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.

Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891) to John Henry Hammond

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 #: GLC03665 Author/Creator: Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891) Place Written: Mississippi Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 July 1863 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 24.4 x 19.7 cm. Order a Copy

Sherman, commanding an expeditionary Army, writes to Colonel Hammond as his forces approach Jackson, Mississippi. Possibly referring to Generals John Grubb Parke (Union) and Frederick Steele, writes "Your note is received I dont want Parke to keep a line connected with Steele or Pearl River. I want him to move up as close to the parapet as possible and hold it in force with a line of pickets connecting with Steele. All operations to the left to be made by Detachments sent for a special purpose. We must hook up that RRoad & telegraph at once- next operate against the Railroad across the River- break... any temporary bridge erected since we were here- to this End I want a daring Reconnaissance to the left. The Enemy is and will be sensitive on that point. Tell Genl Parke that General Steele will extend his line of pickets..." Mentions Colonel [Russing?].

Sherman, William T. (William Tecumseh), 1820-1891
Hammond, John Henry, 1833-1890
Parke, John Grubb, 1827-1900
Steele, Frederick, 1819-1868
Johnston, Joseph E. (Joseph Eggleston), 1807-1891

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources