Archive Record

Metadata

Accession number

1995.010

Catalog Number

1995.010

Collection

Pearce Civil War Collection

Object Name

Letter

Title

Sherman (William Tecumseh) Papers, 1863-1865

Creator

Sherman (William Tecumseh)

Date

February 24, 1863

Dates of Creation

February 24, 1863

Scope & Content

Two letters (1863-1865; 4 pages) and one field order (1865; 1 page) document the Civil War career of William Tecumseh Sherman. In the first letter (1 page), written February 24, 1863 to Edward Ortho Cresap Ord, Sherman complains press leaks are interfering with his strategy and his ability to conduct battle. Sherman writes: "Of course I know full well the power of the Press and of Correspondents. It is folly to carry on War thus. They reveal every plan and will surely defeat us toto. It is not better to make up the issue at once, rather than wait for time to develope [sic] the truth. This time may be fatal to Our Cause." The second letter (January 28, 1865; 3 pages), written to Major General J. G. Foster, advises him that the enemy is holding back, taking a wait and see attitude: "the bridges have been burned by the enemy who seems to occupy the opposite bank but his force if amounting to anything is kept well back . . . I suppose the enemy is watching me and keeps his main force where it can be thrown rapidly at exposed points." The field order (April 12, 1865; 1 page) is a True Copy of Sherman's Field Order No. 54 written and signed by Sherman's secretary. Field Order No. 54 announces the surrender of General Robert E. Lee.

Finding Aids

Available in the archives or online at www.pearcecollections.us

People

Sherman, William Tecumseh
Ord, Edward Ortho Cresap
Foster, John Gray

Search Terms

War Correspondents

Credit line