Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891) to E. L. Plumb
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01545.01 Author/Creator: Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891) Place Written: St. Louis, Missouri Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 January 1867 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 21 x 13 cm. Order a Copy
Examines the situation in Mexico, but feels it is a conflict that should be avoided. Fears a "distinct Indian War" that will consume a large amount of American military resources, and does not want to also be fighting in Mexico. Feels people should "organize a State of Republican Govt." as their primary focus.
Recd Jany 7th acKd Jany 11th
Headquarters Military Division of the Missouri. Saint Louis. Jan 3 1867
E. L. Plumb Esq.
Secretary of Legation La
New Orleans
My Dear Friend
I was glad to receive this morning your note of Dec 29, with the newspaper slips. I fully appreciate the vast extent of Mexico, and the great difficulty of President [Benito] Juarez moving from point to point to satisfy outside interests and parties. If strong enough of himself he can wish out the end in his own way, and the less foreign assistance he accepts the better for him [2] and Country. I was in hopes Mr. Campbell would have the patience to await certain news of Juarez arrival at Monterey and San Louis Potosi and then meet him. The simple fact that our two Republican Govts. are in direct Communication would be of great help to Juarez.
I am fearful lest some accident should involve us in Mexico. I know that we have so many open sores of our own that we can ill afford to involve ourselves in the troubles of others. Since my return the Indians men there a thousand miles from our border have killed [3] in a hard fight 94 of our Regular soldiers and I see ourselves involved in two or three distinct Indian wars. - We have local disorder in this & other Border States. And the Call on our Army for Soldiers is already far beyond our ability to fill. Therefore I dislike to see any drift to involving us with Mexico - but if his people will submit to discipline & organize a Stable Republican Govt. I will be the first to give them praise & thanks. I have not yet heard the real truth as to Escobedo - I got home Thursday, Dec 27, & found all well. Wishing you success in life and always glad to hear from you.
I am yr friend
W.T. Sherman
Lt. Genl.
[docket:]
Lt. Genl. Sherman
Jany 3 1867
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.