Lot 543
Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891). Civil War general, his March to the Sea is regarded as the first modern use of "total war."
Autograph Letter Signed ("W. T. Sherman"). As Commanding General of the Army. Four pages, octavo, Washington D.C., April 27, 1876. On "Headquarters Army of the United States / St. Louis" stationery. Sherman has lined through St. Louis and written "Washington D.C." To Joseph Audenreid (one of Sherman's key aides). Two horizontal mailing folds, with some toning at the folds on page four. In fine to very fine condition.
With extraordinary content, this letter is mostly political, but with an interesting personal note -- after Audenreid's death in 1880, Sherman began a long term love affair with his wife, Mary Audenreid. Numerous other significant military and political personages are named, as in the extended excerpt below: "…Everything is working smoothly. The new secretary (Secretary of War Alphonso Taft, who only served in that capacity until May 1876, at which point he was named Attorney General) is slowly getting his hand in and I have no doubt all our offices can be made to work smoothly. As I left the office yesterday with McCook (Alexander McDowell McCook, Union General and aide de camp for Sherman 1875-1880) we met Belknap (William Worth Belknap, impeached for malfeasance in 1876) walking with Montgomery Blair (Postmaster General under Lincoln and Counsel for Samuel J. Tilden) on the pavement in front of the President's house. We mutually saluted but did not stop. This is the only time I have seen him out (presumably Belknap). I am told he begins to feel like an honest man…but he must feel the humiliation of his situation. The telegraph will keep you advised of all things here, as fast as we learn them. Indeed, we read our news of Washington in the New york papers, received here about 2 PM. Give my best love to Mrs. Audenreid and I hope we will meet in health very soon…Yours truly, W.T. Sherman."
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500.
|
| |
| Unsold |
