Sherman Letters

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CSHR 9/29

Grand Hotel, Paris
Sunday, July 7, 1872
[1872/07/07]

Dearest Ellen,
[EES]

I got here all alone last night having left Audenried at Cologne with some of his newly discovered relations -- and I have a dispatch from him this instant saying he will be here at 10. am tomorrow. I had telegraphed ahead to our Legation to have our letters sent to this Hotel, and I found them and your dispatch announcing Toms departure in the Russia: So he is now at sea -- but the Russia is the best of Steamers and the season is calm. So you will hear of his safe arrival even before you get anxious. But I expected if he came that he would take a Havre Steamer, in which case he would have landed in France, and I could have met him: but Liverpool is too far and I must trust to his working his way to me here, and it will do him good. Nevertheless I have just written full instructions to him at Liverpool, and to our Consul Mr. Dudley, that will ensure his coming straight to Paris, when and how to find me, etc etc, so that I will expect him here in about a week or in 8 days. The Russia sailed last Wednesday, is due at Liverpool, next Saturday, and Tom can be here by Monday morning. Meantime I can get through the official routine and be able to join him some of my time. Allowing him to arrive in Paris by Monday the 15, I can join him full twelve days so that he can not only see Paris, but I may let him run down to Geneva, to see that most beautiful of Lakes, and take a peep at the snow clad Alps.

Tomorrow, after Audenried 'arrival I will move to the quarters which Mrs Pinchot has reserved for us at No 6. Rue de Presburg. I have been there this morning, and the Rooms looked so clean and large, as compared with this one in the Grand Hotel that I could not hesitate. Mr Pinchot and brother, Mrs Pinchot and two children have the whole 3rd floor of a large house looking out on the Arc de Triomphe which I can describe hereafter when at leisure, and they invite Audenried and me to accept two large bedrooms and when I mentioned Toms coming -- Mrs Pinchot took me to another room now used by the brother who goes away in a few days, so that everything fits to a hair----She also said that [illegible] [illegible] she would gladly do any shopping I might want. I will get her to select the braids of hair, etc. There are any number of Americans here, Donaldson's, Lewis, etc, besides the officials. The Consul General Meridith Read has already been here, and wants a dinner party. Mr. Washburn is at Karlsbad, but his Secretary of Legation wants to arrange for a reception etc, so I will try and get these all disposed of before Tom comes. Fred Grant has gone home. He is a good fellow and really feels the taunts of the newspapers, and child like thinks he can stop them by removing the cause, but the newspaper scribblers will laugh at his innocence. The truth dont enter into their calculation at all.

I found here no letters from Minnie or Lizzie, but one from you of the 11th and one each from Rachel and Ellie. I think a package must be following me but all will reach me here in a day or two. Of course I am concerned about Minnie. I fear she will droop, and fail -- but trust to natural laws more than medicine. The letter cannot create health: it may simply modify and alleviate decay.

As to Archbishop Manning, I suppose I will see him. You certainly have not troubled me on this trip, but I have shown a most praise-worthy forbearance which I think I appreciate. I am sufficiently conscious of my weaknesses and faults, but dont like to have them rubbed in as salt on a fresh wound. You must know and do know that the reason I dislike to make these advances to Bishops Priests etc is because they make use of them, for their purposes, not mine. I do feel a natural and artificial respect for a man of true piety -- be he Methodist Baptist, Catholic Greek, or even Mussulman -- provided the feeling be to make him better than the natural man, but when it comes to be used as a mere machine, Sect, clique, or Church it becomes repugnant -- and I cannot help breaking out occasionally. I have no doubt Archbishop Manning is a good man, and a worthy one, and he has my entire respect -- but the moment I go to see him, and not make the rounds of the Archbishop of Westminster, York etc, it will be whispered and printed that the American General is a Catholic, and I will be judged accordingly. A few days ago one of the best informed Americans I know, spoke of something and said of course, your looking at me a Catholic, must see if different etc. I answered he was in error [illegible]. I was not a Catholic, and from the nature of my mental organization could not be, but that my family were, and I did not or could not shake their faith etc etc

[apparently page or pages missing]

probably, that he dont care to see me, but that you do; In that view I may seek an interview but if it is followed by any public announcement, I must counteract it, by a similar publicity.

