Memphis
Jan 11 - 1864
[1864/01/11]
Dearest Ellen
[EES]
I only got here yesterday four days floating down the Arctic Ice, think of Ice by New Orleans but it must be so. All the way from Corio here the River was one mass of floating Ice and navigation above is closed by ice and even below it is very bad. I find all things here as I expected. Only Forrest is below, joined to the same Brigands that used to hover on my front at Big Black.
It is extremely difficult to deal with these Mounted Devils and I am sure all we can do is to make the country feel the people must pay for these Wandering Arabs. I will run down to Vicksburg and back to Memphis and be ready to start on some expedition by the 20th. I may strike for Meridian and Selma.
I wrote you from the Gunboat Juliet, telling you that I had left Minnie in Cincinnati with orders to send her out to the College Mount Notre Dame. Phil will also tell you all about it. I would feel much better could I have gone out with her, but the day was bitter cold and we were employed all day. I ought to be well schooled now at parting but really I felt bad to leave Minnie alone in that dark house. Almost as bad as when Lizzie clung to me as for life in School at Mrs. King's old House, I confess myself amazed at the calm & easy manner of Minnie at all times, unabashed, almost too much so for her years and yet she seemed loving and kind. To me she acts somewhat like Willy with that simpler confidence that is very captivating. She will make a beautiful woman, and we cannot be too careful of her in the next three years.
I must be away, and you have your hands full, but I saw that even in Cincinnati you and I have friends that will watch her with paternal care. I wrote to Mrs. Sword and she will be like a hen with a single chicken. I would not be surprised if she were to make herself Minnie's confidante.
Tell Tommy I will draw him a good picture one of these days.
Today my pen has been going for ten hours. I have signed the death warrant of several soldiers -- two Majors and one General, all for murder & hard crimes.
People here have crowded about all day and seem disappointed I am not coming here to stay, but I will make some salutary changes. I will put B -- in command. I know him to be sober, industrious and honest. Hurlbut will command the District but I will take him with me down to Vicksburg and out to Meridian.
I came down in a Gunboat, Juliet, small but very comfortable, have been very well but now am hoarse. A great many have inquired after you most kindly. Colonel Cockrell, General Hurlbut, Valeria & Mrs. Williamson. The latter is unwell but sent her little daughter and son to call and insist on my coming out. Fear I can't go.
The cold weather will tie our troops up in Tennessee. You must not fear I will let Condit Smith, S--- or anybody put any cause of difference between Charley and me -- no danger.
I don't object to your having strong likes and dislikes & expressing them to me -- but I do object to your stooping to writing any man with whom you may be as a stranger or putting anyone between me and you. Leave me to play my game of life and I honestly believe you will be satisfied. I am now past forty & according to Natural Law can't change and you must take me "for worse"
Yrs ever
W. T. Sherman
[WTS]