Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891) to John Conness
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03341.03 Author/Creator: Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891) Place Written: St. Louis, Missouri Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 11 February 1876 Pagination: 4 p. ; 21 x 14 cm. Order a Copy
Commander in Chief of the Army Sherman writes to Conness discussing his memoirs. Mentions that although his Memoirs are subject to criticism, he felt he had to express his opinions. Despite the criticisms, he states, " ... I am sure I am not jealous or malicious, and I feel the greatest possible love for my old Comrades in Arms ... " Except General Joseph Hooker, about whom he expresses his feeling that Hooker constantly finds fault in others. Remarks that he does have a high opinion of Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton's administration, but that both Stanton and General Henry Halleck, " ... forgot that others had equally strong feelings that could be wounded ... " Written on stationary marked Headquarters Army of the United States.
The surrender terms Sherman proposed to General Johnston were so liberal that they were promptly rejected by President Andrew Johnson, Stanton, and General Henry Halleck. Sherman felt attacked, insulted, and humiliated. He describes the incident in his Memoirs.
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