But enough of this and too much. I think I wrote to you that Buchanan Read had ordered a Cameo, for you at Rome, and that I had instructed the Consul to get it and pay for it. It now seems that Read got the Cameo, but did not pay for it. Can you find out from Mrs Read, and if she will fulfill the purpose of her husband, I will pay for it. Reads generosity passed his means of payment.

I will see Healy tomorrow, and will write about the other Cameos, and I enclose one Consuls letter that you may see the whole matter. The bust has gone. A Box I left at Rome, and another at Constantinople ought to have reached Washington by this time. They contain things of some interest though of little value. The bust is of course for you, and you may dispose of it as you think proper. I saw the Clay as the artist Simmons was at work, but I have seen persone, who said the bust itself nearer completion and they say it is strong and a likeness. Busts to me look cold and dead -- but somehow or other it is one of the modes of perpetuating men, beyond their time of life, and mine may or may not be desirable after I am dead and buried. Meantime you may keep it or give it to one or other of the children. It is yours.

I have a long letter from Col Tourtelotte to which I will reply in a day or so -- he intimates that he fears McCoys boy Frank did not pass at the Examination of the Naval School. This is too bad, for I know that any boy of ordinary capacity can learn all that is required, but these National schools, should and must exact rigid terms. I feel sorry for Mrs McCoy, but she should not hesitate to make Frank go into some store, or shop, in a lower grade, and earn his own living.

I hope you are all comfortable at Islip and if satisfied you may remain till we all meet at the Astor House, about Sept 10, which will be as early as we should return to Washington. It is probable I will content myself to remain at home quiet for a year or more. At all events I never expect to come abroad again---Love to all

Yours affectionately

W. T. Sherman
[WTS]

Paris,
July 16, 1872
[1872/07/16]

Dearest Ellen --
[EES]

The missing package of letters came yesterday, having been following by Switzerland, and I received the photographs, and the letters about my money balance, the use of the 4000 of my St. Louis money etc all of which is right, only I think you will find in that enclosure I left with you my money accounts (Pay Rent etc) for July -- but if not so much the better as I will have 2 months pay on arrival -- indeed 3 months embracing September, and I will then make a general clearing up and settlement. I dont want to accumulate money, if you dont, -- but a time is bound to come when we will have to scratch for a living and then we may regret any waste.

I have given Mrs Pinchot all the memoranda about the braids of hair for yourself, Minnie, Lizzie and Mary McCoy -- and she will get all -- indeed has already bought all but Mary McCoys -- some of the gloves for the girls -- and Col Tourtellotte. I have segregated all parts of your letters on this subject, and Mrs Pinchot will get everything of the best quality and I will bring them home.

As to yours and Minnies coming over to Europe, most undoubtedly I dont object if the occasion be opportune, and the funds sufficient. I advise you and Minnie both not to depend on others, that is not to travel anywhere as an appendage to some others dependant on them. Such an arrangement is generally apt to result in a breach. I know that our Consul Ryan, who is a warm friend of mine, and whose wife is a good kind woman, is coming over to the U.S. this fall and will return to Zurich, a most quiet, agreeable old Swiss town -- easy of access -- and a central point. If Minnie wants to spend the winter there, I can easily arrange all the details. -- Same of you but you are not in as much haste, and the details are easily made. There are so many facilities of travel that it is simply a question of dollars and cents. Thus you hardly miss Tom before you know he is with me in Paris.

