May 2012 Auction Ends Tuesday, May 29th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/29/2012
General William Sherman autograph letter signed: ''W.T. Sherman / M.G.'' on Military Division of the Mississippi Headquarters stationery. In a letter datelined ''In the Field, 4 miles S of Hickory Hill, 1 February 1865'', the infamous Civil War figure writes to General John Gray Foster: ''...I cannot modify my orders relative to General Saxton having the charge of recruiting blacks...I think the impression at Washington is that both you and I are inimical to the policy of arming negroes, and all know that Saxton is not, and his appointment reconciles that difficulty. If anything serious occurs correspond directly with Mr. Stanton...Let Grant know I am in motion, and telegraph to Easton that if Slocum has to wait for provisions it will be dead loss [sic], as we are eating up ours. Let Hatch continually feel the Salkehatchie, and the moment the enemy lets go, get the railroad broken back to the Edisto...'' By this time in the war, approximately 10% of Union regiments were composed of black soldiers, and public opinion, including that held by officers and soldiers, had accepted the concept of arming former slaves in the war effort. This letter clearly shows that General Sherman was one of the remaining hold-outs in his opposition. Written in pencil, single page measures 7.75" x 9.75". Near fine.
General William Sherman Writes a Civil War Dated February 1865 Surprisingly Racist Letter, Well After the Emancipation Proclamation, That He Is Opposed ''to the policy of arming negroes...''
Click above for larger image.