SHERMAN, WILLIAM TECUMSEH, Major General . Autograph letter signed ("W.T. Sherman") to his brother-in-law Philemon Ewing, Head Quarters, Benton Barracks (Near St. Louis., Mo.), 20 January 1862. 1 full page, 4to, on Headquarters stationery, integral blank, clean tear at signature, without loss. "I AM NOT FIT FOR A LEADER IN SUCH A WAR" A thoughtful personal letter, reflecting upon his suitability for high command and the handicap of his years spent in the South. Sherman was to take command of the Military District of Cairo a few weeks later and on 1 March became commander of the 5th Division, Army of the Tennessee. The battle of Shiloh, in April, launched his military reputation as a combat officer. "Dear Phil, I went to the city today, drew my pay for December, and now send you a check...to be placed to her credit [i.e., his wife's account]. I have a letter from her saying she was just starting for Washington. She wants to get me away from St. Louis influences. "I have no doubt I have been much biased by my association with Southern people, and that in consequence I have overrated their power. I certainly have not their temper and purpose. There is not power enough in this country to change that. Of course I am fully conscious now of grave errors, but I am not fit for a leader in such a war, and have from the first desired to keep in the background. Our camp is one field of mud, deep and black & drill is impossible. Give my love to Mary and children...." Sherman had resigned his army commission in 1853, worked in banking in San Francisco, then took a post as superintendant at a military academy in Louisiana (it later became Louisiana State University).
SHERMAN, WILLIAM TECUMSEH, Major General . Autograph letter signed ("W.T. Sherman") to his brother-in-law Philemon Ewing, Head Quarters, Benton Barracks (Near St. Louis., Mo.), 20 January 1862. 1 full page, 4to, on Headquarters stationery, integral blank, clean tear at signature, without loss. "I AM NOT FIT FOR A LEADER IN SUCH A WAR" A thoughtful personal letter, reflecting upon his suitability for high command and the handicap of his years spent in the South. Sherman was to take command of the Military District of Cairo a few weeks later and on 1 March became commander of the 5th Division, Army of the Tennessee. The battle of Shiloh, in April, launched his military reputation as a combat officer. "Dear Phil, I went to the city today, drew my pay for December, and now send you a check...to be placed to her credit [i.e., his wife's account]. I have a letter from her saying she was just starting for Washington. She wants to get me away from St. Louis influences. "I have no doubt I have been much biased by my association with Southern people, and that in consequence I have overrated their power. I certainly have not their temper and purpose. There is not power enough in this country to change that. Of course I am fully conscious now of grave errors, but I am not fit for a leader in such a war, and have from the first desired to keep in the background. Our camp is one field of mud, deep and black & drill is impossible. Give my love to Mary and children...." Sherman had resigned his army commission in 1853, worked in banking in San Francisco, then took a post as superintendant at a military academy in Louisiana (it later became Louisiana State University).
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