Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891) to W. F. Giles [?]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06340 Author/Creator: Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891) Place Written: St. Louis, Missouri Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 June 1885 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.5 x 12.7 cm. Order a Copy
Last name of recipient is illegible. Takes responsibility for his former law partner's death at the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain under Sherman's command. "McCook was my law partner and I caused his death. I have already written his child the exact truth...." Informs that he is trying to obtain an appointment for the orphaned daughter of McCook. Describes a dilemma Ulysses S. Grant relayed to him during his presidency. Grant apparently agreed to find a position for a veteran fired by his postmaster General Creswell, but was not aware the former soldier was severely disabled by war wounds. Sherman comments that Grant found him a place anyway. He hopes he doing the right thing to get this orphaned girl a position as he does not know the incumbent in office.
912 Garrison Avenue,
St. Louis, Mo. June 21 1885
Hon. W. F. Vilas
Washington DC.
Dear Sir,
I cannot refrain from Expressing in the [illegible] words prescribe my gratification at this Spontanious & gracious Expressions in your letter of June 19 just received. I promise not to draw on such a friend of love & respect without Cause.
McCook was my Law Partner, & I Caused his death - [2] I have already written his child then exact truth, and will again write her to get the principal Citizens of East Ruttland to petition for her appointment, or that of his [inserted: Ship] Father for the office She Covets.
I have had much Experience in these matters, and Know the different between Setiment and fact - Grant when President told me of a dilemma in which he was [inserted: once] pleased. - His Postmaster General Creswell of Maryland recommended the removal of A.B at Hagerstown, and the appointment of CD. - Knowing [3] nothing of the parties he Assented - In a few days came to the White House, A.B. who had been a Soldier, minus an Eye, a crippled arm, and a leg tortured & twisted by half a dozen musket bullets in the Wilderness. - He simply inquired why he had been removed to make place for a man who Kept a Livery Stable and controlled a dozen votes.
Grant was simply dumb-founded and finally concluded he must give AB a better place which he did.
So, I do not know the present incumbent, and may in my desire to help McCooks [struck: two] orphan girl [4] be actually doing a wrong to a most worthy person -
Please Construe me aright, and deliever me. that I merely want to respond feelingly to the appeal of [inserted: the child of] an Old Friend & Comrade - but be the Action of the President or the Department what it may, I will be Equally positive that the decision is right, just and conclusive,
With great respect as always
Your Friend,
W.T. Sherman
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