of the soldiers of your command
which may violate this rule. As far as possible you will co-operate with the
civil authorities, and give them all necessary assistance in enforcing their
police regulations. You will have authority to subsist and quarter bodies of
men previous to their being mustered into service, when they shall have assembled
with that view. Special returns and accounts will be rendered, to distinguish
them from the troops.
Sunday, May 29, 2022
Colonel Theophilus T. Garrard to Brigadier-General George H. Thomas, October 3, 1861
OCTOBER 3, 1861.
I have not said
anything about the cavalry, as I supposed they would return. It will be very
inconvenient for our men to go so far from camp as they should to be effective.
The road from our camp towards London for several miles is only tolerable, but
from that point to the rebel camp on Cumberland River is as good if not better
than and other dirt road in Kentucky that I know.
Colonel Theophilus T. Garrard to Brigadier-General George H. Thomas, October 3, 1861
I have no
information in regard to the rebels more than I wrote you, except the inclosed
order of General Zollicoffer, which I have no doubt is genuine. I could not
doubt it, because they carried out the instructions to the letter. I also
inclose you a letter directed to Hon. Green Adams, &c.* The bearer of this
letter, Mr. Hurst, is reliable, and was in Tennessee sometime since and taken
prisoner. The order from Major Coffee, countermanding the blockade of the
Madison Fork of the Richmond road, was sent me this evening. If we have one
day's notice, which we certainly will have, I can have the road blocked up
completely. However, we have been doing and undoing so much, that you may begin
to think we are fickle. I should not have ordered the blockade the second time
if it had not have been for General Carter, and he was for carrying out
instructions.
You will see before
this reaches you that Colonel Brown has moved to the river some 2 miles from
us. I would be afraid to place them between the enemy and our camp. Some of his
men are, I fear, a little timid, and I doubt whether or not they will do their
duty on that side of us. There is a tolerable good camping ground about 2 miles
beyond our camp. General Carter spoke of' it as we passed it, looking out the
points to blockade. It is near Little Rockcastle, and near a point where the
road passes between the point of a ridge and Little Rock-castle River. At the
point where we are camped there is but little room, though we can stick our
tents about on points and sides of hills, and could find room enough to place
another regiment on the same kind of ground.
P. S.—Are there any
cartridges for rifled muskets at Camp Robinson? The muskets I received of
Captain Cardwell, of Harrodsburg, are rifled. I have not examined, but learn
from others the ordinary cartridge will not suit them. Surgeon Hogan has not
yet been furnished with a tent. He desires one sent, if there is any to be had.
Brigadier-General Felix K. Zollicoffer to Lieutenant Colonel William W. Mackall, October 6, 1861
Assistant Adjutant-General, Columbus, Ky.:
SIR: A
reconnoitering detachment has just returned from London, reporting no
appearance of an enemy there. They report, upon general information from
country people, that there are 3,300 of the enemy encamped on Rockcastle Hills,
a strong position 13 miles beyond, where the Mount Vernon road crosses the Rockcastle
River. I would move forward and attack them instantly but for unexpected
deficiency in subsistence stores. Ten days ago I ordered the brigade commissary
to accumulate a stock of 30 days' rations for 5,000 men. To-day I have not 5
days' rations. I could not properly advance with less than 10. I hope soon to
have the supplies.
I sent a large
detachment into Harlan County, where I heard there were 500 or 600 men embodied
under arms. No organized enemy found. I have sent a cavalry detachment to
Williamsburg; not yet returned. This is nearly my only means of getting
information of the country.
N. B.—Thirteen men
were captured in Harlan in small armed parties.
Colonel Theophilus T. Garrard to Brigadier-General George H. Thomas, October 10, 1861
The point called
Laurel Hill I am unable to say anything definite. When I wrote you some days
ago I was of the opinion that the hill known as Laurel Hill was beyond Little
Rockcastle, and not more than 3 miles from this camp; but now I am induced to
believe the hill is beyond Big Laurel Creek; if so, I cannot say anything
definite about it.
There is a bridge
over Big Laurel, though the stream is not 50 feet wide. There is no ford for
several miles either above or below, as I am told by citizens, except near the
bridge.
The country on the
opposite [side] of the creek from this is level for some 300 yards; then the
road forks, one by Barboursville, the other by Payne's Cross-Roads, and unite 8
miles beyond Barboursville, near the Flat Lick. The hill beyond the bridge,
some say, commands the roads, though I cannot see how it does.
I have been informed
that the rebels have been examining a hill beyond London 9 miles, where there
is a meeting-house, near McHargue's. I understand this hill commands the Barboursville
road for some distance. They may establish a temporary camp there for the
purpose of getting grain, &c., it being one of the best neighborhoods on
the road, though this would not command the road that runs by Payne’s
Crossroads.
I have understood,
but place no confidence in the report, that the rebels intend going through
Whitley County and Pulaski, so as to surround this camp. They were in
Williamsburg Saturday last; that is, about 200 cavalry.
When Captain Smith,
of the cavalry, reached here there was not one of Colonel Wolford's men in
camp, nor had there been for several days, and if my informant is correct, some
of them that are now here will do no good. They were seen drunk on picket
yesterday at or near London, some 10 miles from this camp.
In regard to surgeon
and assistant, I will write to Dr. William Atkinson, tendering to him the
appointment on conditions, which conditions I will state to him. If he accepts,
I will tell him to report to you as he comes to join the regiment.
I would like very
much to have had Dr. Hogan as assistant surgeon, as he is very attentive, and
so far has treated the cases which he has been called upon to attend in such a
manner as to give satisfaction. If it is not contrary to orders, I would like
for Dr. Hogan to remain as assistant with the surgeon, so that the surgeon
acting with him may have an opportunity of testing his qualifications
practically. Dr. Hogan says that he was embarrassed, but still thinks he could
undergo an examination.
Inclosed I send you
Zollicoffer's proclamation,* also statement of [illegible] about the location
of troops. The proclamation was copied from Zollicoffer's.
Captain Smith, of
the cavalry, has several men that will not do any good here. I have advised him
to send them to Camp Dick Robinson, so that he may get some others in return. I
have 975 non-commissioned officers, musicians, and privates in the regiment.
Inclosed I send you
list of articles received in the regiment agreeably to the different captains'
reports.
OCTOBER 11.
I have no late news
of the rebels, that is reliable, near us, though some of the officers believe a
squad was seen between this camp and Mount Vernon.
* Not found.
Monday, May 23, 2022
William T. Sherman to George Mason Graham, July 23, 1860
LOUISIANA STATE SEMINARY, Alexandria, July 23, 1860.
DEAR GENERAL: Charles whom we sent for the mail has just returned without the mail, but had your Sunday letter which I have just read with great satisfaction. The idea of our first examination without your presence would have been truly the play of Hamlet without the Prince, but as it is I am satisfied. I had already made all the checks except that for Mr. St. Ange, who did not apply for it because I suppose I told him I wanted all persons to pay the Seminary their dues to the stores, which in his case will take a good part of his month's pay. I may be too severe a stickler in finance, but as I view the case clothing, being sold without profit, is cash and should not be allowed to stand on our books like a store account.
I have every cadet's account made up to the cent. All orders are stopped and this cash balance cannot be changed. In actually paying Jarreau in checks I exceeded your authority, but his bill necessarily entered into all the cadet's accounts, and it was important these accounts should thus be closed before the hurly-burly of the examination. In two hours of Wednesday I can pay every account and dismiss all hands. Whilst the examination progresses the Board of Supervisors can pass a few formal resolutions. One authorizing the publication in Alexandria or New Orleans of three hundred Registers. There is already a resolution authorizing me to compile and have printed one thousand regulations. Professor Smith at my suggestion wrote his uncle 5 and ascertained the cost of two thousand regulations to have been in Richmond $250. Ours is less in volume, and ought not to exceed for one thousand copies say $150, yet this expenditure had better be left blank. I think a more compact volume would be neater and more appropriate.
I have the regulations done in manuscript and bound ready for the printer; would like you to examine it though a large task; but it must be in print next November for it is wrong thus to hold young men to obedience to rules, imperfectly understood. Both Hillan and Spencer want to come back in the fall, and we might receive them on the ground of being “minors” whose acts are incomplete without the ratification of parents, and their parents both roundly disapproved their course.
I have so written to Spencer's father, but said I could not commit the Board, who might prefer a more stringent rule. I want you to frame some word – less harsh than "deserted" or "dismissed” for such cadets, who have simply quit. I am at a dead loss. “Deserted” is all the word I know that tells the story, but it may be too severe for this condition of things.
Very many of our cadets have diarrhea, owing they say to fritters and molasses for supper. They complained so much of the melted butter, that Captain Jarreau agreed to give fritters and molasses. These and melons and fruit are causes enough. We have ordered toast and tea for supper, and will discourage stale fruit and melons.
I hope they will recover this week. Otherwise they may make a sorry appearance. I bear in mind your suggestion to get Dr. Smith to have a resolution passed, asking for the quota of [arms for] 1861. The governor's silence and that of his adjutant-general look to me ominous.
I try to write plain, but it is no use. For so many years I
have had clerks to copy my letters hastily and illegibly written that the habit
is fixed, and I trust you will not think my seeming haste is an intentional tax
on your sight and time. Where hard to read you can skip, with the knowledge
that you lose nothing.
1 F. H. Smith, superintendent of Virginia Military Institute. – ED.
William T. Sherman to George Mason Graham, August 2, 1860
ALEXANDRIA, Aug. 2, 1860.
DEAR GENERAL: I came in this morning with the register complete and it is now in the hands of the printer, with a promise that it shall be done on Saturday ready for proof. I will be in again on Saturday to prove the sheets, when there will be no further cause for my delay, and therefore I will be ready to start north next Tuesday.
I have had an interview with Mr. Manning and we have gone over the regulations together. As Colonel, of course I command in a military sense all commissioned officers and cadets of the institution; as superintendent also I should have equal control or command over every person including the professors at the institution, subject always to the resolutions of the Board of Supervisors. Else I cannot be responsible. This is the only real point in which I find I differ with Mr. Manning, and this radical difference must be solved by the Board. Mr. M. tells me he has applied to the governor to call the Board together.
