Our Collection

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.

Ewing, Philemon (1820-1896) to William T. Sherman

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 #: GLC03601.03 Author/Creator: Ewing, Philemon (1820-1896) Place Written: Lancaster, Ohio Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 June 1862 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.5 x 25.3 cm. Order a Copy

Addressed to "My dear Cump," Sherman's nickname. Informs that he, Ellen (Sherman's wife), and Thomas Ewing (Philomen's father and Sherman's adoptive father), have discussed some problems vexing Sherman. He writes, "As to Mason there can be no doubt- It is universally known to the public that he played the Coward & his letter is a desperate effort to save himself from total disgrace - He makes no direct charge at you ... " Mentions a letter written to Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. Comments on Civil War events, "We are all right well pleased to find that Beauregard has been pressed back from his strong position at Corinth & are still anxiously waiting information as to her present whereabouts ... " Congratulates Sherman on his distinguished service in the field.

Sherman was adopted by Thomas Ewing, an Ohio Senator and U. S. Secretary of the Treasury, after Sherman's father died in 1829. Philemon, Charles, Thomas, and Hugh Ewing were Thomas Ewing's sons and grew up as Sherman's adoptive brothers.

Ewing, Philemon, 1820-1896
Sherman, William T. (William Tecumseh), 1820-1891

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources