Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891) to Stephen A. Hurlbut
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01582 Author/Creator: Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891) Place Written: Vicksburg, Mississippi Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 March 1863 Pagination: 3 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Writes about his surprise that General Hurlbut's nomination is being opposed in the Senate. Castigates the press, "I have been foolish to excite the animosity of the Newspaper fraternity ... but this class of men are so supercilious that whenever I come in contact with them I feel a natural repugnance which they are smart enough to see." Informs that he has been summoned to Young Point to meet General Ulysses S. Grant's boat. States he will leave tomorrow but cannot mention the exact route. Informs that the original plan to take Vicksburg, which he still feels is best, was to "form the Main Army to march down as through threatening Jackson & Vicksburg, to reach the Yazoo at Yazoo City -- & then down to Blackriver Ridge to the rear of Vicksburg." Written from the headquarters of the 15 Army Corps, camp before Vicksburg.
Hd Qrs. 15 Army Corps,
Camp. before Vicksburg. Mch 16. 1863
Genl S. A. Hurlbut.
My Dear Friend.
I had always intended to Keep up a communication with you because I regard you as one of the school of men on whom all parties in the end must lean for stability and Security of Government. - You Cannot imagine my surprise to read that in the Senate Yours and Stewarts nominations are opposed. What are the reasons? they cannot be military or national. Must be local. Who is at the bottom of this? Is it possible while you and Stewart. constantly on duty - , good duty, and successful duty, for say what others may of alternate victory and defeat, we have made more real progress in the War than any other Column. and Yet our most steadfast officers are questioned by the Senate. I know not the result as yet, and await the news of the final action of the Senate with much concern.
In this case as is generally, so, we, do [2] not hear of adverse influences till it is too late to counteract them.
Of course I have been foolish to excite the animosity of the newspaper fraternity as a Class. I dont think I am very proud, but this Class of men are so supercilious that whenever I come in contact with them I feel a natural repugnance which they are smart enough to see.
Since I commenced this letter I have been summoned up to Youngs Point 4 miles above my Camp, to Genl Grants boat. He has been up at Bayou through which he expects he can make a channel into the Yazoo above the Fortifications. He wants me to go up tomorrow to [reconnoiter], and I shall go up in a tug tomorrow morg. I cannot mention the exact route. I have always believed the plan we started out with the best & only. We from the main Army to march down as though threatening Jackson & Vicksburg, to reach the Yazoo at Yazoo City & then along down to Black River Ridge to the rear of Vicksburg. A smaller force all afloat to act in front the moment the guns of the main attack be heard. Still the Country has no reason to be clamorous, as we are far ahead of Rosecrans and Hooker [3] Col Johnson is with me as an aid, but the moment I know his Division is going into Action I will advise him to join it, for that is what he is after.
I beg to assure you of my respect and affection, and hope you will have patience to hear the [buffets] of fortune. Like many other wise men, I can give excellent advice though impatient to follow it myself.
I should be glad to hear from you. Mrs Sherman always send you messages of regard & esteem. The War is far from being over and in its many phases for the future surely some will form that Class of Men who have a pure motive, love of Country as opposed to others who simply have a personal ambition a Vanity to Subserve.
With great respect
Yr friend,
W.T. Sherman
Maj. Genl
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