I can leave the regulations to be forwarded to me at Lancaster and I will have them printed at Cincinnati, or you can have them done by Bloomfield and Steel in New Orleans. But the regulations must be printed by November 1 or I am done, for in every circular I have made, this assurance was given that a copy should be placed in the hands of every cadet on arrival. It was my intention to have furnished one hundred suits of uniform clothing and all those things, like paper, blank books, etc., that I know will be needed next session, to be here Nov. 1, to be paid for out of the cadets' money.
But the Board misunderstood my purpose. I have no business at New York. To go there would cost me $150, but I feel so desirous to start next session fair and well supplied that I was willing to incur that expense.
I shall enclose all the requisitions of the several professors for text-books, stationery, etc., with my statement of articles required at the outset next session, to be by you laid before the Board of Supervisors, that they may make the necessary arrangements for the purchase. I have been foiled in every attempt heretofore made to get supplies of books and clothing here or at New Orleans, but the Board of Supervisors better experienced in such things may be more successful.
I beg to recall such part of my letter as refers to going to New York, as it would be superfluous. I will nevertheless go to Washington and try to secure the quota of arms for 1860.
If you think my presence here necessary, I can delay my departure, and I know you fully agree with me that this question of supplies is far more important than is generally supposed. All the professors look to me to procure their supplies and I have so estimated that profits just about cover the excess on hand. Cadets on arrival will need instantly near $8,000 of clothing, books, stationery, and bedding. None of these need be paid for till the cadets make their deposit, and the Seminary is only out the surplus – and the profits of say ten per cent ought to cover that.
Still this plan was the only one I could adopt. The Board has never approved or disapproved and I have gone on controlling the purchases and issues. I think now the matter ought to be done formally. Resolve that I shall do it, or that Robertson shall fill the estimates. In the divided state of feeling in this country, it is best, that business be done formally. Those views are expressed to you that they may be communicated to the Board which meets Aug. 13 by order of Governor Moore, as I see by the letter sent to Mr. Manning after I began this hurried letter.
I shall write more from the Seminary, to-morrow, and will be here Saturday and Monday. I doubt if I should leave before the Board meets, but my young folks are most crazy and they are now looking for me. Still duty first. If you think you can manage, it might be well for me to be away, but I must have control over professors. That is the point at issue.
William T. Sherman to David F. Boyd, August 5, 1860
LOUISIANA STATE SEMINARY, Aug. 5, 1860.
Sir: By virtue of authority vested in me by resolution of the Board of Supervisors, I hereby delegate to you all the authority and power thereby conveyed to me, for the purpose of protecting and guarding the buildings, fences, trees, grounds and property of all kinds and descriptions belonging in any wise to this institution. I beg you will enter into charge of the same and do all things deemed by you proper to secure the end in view.
In the first place I hereby leave with you in checks and money the sum of $780.42, being my exact cash balance this day, as per cash book already deposited with you.
The merchandise book, styled journal, has an inventory of merchandise on hand. The Seminary owns a mule and cart, which with slave Henry, should be profitably employed in gathering firewood for the coming session. Two boys, Dick and Manuel, can be employed in cutting wood when not otherwise engaged.
This period of vacation is designed as the time for refurnishing the building; as we have gone over it in person and noted down in writing the exact number of tables, bookcases, and clothes presses needed, and as the carpenters are actually employed in their manufacture, I think I need say nothing further than that it would be well to see that they keep well up to time, so that they will surely be able to finish all in October.
The work under stairway should be well done.
All the boys are paid up to Aug. 1, except Dr. Smith's boy, and I will leave an amount and check for him.
I design to order merchandise from New Orleans and New York, but will be here myself when it arrives. Still should I be delayed, or should any come prematurely, store it in this large room, near the south end, leaving this office end clear.
All cadets' articles of furniture should be in the Chemical Academy, and should be looked to occasionally, as thieves might rob them very easily.
The fact is your own judgment will be better than mine in all things that may arise. All letters open – if private, up to Oct. 1, send me at Lancaster, O.; if public, answer, and copy your answers. Though your summer stay here will be lonely, I hope it may be one of health and comparative comfort, and surely I will remember in the future your sacrifice to enable us to visit our friends and families this summer.
William T. Sherman to George Mason Graham, August 12, 1860
LANCASTER, OHIO, August 12, 1860.
DEAR GENERAL: I left Alexandria in the stage on Tuesday morning, reached the wharf boat [at the mouth of Red River] that night at 1 o'clock, waited till 4 p.m. of Wednesday, when the fine boat William M. Morrison came along in which we proceeded to Vicksburg by Thursday at 3 p.m., when we took cars to Jackson [and] Cairo, reaching Cincinnati Saturday morning at 7:30 o'clock. It so happened that the train connected with a railroad taking its departure at 7:45 from a depot west of the city, whereas the daily train of our Lancaster road leaves the depot at the eastern end of the city. Therefore we had no time to traverse the city in time and I took my young charge1 to the Burnett House.
