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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891) to Ulysses S. Grant

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05619 Author/Creator: Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891) Place Written: Vicksburg, Mississippi Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 15 August 1863 Pagination: 1 p. ; 23.9 x 18.9 cm. Order a Copy

Sherman writes to thank General Grant for the promotion to Brigadier General of the regular army (from Major General of Volunteers). He writes: "I know that I owe this to you, and beg to acknowledge it, and to add that I value the commission far less than the fact that this will associate my name with yours and McPherson's in opening the Mississippi." Written from the Camp on Big Black, in Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Head Qrs. 15 Army Corps.
Camp on Big Black, Aug 15. 63

Maj Gen Grant,
Comd Dpt of the Tenn. Vicksburg.

Dear General.
I had the satisfaction to receive last night the appointment Brig Genl in the Regular Army, with a letter from Genl Halleck, very friendly and Complimentary in its terms. I know that I owe this to your favor, and beg to acknowledge it, and to add that I value the Commission far less than the fact that this will associate my name with yours and McPherson in Opening the Mississippi, An Achievement the importance of which Cannot be over estimated.
I beg to assure you of my deep personal attachment and to Express the hope that the Chances of War will leave me to serve near and under you, till the dawn of that Peace. for which we are contending with the only purpose that it be Honorable & Lasting,

With great respect
W. T. Sherman.
Maj G. Vols.

Sherman, William T. (William Tecumseh), 1820-1891
Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson), 1822-1885

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