Sherman Letters

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CSHR 9/20

Military Academy West Point N. York
Feb 20th 1838
[1838/02/20]

Dear Ellen:
[EES]

I have not received a letter from you since last November, Still I do not complain for having heard at different times that there was sickness in the family, I knew that you were engaged in administering those kind attentions and cares so necessary to a sick person which is far more laudable than wasting the time in writing to me Yet I did hope that some one would write a few lines if only to inform me how the different members of the family were which unfortunately has not been the case

Since I last wrote we have had another examination but as your father has undoubtedly received an official account of it I can add nothing of importance, after which nothing occurred to interrupt the dull and monotonous course of events until night before last, at about 3 o'clock of that night we were alarmed by the cry of "Fire". The cry was so unusual that it acted like an electric shock and every one was up in a moment and ready for action. The fire was discovered to be in the Engineering Academy, a room of the building containing the Library Adjutant's office, the Engineering, Philosophical and Chemical academies. It is the most important building by far on the Point that is considering the contents as part of the building. We had an old engine which has never I believe been used since brought here about 20 years notwithstanding it was filled but upon first attempt to work it the hose bursted in several places which rendered the whole entirely useless. In the meantime others were engaged in removing the library as also the philosophical and chemical apparatus which is immensely valuable. All the books were saved some few were injured. The night was extremely cold and almost every one caught a severe cold.

The Loss is about $20,000. Saved about 5 times that sum. but as Uncle Sam is rich the loss will not be felt.

With respect to the conduct of the Corps on that occasion the Superintendent in his official account last evening said: "The greater part of the property was saved owing to the untiring zeal and ardor of the Corps of Cadets" and for my part I assure you that I never saw so much done in so short a time.

We have heard of Pap Boyles marriage and I must say that it astonished us not a little

I must now come to a close hoping sincerely that you will write soon for I can not remain easy until I hear how all the family are. Give my best love and respects to your Father and Mother, Abba Thomas & Boyle. Kiss Charly and Sissie Theresa for me

From Your most affectionate friend

W. T. Sherman
[WTS]

Military Academy West Point N.Y.
Nov 24th 1838
[1838/11/24]

Dear Ellen
[EES]

That was quite a coincidence. Both of us wrote about the same time each blaming the other for not having written before. To prevent such another affair I had intended to write soon again but I assure you that I have not had a spare evening before this since the reception of your letter. Who knows but that you are now writing to me. Should such be the case and our letters share the fate of the others that it meet on the road I promise to write immediately that our correspondence may assume a somewhat regular form.

So *Abba is married is she? You thought you would astonish me with the news but though very glad to hear it I would do wrong to say that I was very much surprised. She did not want you to plague her about Mr. This-one of Chilicothe, Mr. That-one of Columbus or Mr. Such-a-one of Xenia. Does she intend to leave you or is it Mr. Workman's intention to reside at Lancaster? I hope he does. You would miss Abba very much if you were to leave. But Abba's is not the only marriage you have had lately at Lancaster or thereabouts. Miss Noble and Henry Myers, Mr. Slevin W. Wright and others but not satisfied with all these you have I hear married Dr. Evans without his knowledge or consent.

I have not heard a word about your father since I was home. I hope he is well and presume he pays the City of Chauncey as protracted visits as ever. I received a letter a few days ago from Phil who mentioned he had just written to yourself. I am always glad to hear that he enjoys himself. This is the very season for Bub Hugh Ewing and Tommy Ewing to flourish, hunting rabbits and partridges, that is if they are fond of such things as they used to be. We have had several falls of snow here, one about three inches deep, and winter has set in with a vengeance. We have winds direct from the north pole. The river has not as yet frozen over but it will not be long before it does, I think.

I was invited this afternoon in company with three or four others by our teacher in drawing to visit his studio to see a landscape painting he had just finished. It was a view of West Point taken from the Crow's Nest, an eminence about a mile above the Point. It is thought to be the best and most comprehensive view that has as yet been taken.

We are kept very busy nowadays. I don't really believe I have had an hour to myself for the last month except on Saturday evenings which are generally devoted to writing letters. Remember me to your father and mother & all the family also to Mr. and Mrs. Workman and whip Charley for me. Wm. Irvin send his love.

Yours affectionately

W. T. Sherman
[WTS]

Military Academy West Point N.Y.
Dec. 10th 1838
[1838/12/10]

Dear Ellen
[EES]

I promised when I last wrote to answer your letter immediately should it happen that you should write before mine was received, which has it appears been the case, and to redeem this promise it is that I now write. Abba has gone to housekeeping already has she? She has made quick work of it, got married and settled down to housekeeping in the short space of a month. This is undoubtedly an example worthy of being followed. I was extremely glad to hear that your mother intended to write a long letter to me and am now of course anxiously expecting it. As the holydays are approaching I suppose you are making preparations for their celebration. The manner in which we celebrate them here depends so much upon the disposition of the Superintendent who I presume you know is a new one that we are all anxious to know what particular privileges will be granted us on those days Many tales are going round in regard to this subject one of which is that instead of each celebrating in his own way we will all be obliged to attend Church as on Sunday, which no doubt is the proper method but by no means agreeable to young men. On Christmas and New Year's we have always had good dinners (things always welcome in this quarter of the globe) I am confident that Maj. Delafield is too much of a gentleman to interfere with them. The weather has been for some time past exceedingly cold, the thermometer standing very often in the vicinity of 0. The river has not as yet frozen over here but has some miles up, in consequence of which there is very little navigation on the river. The mountains and plains are covered with snow so that West Point has at present a rather dreary aspect. As we had an exceedingly hot summer it is supposed that the winter will be proportionately severe. A good sleighride would be very welcome now but there are neither sleighs nor horses here and if there were we would not be allowed to use them. Do you recollect the time we were upset in the sleigh in Front Street while going to dancing school and how frightened you were and what a noise little Bub Hugh Ewing made.

You ought not to have spoken so favorably of that little piece I sent you lest I might be flattered and tempted to send another. And now that I have filled three pages with nonsense you will without doubt permit me to close hoping that this may give regularity to our correspondence. Give my love to your father and mother and all the family. Ask Bub for me how many dogs he has and how many rabbits he has caught this winter. Kiss Sis for me and give Charley a good whipping and charge it to my account.

Yours affectionately

W. T. Sherman
[WTS]