Then I began a series of inquiries as to the quickest and best mode of [reaching] my home, when I found in the same hotel Mrs. Ewing, the old lady and her son P. B. Ewing. After discussing the subject in all its bearing I concluded to leave Miss Whittington at the Burnett House, in the protection of Mrs. Ewing, to spend this Sunday there and come here by the morning quick train of Monday. Miss Whittington had been travelling two nights in the cars and readily consented, so I came up last night in the freight train arriving here about day-light and finding all my people well and hearty. They have been hanging on me all day, and I have had them on horseback and chasing ever since dinner, and have only stolen away for a few minutes to write you this.
I am amazed at the change from the pinewoods to this. I never saw such crops of corn, fruit, and vegetables. Mr. Ewing says in his whole experience, which goes back to the first settlement of Ohio he has never seen such plenty. Orchards which had been barren for eight years are now loaded with fine fruit, peaches, grapes, melons, everything in wasteful abundance. Wheat and small grain are gathered and safe. Corn is as fine as possible and beyond danger of any contingency. Hay of all kinds will be so abundant that it must go away for a market. This is not only true of Ohio, but of all the states east of the Mississippi. May it not be providential? May it not be one of the facts stronger than blind prejudice to show the mutual dependence of one part of our magnificent country on the other. The Almighty in his wisdom has visited a vast district with drought but has showered abundance on another and he has made a natural avenue between. This is a grievous fact – true it may advantage one part at the expense of the other, but next year it may be reversed.
I find as much diversity in sentiment here in politics as in the South – I shall keep aloof – only asserting that whoever is elected, be it the devil himself must be endured for the time being. Nobody will be rash enough to disturb slavery where it exists, and its extension is now only a theoretical not a practical question.
In Cincinnati I found a publishing house that will print us one thousand copies of our regulations for $105. When the manuscript is revised I will send it down, and follow it ten days thereafter to prove. I will bring them along with me.
Miss Whittington will be here to-morrow, I will take her to Georgetown (D.C.) on Wednesday. In Washington I will see about arms, equipments, and munitions. I will then go to New York and purchase books and clothing on a credit payable after November – and have them at Red River by Oct. 15. When I will meet them. If the river be navigable all right – if not, such as are absolutely necessary must be wagoned up and the rest kept in store till navigation opens.
1 Miss Whittington, daughter of one of the supervisors. She was on her way to Georgetown, D.C., to school. – Ed.
William T. Sherman to David F. Boyd, August 13, 1860
LANCASTER, O. (Monday), Aug. 13, 1860.
MY DEAR FRIEND: I arrived here yesterday morning, and found my family well. I left Miss Whittington in Cincinnati with Mrs. Ewing to rest over Sunday and to come here to-day. On Wednesday I will go to Washington, and on Saturday to New York, and as soon as I make up my catalogue of books I will send it to you. My chief idea in going to New York is to elect some one person of good credit who can buy for us such books as any of us want. My only acquaintance with booksellers now is of that general character that is formed by dropping in and buying a single or couple [of] volumes. This time I will come to clear distinct terms as to purchase, commissions, credits, etc., same with clothing, and same for hats, caps, and shoes. But your five hundred dollars of books shall be purchased absolutely, paid for and shipped in all September, and I advise you to have prepared a case of shelves. The textbooks must also be bought on a credit, and then they can remain in their own boxes till issued and sold to cadets – same of clothing, shoes, hats, etc.
Now Red River will not be navigable by October 15, and I foresee trouble, but trouble only stimulates my endeavors. I will arrange that all purchases go to New Orleans; if Red River be navigable October 15, then these things to be shipped, if Red River be dry, then I will want to hire five wagons at or near the Seminary, so that on my arrival there I can conduct them to Snaggy Point, or even the Mississippi River, and haul up those things, such as bedding, textbooks, etc., which must be on hand to the hour. Therefore, if about October 1 the river be as now, unreliable, see Coats, or Baden the cooper in Pineville, or some other of that class, and tell them on my arrival October 15 I will want to hire five wagons, and for them to be prepared for an offer.
Keep the carpenters well at the tables, bookcases, and wardrobes, the woodcutters to their work, and I foresee a plain easy beginning to our critical session.
It is utterly impossible to conceive of a wider contrast than exists between the Pinewoods and where I now am. Since the first settlement of Ohio, there has been no season of such prolific yield as the present: wheat, oats, hay, fruit, corn, everything have been or are perfect. I never saw such corn fields; not a stack missing, high, strong and well-eared. If I could transfer the products of this county to Natchitoches I would prefer it to all the mines of California. Horses and cattle roll with fat. I hear this is the condition of things in all this region, and God grant it may be one of the many causes to teach men of prejudice and fanaticism of the beautiful relation that should exist between parts of the same country.
The same diversity of opinion in politics exists here as elsewhere, but Lincoln will doubtless carry this state, partly from the diversion caused by the nomination of the three adverse candidates, Douglas, Breckenridge, and Bell. Mr. Ewing tells me he was consulted about the organization of the Union Party. He advised it, but against the nomination of a candidate – intending to hold their strength in reserve, to be cast in favor of the most national of the candidates of the adverse party. He thinks this sentiment forced the Republicans to reject Seward and take Lincoln, of whom he speaks in moderately favorable terms. My brother John is in the north of this state, where a more violent anti-slavery feeling prevails, and where a moderate conservatism would be styled Dough-facism. Therefore he is radical. I shall see him this summer, but can not expect to influence him. Still, I know that even if Lincoln be elected, he will not dare do anything hostile to any section. Political majority has passed to the North, and they are determined to have it. Let us hope they will not abuse it.
I saw Roelofson in Cincinnati, and though not entirely satisfied at my not going to London he had to say that I had a right to be cautious of all new financial schemes. He will go himself to London. I hope the Board of Supervisors to meet at Alexandria to-day will not modify materially my plans, but even if they do, I will execute their plan another year, and if we find the mixed system too weak for success, I feel assured they will yield. If, however, they devise some impracticable scheme I will be disposed to hesitate to risk my comfort and reputation in a doubtful result.
SOURCE: Walter L. Fleming, General W.T. Sherman as College President, p. 257-9
Sunday, May 22, 2022
William T. Sherman to David F. Boyd, August 19, 1860
WASHINGTON, D.C., Sunday, Aug. 19, 1860.
DEAR MR. BOYD: I wrote you from Lancaster. I left there last Wednesday reached here Thursday evening deposited my charge, Miss Whittington, in the convent same day, and have been two days well employed here. I have a large acquaintance here, and was thereby enabled promptly to succeed in my undertaking of getting arms for our institution – orders are already issued for the shipment to Alexandria of 145 cadet muskets, making with 55 on hand 200 – 10 long range minnie rifles, with sabre bayonets – 10 pistols for belts – 200 cartridge boxes, bayonet scabbards, belts, etc., for 200 cadets 10 sergeant's swords and belts, 10 musicians' swords and belts and a whole lot of extra springs, screws, etc., to keep all in repair. This will give us a good outfit for 210 cadets, a number as great as we can hope for some years to come. I did want ammunition but this is not allowed by law, and I may provide some at New York, wherewith to teach the practical use of these modern long range weapons.
Of course politics here are on every tongue, but I keep aloof. I notice a few facts, which to me are far more convincing than any political platform or dogmas. All the public buildings here are being built in a style of magnificent proportions and development, which looks like increasing rather than diminishing the proportions of our country. All the hotels are cleaning and painting ready for the usual winter influx of politicians. There is no diminution in the price of property, rents, or even of negroes.
You know that money is as sensitive as the mercury and in Europe an ugly remark of Louis Napoleon will affect stocks. So would any political event here, if people believed it – but nobody believes in a secession, though they talk and write of it. Lincoln's chances of election were very good, but two events have just transpired which to me look important. In New York the Bell and Douglas parties have fused - and have made a joint elective ticket, which can cast the vote of New York for Douglas or Bell, as events may make necessary. Again Seward at Boston made another of his characteristic speeches in which he renewed his assertion of the irreconcilability of slave and free labor. Now if Lincoln remains silent as he doubtless will, the moderates will accuse him of thinking as Seward does, whereas if he does, as he should, announce his belief that our government as framed is harmonious in all its parts, he will lose the Seward wing or faction.
There have been magnificent crops made in all the Northern and Middle States and they will have in abundance, corn, hay, flour, bacon, and those thousand and one things needed at the South, and as this commercial dependence and exchange should, they no doubt will have a good effect, in showing the mutual dependence of all the parts of this vast and magnificent country, the one on the other. Whilst Lincoln loses strength in the way I have stated, Breckenridge has lost vastly by the vote of his own state, being so overwhelming against him, and the press is gradually settling into identifying him with a secession faction. Between this faction of the South and Lincoln of the North, Bell or Douglas if united as they have done in the New York may be elected by the people and that gives us four years of peace, during which I trust this ugly feeling of suspicion may subside, a consummation devoutly to be wished.
To-morrow I will commence the purchase of books and will fill out your list first. I will then see to clothing and make such arrangements that in the future we can order as we need and have the means of payment. I wish you would keep me advised at Lancaster, Ohio, of the progress of things. In boxing up the space under the stairway, have a double bolted door made to fasten to an upright stancheon, which can be taken out – this will be necessary, as we must store there large boxes, which will require a large opening. Please also have the space E of the hall boxed up for a guard room. We will need that for storage at first. In all November we will have a good many stores to receive, distribute, and issue. Your book case you will need in October, as I will direct the shipment of books in September.
William T. Sherman to David F. Boyd, August 30, 1860
LANCASTER, Ohio, Aug. 30, 1860.
MY DEAR FRIEND: I am just in receipt of your letter of 18th and Mr. Manning's enclosing the amended regulations, which I have just put up for the publisher in Cincinnati. I must send them off at once, and follow in ten days to prove them. Your experience with the register will show you that it is no easy task and it will take a slice off my visit home. One reason why I wanted them with me was because I was in New York a week, during which I could have had them printed and proved. Whereas now after traveling three weeks at heavy personal expenses, I must allow for a week at Cincinnati.
Of course I submit to a decision of the Board of Supervisors with as good a grace as possible because they have a right to govern according to their judgment. I think they mistake in giving the Academic Board, in its capacity as such, the trouble, labor, etc., of a standing court, because this in time might easily and well have been devolved on Assistant Professors or even cadets, to take and record testimony. Whereas now on every little muss the whole Academic Board must sit. As to limiting my power, at the same time it limits my responsibility, and I can let things slide and take care of themselves. But the truth is that these changes are made not for the good of the institution, but because there is a scramble for the honors supposed to be coming out of its success, and in that scramble they may lose the prize itself. Well I will have the regulations printed and will do what I can to enforce them, but of course my interest is materially lessened in its success.
