Sherman Letters

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CSHR 9/21

Military Academy West Point N.Y.
Jan. 22, 1839
[1839/01/22]

Dear Ellen
[EES]

I had the pleasure to receive your letter some time since and have been hindered from answering it till the present time by the examination which has just past. I hope you enjoyed your Christmas holydays which you were preparing for when you wrote. I cannot say that we did, principally in consequence of the foolishness of the officers One consolation however is that three out of four of the Christmases that I have anything to do with on West Point are gone I suppose they celebrate the holydays at Lancaster as they always did -- firing guns, crackers and squibs, the boys each trying to outdo the others in making noise -- New Years gifts &c &c no doubt Bub and Charley flourished on those occasions for where tricks are to be played and noise made neither of them are I believe in any manner backward.

I regret that I cannot answer Tommy's question as to going to the rocky mountains when I graduate, but can assure him that I should like nothing better provided he would go along which no doubt he would willingly do if in his power. When we graduate we are assigned to different departments of the Army, the duties of which are widely different. While one division is posted along the Atlantic coast another is along the lakes another in the South & West whilst the fourth are stationed in the far West and obliged to make frequent visits to the settlements on the Pacific, so you see that it will depend more upon the War Department whether I will have an opportunity to visit the Rocky Mountains than upon myself. I see by the Lancaster papers that Slade has commenced the practice of the Law. He must have a good stock of vanity to think he can succeed in a place where there are so many old and talented Lawyers. He probably relies as much upon his "Yankee cunning" as upon his merit. I thought he intended to go to the Salt Works. I have received many papers of late and judging from the handwriting of the direction believe them to be sent by your mother. Permit me through you to offer my sincere thanks. I regret that I have it not in my power to make suitable return. I received a letter from Phil yesterday.

I mentioned that the examination is over. Very little change has taken place in my standing. The usual exercises and recitations will be resumed on tomorrow and judging from the length of the course before us we expect to be very busy between this and June next.

Give my love to all the family and to Mr. and Mrs. Workman. Though rather late I wish you all a happy New Year.

Yours affectionately

W. T. Sherman
[WTS]

Military Academy West Point N.Y.
March 10th 39
[1839/03/10]

Dear Ellen
[EES]

It is now exactly one month since the date of your last and in it you spoke of my long delay. Indeed I am ashamed of myself although not much to blame for during our examination and some time previous it was absolutely necessary that my whole attention should be paid to my studies. The consequence was that a good many letters accumulated upon my hands all of which had to be answered during the past month, this together with our very arduous duties have I assure you kept me extremely busy. I would willingly promise reformation if it were probable that it would prove acceptable but we must forgive as we hope to be forgiven.

The Ladies of Lancaster turn out strong in the way of benevolent societies I hear. Four of them each rivalling the other in works of charity and religion and no doubt deriving pleasure from the social parties thus called together at the same time conferring benefits on the poor and helpless.

The river is open again. All is life where but a few days since could only be seen heaps of ice and snow. In fact I never saw the winter break up so suddenly as this has done. Two weeks ago I crossed the river on the ice and now but a few floating pieces remain. Steamboats pass up or down almost every hour and the water is literally covered with sloops and other kinds of sailboats, the weather also is exceedingly fine, it is almost a natural impossibility to confine ourselves to our rooms We often feel disposed to break over our imposed limits and "go forth" but the consequences would be of too serious a nature to admit of such an idea for a moment.

All the talk in this part of the world now is about war with England, every person seems anxious for it and none more so than the very persons who would most suffer by it. The officers of the Army and the Corps of Cadets. But ours, I fear arises more from selfishness than true patriotism for should war break out we would be commissioned and sent into the "field" at all times preferable to studying Mathematics or Philosophy and it would undoubtedly prove a better school for the soldier than this. But I cannot think that England will take the same stand in this controversy that her colony has done. If however she does war will be inevitable and Capt Ewing's Company of archers will have a fine opportunity to display their valor and patriotism. I have no doubt that he in his official capacity will willingly volunteer the services of his little band to his country for its defence and that of its honor. I presume by this time they have become so well disciplined as to be able to astonish the veterans of Europe by the celerity and regularity of their movements. Probably your father is anxious to learn who has been selected for Special Minister to G. Britain. It is not absolutely known but there is every reason to believe that T. C. Calhoun has been appointed.

Then Tommy has no idea of going to the rocky mountains. Is he afraid of being scalped by the indians or would he dislike to walk hundreds of miles and live on horses or would he not like to hunt the buffalo on his native prairie or the dear or bear. Truly if he would not he has no idea whatever of the true sublime.

Ask Charley if he would not prefer to a book "what's got pictures in" some of what Pap Boyle calls hickory oil. Remember me to your father and mother to Mr. and Mrs. Workman and kiss little Sis for me Wm. Irwin is in good health and sends his love.

Yours affectionately

W. T. Sherman
[WTS]

Military Academy West Point N.Y.
May 4th/39
[1839/05/04]

Dear Ellen
[EES]

I have just finished one letter and the evening is quite far advanced but still I cannot allow this opportunity to pass without answering yours although it should detain me till midnight. I have promised so often to be more punctual that I presume you put but little faith in my promises and attempts at excuses. I assure you that I am very sensible of your kindness in making those slippers for me, and that I am delighted that there is a probability of your coming here during the coming summer, and why shouldn't you? Will you ever have a better opportunity? Is not West Point worth visiting, is not the scenery of the finest order in the world (in its vicinity), and there not incidents in its history that render it dear to us all? I might ask a hundred such questions which any individual who has ever been here would be compelled to answer in the affirmative. Here's Old Fort put in itself a curiosity with its damp and gloomy cells, and Kosciusczko's Garden with its jet of water and marble basin on which is inscribed the Pole's name and also a large monument erected a long time ago by the Corps of Cadets to the same person I might go on and enumerate many more things which have attracted every Summer and probably will continue to attract crowds of visitors and I hope soon to learn that you and your father will be of the number next Summer.

Since the probability of a war is over the Commander of the Army seems to desire some military sport anyhow for it is the intention to concentrate nearly half the Army at Brandywine Springs next Summer to camp out as though in the presence of an enemy. If this be the case of which there is little doubt it will be the largest body of men ever congregated together for that purpose in this country during peace and as they will require all the regiments to have their complement of officers I doubt whether Wm. Irvin will be able to get a furlough upon graduating next month. It would be best to say nothing about it to any of the Irvin family because nothing is absolutely known with regard to it. Report also says that we will be sent there also but I do not believe it as Maj. Delafield the Superintendent will not recommend it.

We have had a most beautiful Spring so far and I do not remember of having seen the Point look half as well, the reason is that they have just completed the building at which they have been engaged since I have been here, It is a beautiful building and adds much to the general appearance of the place. The contrast makes our old barracks look ten times as dismal as ever, so much so indeed that they contemplate tearing them down and erecting new ones.

I have almost despaired of every receiving that long wished for and expected letter from your mother. I presume, however, that she is too busily engaged to write. I intend to write to Phil in a few days but whether he is at home or Oxford I know not his last being dated at Lancaster.

Give my love to your mother, father, Abba and all. Tell Charley that he is a hard case. I suppose by this time little "Sissie" Teresa can run about and prattle like a fine girl. Let me once more advise you to come East this summer if you can

Yours affectionately

W. T. Sherman
[WTS]

Military Academy West Point N.Y.
Aug. 21st/39
[1839/08/21]

Dear Ellen
[EES]

You were so very punctual in answering my last to you that I feel bound in duty to devote my first leisure time to you although I have letters on hand that should have been attended to months since. When I wrote last we were in camp - our last encampment - and its termination was celebrated in a manner to show how rejoiced we were at its being the "last" I wish you had been here among the very great many visitors to see it The Ball was a grand affair, in a fine large hall the walls decorated with wreaths of laurel and cedar - Crossed Swords Sabres and Bayonets -- and the flags of nearly all nations of the world. From the ceiling hung a great number of elegant and tasty chandeliers, and when filled with ladies and officers both naval and military in their uniforms it presented the most dazzling and brilliant appearance I ever beheld

But what most accorded with my taste was the "Stag" dance the last evening we were in camp. The tents were illuminated and the parade ground in front was covered with lights but in consequence of the wind we were not able to arrange them as nicely as we could have wished. In front of these the Corps assembled to dance a figure similar to what we in the West term a country dance only that each one can shuffle and cut up as much as he pleases provided he goes through the figures. The whole presents a very picturesque appearance so much so that it attracts always a crowd of ladies and gentlemen to the camp. Indeed that evening although quite cold and chilly the dancers were literally encompassed with ladies spectators. After this the first class -- whose last night that was to spend in a Cadets' encampment all sang songs appropriate to the occasion. Early the next morning (yesterday) we marched into Barracks where we now are comfortably situated.

You entirely misunderstood me with regard to your mother. Although I should feel highly honored did she condescend to notice me still I am fully aware how slight are my claims to her regard and how many troubles and cares she must experience since you and Abba have left home. Very often I feel my insignificance and inability to repay the many kindnesses and favors received at her hands and those of her family. Time and absence serve to strengthen the claims and to increase my affection and love and gratitude to those who took me early under their care and conferred the same advantages as they did upon their own children. Although I have rarely spoken of it still I assure you that I have always felt sincerely and deeply grateful and hope that some event may occur to test it. Indeed I often feel that your father and mother have usurped the place which nature has allotted to parents alone and that their children those of brothers and sisters, with regard to myself.

A couple of weeks ago I went down to the dock to see the boat land when casting my eyes along the line of passengers on the upper deck I saw John Reber with three of his sisters I suppose on their way home from Troy. We had barely time to exchange a nod of recognition

This morning I received a letter from mother and a note from Susan Sherman but there was no news that would interest you. It was brought to New York by James Sherman who instead of coming to the Point as he should have done dropped it into the office there.

I have several letters to write today so you must excuse me.

Yours affectionately

W. T. Sherman
[WTS]

Military Academy West Point N.Y.
Nov. 1st 1839
[1839/11/01]

Dear Ellen
[EES]

I have been intending for some time to write to you for the purpose of acknowledging the reception of those slippers which you were kind enough to make for me some time since. They were brought to me by Wm. Irvin they fit exactly but are so neat & beautiful as to preclude all ideas of my ever wearing them indeed it would amount to a sacrilege for me to do so. I will keep them carefully in remembrance of her who gave them and hope that some time or other I will be able to present something in return acceptable as these are to me Why is it that you have been silent so long. Did you not receive my last letter written almost immediately upon the reception of yours? I have been very anxious lest you may have been unwell or have returned home & hope that I may soon be relieved by hearing from you.

I mentioned that Wm. Irvin had brought me the slippers but he did not come on the Point and of course I was unable to see him and have a talk about Lancaster and all the folks which I have all along been anticipating. He is now on duty as an officer at Fort Gratiot Michigan within two days journey of home I hear from home but seldom nowadays but it is all my fault as I am so careless and negligent myself about writing. At last accounts all were well. For my own part, here, I am getting along very comfortably -- indeed very little military duty to attend to and not much study -- So that from morning to night we are laying schemes of what we intend to do when we graduate and if even half of these are realized a most happy set we'll be, but should some little Indian War break out, or the Canadian Patriots rise again or anything else interrupt with our furlough upon which all our expectations are centered we'd be in a pretty plight, instead of dancing hunting fishing and the like we might be sent to some remote corner of the Globe to drill drunken Irish recruits by way of saving our country. Thus you see that we live in continual hope and fear of the future but as everyone's mind pictures the future in the brightest colors we are necessarily content.

I have no doubt that by this time you have entirely recovered from your homesickness and as the Session of Congress approaches and the members & visitors arrive at the Capitol you will no doubt find among them some acquaintance from Ohio which will tend to render your situation much pleasanter. Indeed if Mr. Bond of Chillicothe should take his family with him to Washington you would be peculiarly favored. I should like above all things to spend about a month at Washington during the Session to hear & see those men who rule & direct the affairs of our Government -- 'tis true I was there when on my way here for the first time but I was a Plebe and not capable of appreciating the many things I saw and heard. I intend to come to Washington when I graduate on my way home if I possibly can. The fact that your father once occupied a seat in the Senate no doubt adds great interest to that beautiful place in your eyes.

With hope that you are well and will write soon I will now close.

Yours affectionately

W. T. Sherman
[WTS]

Military Academy West Point N.Y.
Dec 8th 1839
[1839/12/08]

Dear Ellen
[EES]

I received your favor and hasten to reply We have like yourselves a Special day for writing letters which is Sunday. This day is not regarded by military men with due respect and Religious veneration as is shown in the organization of this institution where the only religious duties consist in attending the Episcopal Service once on Sunday - a service in which but few take interest much less join in heartfelt devotion. The consequence is that we must seek other means wherewith to spend the day. What more naturally suggest themselves and what are more religious than to reflect and think of home and to write to our friends? They tend to strengthen the better feelings and affections of our nature and therefore consistent with the Will of God. But if I think so much of home and friends and consequently venerate old Lancaster - why do I not, you ask conclude to live there hereafter. You forget this I have adopted the Army as my profession and must be posted somewhere on the frontier. I am so convinced that even you would prefer the Far West to the East that I would almost be willing for you to choose for me. You ask if Bub Hugh is not my favorite. I must admit that he comes nearer my beau-ideal of a perfect boy than any one I ever saw. I hope when he is old enough his father will send him here - he would make an excellent soldier - a Captain already - why there are some men in our Army with grey hairs who have scarcely attained that rank yet The time passes so rapidly that I can scarcely keep pace with it - but a few days ago we were talking about the 4th of July and here is Christmas but a few weeks off. Also I see that I commenced this letter with hasten whereas by reference I see yours was written more than three weeks since. You must excuse me for I really was under the impression when I begun that your letter had been received about a week since. However, let it pass, the faster the better so that June 1840 may come when fortune willing we will exchange the Cadets gray coats for a Sword and pair of Epaulettes and was is still better will have a furlough of three months to go home. If you are at Georgetown then I shall most certainly comply with your request to come and see you. That was rather bad in Phil to promise to come to Georgetown and then disappoint you. He heartily deserved a scolding which he would not forget soon.

I wrote to mother about sending Susan Sherman to your Academy but I fear that however high an opinion she may have of it and consequent desire to send her she will scarcely be able to do so.

I supposed the City of Washington is now filled with members of Congress and visitors. I suppose our Representative Wm. Medill called to see you and brought news from home although a Locofoco How much it is to be regretted that your father was not reelected to the Senate. You would have been as it were at home although hundred of miles from Lancaster and if Mr. Bond brings his family you will I believe find it in them old friends peculiarly welcome but as you have entirely recovered from that homesickness of which you at first complined I have no doubt that you have found among the young ladies among whom you are thrown friends as warm and attached as you could desire. I heard from Julia Sherman a few days since. She called upon your mother the day before writing and found her and all the family well. As to your father I have scarcely heard a word of him for a year. He sticks down there at those Salt Works I suppose. When you write home remember me to all. Tell your mother to kiss little Sister for me. When I go home next summer no doubt she will be as much changed as Charley was when I was furlough. God grant that she may always remain playful, goodnatured and pretty as ever

Your affectionate friend

W. T. Sherman
[WTS]