Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891) to Mary Audenreid
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00651 Author/Creator: Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891) Place Written: St. Louis, Missouri Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 October 1883 Pagination: 4 p. ; 21 x 13 cm. Order a Copy
Signed on top of first page. Sherman writes to Mary Audenreid, the widow of Sherman's aid from 1863 to 1880, Col. Joseph C. Audenreid. Sherman began an eight-year romantic relationship with her starting in 1880. Discusses remodeling his house. Explains his plans to retire due to age; he will be turning over command of the Army to Philip Sheridan, November 1, 1883. He plans to then move to St. Louis, and morbidly adds: "to wait for the final summons to Bellefontaine [Cemetery]."
affectionately - W.T Sherman
912 Garrison Av-
St. Louis Mo. Oct 1. 1883.
Dear Mrs Audenreid,
We have now been Wandering among Mountains, Plains and Deserts for three months & more, during which I have often thought of you, but have had no news Even what Lizzie gave me occasionally. She now tells me that you were expected back to Washington Oct 1, so I thought I would precede my coming by a short letter. We are now in Our Old house on Garrison Aven which has been very [2] much improved by the changes made in my absence. Chief of these the conversion of my Old Office and Dining Room into my new Office, and converting the Old Kitchen into a new and larger Dining Room 18 x 26 foot, the Kitchen underneath, and Lizzies and Rachels rooms over, with a third Story for [illegible]. The house is also painted outside and inside, presenting a handsome appearance.
This is Fair Week and the City is overcrowded. [illegible] night a sort of Mardi Gras, and as [3] usual Thursday will be the Great day for horses. We expect Rachel here on Wednesday. I will be at Cincinnati Saturday and back Washington Monday Morng Oct 8. After discussing with [illegible] by letter all the places I have concluded to go back to the Ebbitt[?] for the short remaining period of my Stay. I have resolved (the President assenting) to turn over my Command to Sheridan November 1, and then come to St. Louis and wait for the final Summons to Bellefontaine. Of course you can not understand why I do this [4] but I think my reasons are good, and that my course is wise.
Were I young and in my prime I might choose a career more likely to give pleasure & satisfaction but when you have lived 63 yrs you will better understand Why a Man reverts to the Memories of Early life rather than those of a later period. I shall hope to find you and Florence well & happy, and I do honestly & truly hope Florence has so far Matured as to appreciate her station and brilliant opportunities. I shall hate to part with you, whom I really love & admire, but it must be.
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