Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891) to Ulysses S. Grant
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06333 Author/Creator: Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891) Place Written: Mississippi Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 July 1863 Pagination: 3 p. ; 24.8 x 19.8 cm. Order a Copy
General Sherman congratulates General Grant on his victory at Vicksburg. Sherman warns him against the "incense of flattery" that will be created in the press. Sherman would like to celebrate, but must continue to fight. He comments on the upcoming movements of troops. He explains some strategy to work toward his goal of reclaiming the Mississippi for the Union. Written from a camp near Bear Creek.
Head Qrs. 15 Army Corps.
Camp on Bear Creek. July 4, 1863.
Maj Genl Grant.
My Dear General.
The telegraph has just announced to me that Vicksburg is ours, its garrison will march out, stack arms & return within their Lines as Prisoners of War, and that you will occupy the City only with such troops as you have designated in orders. I can hardly contain myself. Surely will I not punish any soldier for being "[illegible] happy" this most Glorious Anniversary of the birth of a Nation whose s[on] & Father was a Washington. Did I not Know the honesty, modesty & purity of your nature, I would be tempted to follow the examples of my standard enemies of the Press in indulging in wanton flattery, but as a man & soldier and ardent friend of yours, I warn you against the incense of flattery that will fill our Land from [2] one extreme to the other. B[struck: y][inserted: e] natural and yourself, and this glittering flattery will be as the pleasing breeze of the Sea of a Warm summer day. To me the delicacy with which you have treated a brave but deluded enemy, is more eloquent than the most gorgeous oratory of an Emmett.
This is a day of Jubilee, a day of rejoicing to the faithful, and I would like to hear the Shout of my old & patient troops, but I must be a Gradgrind. I must have facts, Knocks, and must go on. Already are my orders out to give one big huzza, and sling the Knapsack for new fields. Tuttle will march at once to Messengers, Parker to Birdsong and I will shift my Head Quarters to Fox'. McArthur will clear the Road of obstructions made against the coming of the Unseen Johnston and as soon as Ords & Steele's columns are out I will push ahead. I want maps, but of course the first thing is to clear Black River and get up on [3] the high ground beyond, when we move according to developments. I did want Rest, but I ask nothing till the Mississippi River is ours, and Sunday and Fourth of July are nothing to Americans till the River of Greatness is Free as God made it.
Though in the background as I ever wish to be in Civil War, I feel that I have labored Some [struck: or] [inserted: to Secure] this Glorious Result.
I am with respect
Your friend,
W.T. Sherman
Maj Gen Comdg.
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