Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891) to Stilson Hutchins
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01087 Author/Creator: Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 June 1880 Pagination: 4 p. ; 21 x 13 cm. Order a Copy
Sherman writes a combative letter to the editor of the Washington Post justifying the service record of his staff officers against the charges in an article by a "City Editor." States, "There is not an officer on my personal staff, who has not served every day in the Civil War in the Field, and who has not fought in more battles than any of the Bureau officers in Washington."
Washington DC
June 1, 1880
Dear Hutchins,
Please stir up that "City Editor" who prepared that Monday Article, as I think I have a right to know the persons who furnished such valuable & one-sided information. I for one am not "afraid of the facts," and believe in good time those who endorse this to create sympathy will have more facts than they want to face.
As to ..., I send you the Army Register [not present] and invite your attention to pages 115 & 116.
There is not an officer on my personal staff, who has not served every day in the Civil War in the Field, and who has not fought in more battles than any of the Bureau officers in Washington, who want to...staff duty, and to fill all soft places.
It is time you should know that the Army is composed of two distinct parts, the Kind that which today is fighting the battle of Civilization in the frontier, who have my ardent sympathy, advocacy & assistance, and that other part, the Staff which serves in offices, have .... and write for the newspapers, of whom I do not consider myself the advocate, though I appreciate their zeal & intelligence. If these will not attempt to savage the former by invidious comparisons I will say nothing - but Monday's article ... I suspect the parties, but ask you again to confirm my suspicions - before noticing them.
Sincerely your friend,
W.T. Sherman
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