Ewing, Philemon (1820-1896) to William T. Sherman
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03601.08 Author/Creator: Ewing, Philemon (1820-1896) Place Written: Lancaster, Ohio Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 31 December 1864 Pagination: 7 p. : docket ; 20.5 x 12.5 cm. Order a Copy
Congratulates Sherman on his exceptional military service over the course of the year. States that he is " ... first place among our Generals in the estimation of the Public at home ... " Updates him on family matters and says Ellen (Sherman's wife and Philomen's sister) and the family have left for their new quarters. Laments the death of little Charlie, Sherman's son who died as an infant before Sherman had a chance to see him. Informs that their father, Thomas Ewing, is in very good health. Hugh Ewing, Sherman and Philomen's brother and a General in the Union Army, is anxious to take the field again and Philomen asks Sherman to accomodate him. Mentions that Tom Ewing, another brother, is seeking a senatorship in Topeka, Kansas but should this not work out, he might take a spot in the elder Thomas Ewing's law firm. Wishes him the best for the holidays. Docketed in pencil possibly at a later date.
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.
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