I bought your books in New York and paid five hundred dollars. I had some bought in paper and will have them bound in uniform style. There will be over four hundred volumes, and substantially cover your list. I made such arrangements that we can order other books as we need them, the price to be governed by catalogue and discount according to time of payment. New York is booming full of people, and I got away lest I should be tempted to run hopelessly in debt. I could have spent fifty thousand dollars in books easier than five hundred dollars. I will enclose with this a list of books bought for you. Smith was there and made arrangements so that when Red River rises he can buy his books and chemicals and have them sent out.
I did the same for my books and instruments, but your books and all text books I ordered to be shipped by October 1, and if need be they must be hauled up from Red River mouth. I don't mind Frank's1 running off he can easily be replaced, though I do want to economize by having the drummer as clerk, for it is physically impossible for me to do the writing – though it will have to be as large again as last year. My brother John will be here to make a Republican speech tomorrow and will spend Sunday with me.
From him I shall learn the secrets of their party, of course they will carry Ohio, as the Republicans have made the question very narrow, strong, and no slavery for the territories.
I could tell you a thousand little things of interest here but truly I have been a little troubled with the reflection that I have another year of doubt and uncertainty before me. I know that you are so full of zeal to enlarge the sphere of your duties, that you will not be disposed to bother yourself with the duties of others, but you know others are not so well disposed.
1 An employee at the Seminary.- ED.
William T. Sherman to George Mason Graham, August 30, 1860
LANCASTER, OHIO, Aug. 30, 1860.
DEAR GENERAL: I wrote you and Mr. Whittington from Washington of my entire success in procuring a full and ample supply of arms. Thence I went to New York, where Smith joined me from Norfolk and there I purchased clothing for next term, books for Mr. Boyd's library, text-books, and very little for my department of engineering. These will not be needed for some time, so I confined myself to selecting instruments, books, etc., with prices so that I can order them, with a foreknowledge of cost. I left New York on Sunday arrived here Tuesday and yesterday, Wednesday, received from Mr. Boyd the budget of regulations amended.
I was in hopes that the Board would forbear another year, and if we had failed to realize our promises, that then the change would be applied, whilst admitting our entire success, they clip my wings, and make me occupy the unhandy position of servant to the Board of Supervisors, and Academic Board at the same time. I know well your opinion, but regret that you saw proper to resign the vice-presidency, because the Board will confer it on some one else, who may still further complicate two incompatible systems into one, and make a hotch potch that may not only defeat the original design, but bring reproach on all connected with it.
Nevertheless I will have these regulations printed and will come down in October. I feel more embarrassment on the score of the removal of my family. I shall not attempt it till I know that Red River is navigable, for I must procure furniture and supplies for the new house. These will cost me near two thousand dollars, a sum I cannot afford to risk at this era of my life.
Manning's letter to me expresses great confidence in my administration, but you know that a simple paragraph of the regulations changed may initiate an impracticable system1 that no one man can enforce, and that sooner or later may result in my downfall. Of course as a prudent man I ought to look ahead as far as possible. I doubt if the cadets would submit to Vallas's government, though some native of Louisiana could steer the middle channel now adopted better than I can. Vallas has a way of hinting and insinuating that is peculiarly offensive, and I doubt if Smith will teach a class under him. If Vallas has no assistance, and Smith refuse to teach a class under Vallas, we will be at a dead lock the first day of our next session.
1 The regulations were amended for the purpose of giving the faculty more independence of the superintendent as well as a voice in the control of academic affairs and in matters of discipline. Dr. Vallas was the principal advocate of this policy. – ED.
George Mason Graham: Memorandum, [Summer of 1860]
Mr. Manning's whole course of conduct, his verbal profession to the contrary notwithstanding, shows a deep rooted hostility, embittered by personal pique, to the military government and character of this school. To the superintendent he seems to have a badly concealed personal, sectional, political antipathy. I have tried to shut my eyes to this, and to think differently, but the conviction is irresistible. The sneering tone and manner in which he said to me last winter, when I submitted to his inspection my draft of an act for the organization and government of the Seminary as a State Military Academy, “he is to be a Colonel, is he!" was alone enough to satisfy me of this, without the one thousand other evidences that he has given.
How inconsistent with the dignity, gravity, caution, and circumspection which should surround him in his character, as a member of the Board of Supervisors, is his boasting declaration in the Board, that he had advised Dr. Vallas orally, and in writing, to disobey an order of the superintendent, thus striking at the very roots of all government, of any kind whatever, in the institution! And then telling us that he had that morning insulted Dr. Vallas for not following his advice.
His added remark that now that he had found he was wrong he must apologize to Dr. Vallas is no palliation for so total a want of every attribute becoming a member of the Board of Supervisors. His declaration that he was ignorant of the existence of the regulation under which the superintendent issued the order to the professors which he advised Dr. Vallas to disobey, is no palliation.
It is his duty to know the regulations. He had the regulations in his possession for more than a month last winter, when he took advantage of my courtesy and confidence in placing them in his hands for his perusal, and refused to deliver them up when I wrote to the superintendent to call on him for them for the purpose of taking them with him to New Orleans. . . to have printed ready for the use of the school on 1st January last.
So far from apologizing to Dr. Vallas, as he had said in the Board he should have to do for speaking to him so insultingly as he said he had done in the forenoon, I am informed by gentlemen who were on the outside of the hall, that on the night of 31st July that he spoke to both Dr. Vallas and the superintendent in regard to matters pending before the Board in a most imperious and dictorial tone and manner, amounting in the whole to a prohibition to them to take any further step in regard to those matters in opposition to his wish, although all that they had done was simply in compliance with instructions to them from the Board of Supervisors. But as Mr. Manning was not present at the session of the Board at which these instructions had been given they had not received the imprimatur of his sic volo, sic jubeo.
As to Mr. Manning not understanding the impropriety of his course towards Dr. Vallas until after he was in the session of the Board on Tuesday afternoon, he was first met on his arrival there on Monday forenoon by another professor to whom he expressed his surprise at seeing him in his uniform. That professor explained to him the authority of the superintendent for issuing the order to the professors to wear their uniform at the examination, and the propriety of their doing so. Mr. Manning and myself had had a similar conversation at his office several days before. So that he understood the whole thing [before] he met Dr. Vallas, and before he came into the session of the Board on either Monday or Tuesday afternoons – and it all only strengthens my conviction that the whole thing was only intended as a lever with which to impair the authority, influence, and usefulness of the superintendent with a view to producing as soon as possible a dissolution of his connection with the institution, and the overturning of its practical, utilitarian, and military character, and establishing on its ruins a high sounding program for a grand university of empty halls, for that programme requires a larger acquaintance with Latin and Greek before a young man can enter it, than the most of our southwestern young men have acquired when they leave college.
Dr. Smith has never concealed his opposition to the military character of this institution, but only relaxed it under the influence of a conviction of its popularity. He has said openly “it will break down in a year or two, and then we'll take hold of it and make something out of it.” The fullest meeting of the Board that we have ever had has after ample discussion, declared with only two dissenting voices that this shall be "a Literary and Scientific Institution under a Military System of Government on a Programme and plan similar to that of the Virginia Military Institute at Lexington.” The people of the state have sanctioned, and the legislature has ratified it.
Doctor Smith and Mr. Manning have both admitted to me that they believed it was the popular idea. Is it right in them then – shall they be permitted to continue to pursue this step-father course towards this institution of undermining it in this stealthy manner by giving it every side blow that their position enables them to inflict on it? For I warn gentlemen now, who desire to maintain the present character of the school, but yet who may be carried away by other considerations to vote for these measures, that that will be the inevitable result of them. Let them not then say hereafter that they would not have voted for them if they had thought that such would be the result. I tell them now that these are but the entering wedge, blow after blow on which will be struck, until the present superintendent of the institution is driven from it, the friends of its present form of government around this Board either entirely withdrawn, under the influence of that power behind the throne which is so manifestly anxious to have itself considered greater than the throne itself, or else reduced to so helpless a minority as to form no obstacle to the designs of its stepfathers on this institution.
But I have too much confidence in the present governor of the state not to hope and believe that he will not countenance any measures calculated to frustrate the wish of the people, or to impair the usefulness to them of this institution. I claim as much right to speak to and of the present governor as any other man in the state – all my interests are in it - my manhood's life has been spent here, my children are born here - what of property I possess has been acquired here. On another, but in my estimation inferior, score I claim to stand in that respect on a footing of perfect equality with any other citizen of the state. I voted to place him in his present position, and I recommended every other man that I could to do the same thing. I have known him longer, with one exception, than any other member of this Board – for thirty-one years I have watched his course with kindly interest, and there is no man in the state who feels less unpleasantly than I do at the success and prosperity with which a kind providence has rewarded the exertion of his energies. I repeat then that I have too much confidence in the present governor to believe that what I am satisfied are the misguided designs of Dr. Smith and Mr. Manning in regard to this institution, will meet with his approbation, and I trust that the members of this Board will not suffer themselves to be influenced by any outside considerations to vote for measures of so fatal a tendency to the success and the usefulness of this institution.
David F. Boyd to William T. Sherman, August 30, 1860
SIR: . . . Altho' nothing new has transpired here, still I had better drop you a line to say that everything is going on well. Floyd has nearly finished the tables, and I think there is no doubt of his making, in proper time, all the shelves or presses, and also fixing the stairway. He has worked faithfully since you left. I will see, too, that Mills fixes the partitions. He is now busily at work at the professors' houses, and though he seems a little behindhand with them, he can still complete them in time. You know that carpenters have had a poor chance to get lumber this summer, as the drought and scarcity of water have stopped what St. Ange calls the sewing machines.
I have kept the negro boys constantly getting wood, within your Seminary enclosure. A good deal has been cut and hauled, but the timber is so heavy that you can scarcely miss it. I have perhaps had cut down more of the pine trees than you wished, and I believe it would be well to cut them all down at once. In the winter we occasionally have some terrific blows, and when once a pine forest has been thinned out, it is so easy for those left standing to come down. Ledoux and Poussin offer to hire a boy apiece. What say you? I think they might be profitably employed.
Cooper has not yet put up the chimneys, as you directed, but he makes such a fair promise that they will be fixed soon, that I am inclined to wait with him a little longer. Have no fears about them, for either he shall fix them or they shall be run up with sheet iron.
I have bargained with a carpenter to put up my bookcase, and it shall be ready. By the way, we have commenced begging for books, maps, etc., for a library. Can't you do something in Ohio? How do you think it would do to have a circular letter printed and sent over the state, calling on the public to send us all books and specimens of minerals and fossils that they can spare? If you write a short letter to that effect in your capacity as superintendent, I think I could get it printed in Alexandria free of charge, and it might meet with much success. Politics is beginning to wax pretty warm.
Bell's prospects are brightening fast, and there is no doubt of his carrying this state. My own impression is (and I am sorry to say it), that Breckenridge will carry but one Southern State, and that is South Carolina. Nor would he carry that state if the vote were submitted to the people. Bell's party is very strong all over the South, and even Douglas has many more supporters than the blind advocates of Breckenridge can see.
Whilst I deprecate the unfortunate split at Charleston and Baltimore, and think the territorial question entirely illtimed, still as the issue has been thrust upon us, and I believe Breckenridge's views to be correct although they may never meet with a practical application, I shall vote for him. If we who approve his views fail to support him, then the people of the North would say that the South disapproves those views, when really a large majority of us think it hard that there should be any law which either expressly or impliedly denies us equal rights with our northern brethren to the common property of the whole union. We don't wish to appear on the statute books as inferiors.
I am beginning to think that Lincoln will not be elected. If he should be, there is no telling what trouble we may have. I do not believe any state will formally secede, but disunion might be brought about in many ways. In many places in the South, whoever accepts or hold office under Lincoln will be lynched. He (Lincoln) will of course attempt to enforce the laws; that attempt will be resisted, and once the strife is begun God only knows where it will stop. What is the use of that Republican Party? As you say, slavery will always go where it pays, in spite of Sewardism, and it will never go where it does not pay, in spite of Yanceyism. Let the law of nature say you shall not take your slave here or there, but let not a clause of the Constitution, or an enactment of Congress, say it. It then becomes a threat hurled by one section at the other, and threats ill-become the people of a union. But whatever be the result of the election, let us hope there will be no disunion. Rather, like Governor Wise, radical as he is, let us settle our troubles in the union and not out of it.
The burning of the towns in Texas has produced much excitement here, and a negro was arrested near Nacogdoches, Tex., who said that among other towns to be burnt soon was Alexandria, La.; consequently a guard is stationed to watch for the coming incendiary, and no doubt Bootjack (Biossat) and Co.1 will be much disappointed if he doesn't make his appearance.
I have received several letters making applications for admission of cadets, and others asking for information. General Graham's unfortunate publication last fall – that only five could be admitted from each senatorial district - is still injuring us; and we have no money with which to advertise, I begged Boyce to publish in his paper next Monday an article enlightening the public on that point, muskets, etc., with the request that all the city and parish papers publish it, and he promised to do his part.
[P.S.] The crops here are almost a total failure. Very little corn and sugar, and only about one-third the usual crops of cotton will be raised. Suppose there is disunion, will they keep all the corn north of Mason's and Dixon's fence?
Don't think of the river being in boating order in October. I will see to the wagons.1 Editors of local newspapers. – ED.
Thursday, May 19, 2022
George Mason Graham: State Seminary of Learning and Military Academy, published September 1, 1860
We are informed that Col. Sherman has succeeded in procuring at Washington a large number of Minnié rifle-muskets made especially for the use of cadets, together with other arms and accoutrements, so that he can now fully equip a corps of two hundred and fifty cadets.
That looks like getting the sons of Louisiana ready for any emergency of Civil War or servile insurrection that may arise; the thanks of the people of the state are due Colonel Sherman for his promptness and efficiency, not only in this important matter, but in everything that pertains to the good of the Seminary.
We also learn that steps are being made to secure Bragg's famous “Buena Vista Battery,” which gave the Mexicans “a little more grape,” and the presidency to General Taylor. Colonel Bragg generously offers to purchase it for the Seminary if the authorities at Washington can be induced to part with it.1
While speaking of the Seminary, we should correct a wrong impression in regard to the admission of cadets for next session. It is generally believed that no one can be admitted who has not obtained, before the beginning of a session, a special appointment from the superintendent; this is not so. The session commences the first of November, and anyone between fifteen and twenty-one years of age, with a knowledge of the primary English branches, who presents himself in person at the Seminary may be received as a cadet.
It is already known that there will be a large number of cadets next session, and probably more will apply for admission than the building can accommodate. We would then advise those who wish to reap the advantages of the Seminary, not to fail but to be present by the first of November, else the opportunity might be lost.
We will also warn the public not to judge of the course of study by that of any other military institution, where very little attention is paid to literary studies. The Board of Supervisors of the Seminary[,] being firmly of the opinion that a thorough study of language is one of the best means of mental discipline and development, has determined that every facility shall be given for literary culture. Hence there will be taught a very extensive course of ancient and modern languages.
1 The battery was not obtained. – ED.