Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891) to John Sherman
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05465 Author/Creator: Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 May 1887 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 23.5 x 14 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to his brother regarding his travel plans for the next week or so. States he will go to Washington to attend the meeting of the Army of the Cumberland and the unveiling of the Garfield statue, then he must go to Philadelphia. Informs that he will be at John's house on Wednesday 11 May. Discusses other personal and family matters. Discusses his Wolseley letter arguing that Ulysses S. Grant was a superior strategist over Robert E. Lee. "My Wolseley letter seems to be received generally with favor, but the South and England may not relish it. " The Wolseley letter involved a dispute with the British General Viscount Wolseley, who had written an article praising Robert E. Lee as the equal of George Washington. Sherman replied in an essay in the May 1887 North American Review, arguing that Grant was far superior to Lee.
John Sherman was a prominent Republican Senator from Ohio.
Army Building
New York, May 3, 1887
Dear Brother,
I have concluded to go to Washington for the meeting of the Army of the Cumberland, and the unveiling of the Garfield statue May 11 - 12. Meantime I have to go to Phil(adelphi)a Thursday - but must return Saturday for one of those everlasting dinners to which others are invited to meet me and for which I could not be excused - I do not wish to participate in the first days proceedings unless it be Duffield's oration at the Congregational Church Wednesday evening - Therefore I think I will come over Wednesday the 11th and stay till about Friday - I will come to your house in my own way - and tell Cecilia not to put herself out the least and that I am more than content with the old bargain of a night key, & the coupee. If Mary will be ready then I can bring her home - I infer she is yet at West Point - I saw Alfred yesterday at his office. He said all was well - I was disappointed to find you gone when I got home at 10:30, as I had hurried my visits to see you off - Bateman explained how it happened - The dinner was a private one and therefore finished early.
I have a letter from Ellen saying you & Cecilia had called &c - that you had enjoyed your visit here - and I hope you will repeat it - I prefer these short excursions to the long journeys of which I have had my share - My Wolseley letter seems to be received generally with favor, but the south and England may not relish it. I believe the time is ripe to have "one('s) say"
Affectionately,
(signed) W.T. Sherman
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