August 2013 Auction Ends Thursday, August 29th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/29/2013
William T. Sherman autograph letter signed. Dated 30 March 1890, letter from Sherman as a reluctant public figure was written in the last year of his life, to his former U.S. Military Academy classmate, General Stewart Van Vliet of Washington. Letter on stationery bearing Sherman's New York address reads in part, ''...I did receive punctually your letter from Indian River, and it sounded as a voice from the tomb to hear of our skiff gliding down that long sound with Child, Taylor...almost forgotten save by you and me...I wish I could have been with you, but Rachel is in Europe...I am pulled and hauled about by Social Errands for which escape seems impossible - After I had cleared up all scores by my own three divisions, and of which you promised to attend but did not. The [illegible] League Club claimed the right to a Reception which I begged the Committee to postpone a year - but no! They have invitations out for April 17, and I must attend in full uniform. In your letter you said you would be back to Washington about the end of March, so I suppose you will receive an invitation from the Club the same time as this...I may come out to Washington in May...if person want to see me they must come here, and not I to them. I read in the papers that they are not only raising grapes & lemons, on Indian River, but corn, vegetables, sugar cane etc. - Since I have seen California completely transformed...I am not inclined to dispute anything. If you come to the Reception on the 17th of April I will be glad, but shall not coax anybody - for I regard Receptions as first class nuisances - with love...your classmate, W.T. Sherman''. 4pp. letter on a single sheet of card-style stationery measures 5.5'' x 9.25''. Creasing and a couple faint stains, else near fine.
William T. Sherman Autograph Letter Signed -- ''...I regard Receptions as first class nuisances...I begged the Committee to postpone a year - but no!...I must attend in full uniform...''
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