Lot 263
Gen. Sherman is Bitter at His Son's Conversion to Catholicism (1820-91) Union general; he succeeded Grant as the Commanding General of the Army. Autograph letter signed as Commanding General of the Army, 4pp, on Headquarters Army of the United States stationery, Washington, D.C., July 13, 1878. To [Charles William] "Moulton," who wrote an 87 page pamphlet ("The Review of General Sherman's Memoirs Examined") in 1875 defending Sherman against H.V. Boynton's criticism of Sherman's memoirs.
Sherman, who was embittered by his son Tom's conversion to Catholicism, writes, in part: "…your letter…assures me that some member of the family echos my sentiments in regard to the real cause which lead Tom to abandom her, and his true Career, for the Church…." Sherman writes that the motive of the high officials of the Catholic Church is to use him and his office in the interest of the Church "for which end they permit even falsehood….the action of Tom has been injuriously used for their purposes…though opposed, I had for the sake of his happiness yielded a reluctant consent…the truth will manifest itself in due time, and in a way which Catholics will find does not add to the sanctity or interest of their Church. Tom wrote me…I have not answered…because when he went I told him plainly & frankly that it was Desertion and I could not correspond with a Deserter…Sheridan & Ord both have Catholic influences…."
Sherman concludes and signs his letter at the top of the first page. Fine; minor wear to back page.
To Sherman's sorrow, Tom was ordained a Jesuit priest in 1879. Why he should have been surprised is a puzzle: after all, his wife, Ellen, was a devout Roman Catholic and she reared their eight children.
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500.
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