It is out of the question for you or any of the girls to travel with me -- you cant keep up -- and do what we may. I am forced into company that is not agreeable to you and vice versa. We have had our breakfast, and in a few minutes will start on a tour of about six hours, through the city, stopping at points of interest. I already feel pretty familiar with the streets and tomorrow by the aid of a Captain of Artillery placed at my disposal, I will begin the rounds of the Forts. Next day we dine with the Healy's out at a suberb called Auteuil, and next day we go south about 80 miles to Donzy to pay a promised visit to Anne D'Anchal. I will take Tom along -- and dispatch him to Geneva and back. By spending his days at Geneva he will see a sample of Swiss Lakes and scenery, which will remain in his memory -- till he can revisit Europe on his own terms. We aim to get through with France, by the end of July -- and then to London. The greatest advantage I expect from my tour of Europe will be that in after years I can understand current events, and also comprehend perfectly what I read of the past history.

Almost every hour and minute of my time is engaged ahead, and I have to steal time to write letters, but I will seize a few minutes occasionally to write to Elly, Rachel, and all of you -- but now that Tom is here he can divide with me. I hope you find Islip all you expected, and that it will prove good for Minnie. She wrote me by Tom, who is some two weeks ahead of my letters. He is perfectly well and seems to have passed the sea, comfortably, and to have observed quite as much as I supposed. He thinks we will not find London as fine and finished a place as Paris, but I dont pretend to like or dislike places, only to see them as they are. Each people has its customs, habits and manners varying according to climate and past history.

My love to all and believe me Truly yours,

W. T. Sherman
[WTS]

Paris,
July 24, 1872
[1872/07/24]

Dearest Ellen
[EES]

I wrote a hasty letter to Rachel last night, and today have been out in the hot sun, till about 4, pm -- when I came up to our quarters which are in a fine high superb as it were, but really the best quarters of Paris, at the end of the Champs Elysees. Here I have succeeded in getting some better photographs and have been sending them back on my route to persons who asked for them, and have half an hour yet till dinner time.. After dinner nothing is or can be done in Paris. From time to time I have given to Mrs. Pinchot extracts of your letters giving directions for the purchase if things for you, the girls and Mary McCoy, all of which are bought, paid for, and now the packing. I will bring them all with me, and trust to their getting past the Custom House, free though I have some things for Mary McCoy, and Ellen Lynch, that honestly I cannot call my own property, or for my own family. I think Mrs Pinchot has everything -- hair, dress for Lizzie etc etc, and I told her to buy any little things to fill up the chinks, that she knew would be useful or serviceable to our children. -- We went down to make Ann D'Anchal a good visit. Tom went along, staid a full day and more, and took the train for Geneva. I gave him a letter of instructions and some letters to people in Geneva -- in my letter I told him to telegraph me today, and since I have been writing I have a dispatch from him that he would arrive here tomorrow at 7 am--- He arrived here on Sunday, and had till Friday to see Paris. -- He has now made a most interesting trip to Switzerland alone, and will have three more full days here, for I do not intend to leave here till Monday next, so that he will have had quite a good chance to see France, even better than I promised. He is perfectly self possessed, and I believe he could alone travel all over Europe. --

When you first wrote of coming to Europe -- viz Ireland and the Holy Land, I thought it a joke, but Tom thinks you really think of it seriously -- in the interest of Elly and Rachel -- the only real advantage to them would be language -- but if you want to come I assure you that I will not oppose but do everything to make the trip agreeable. Everybody would be kind to you, and friends would arise of whom you have no conception. Many Americans are abroad for that very purpose. I found in Dresden Mrs Wallace, (husband killed at Shiloh) and a Mrs Keyler [?] of St. Louis and 3 daughters. Munich too is a favorite place where Nellie Blow Smirnhoff [?] -- also Frankfort -- but I would prefer Switzerland -- Zurich, Berne or Geneva. The people of Switzerland are a good kind virtuous people -- cleanly and industrious -- The Germans are headstrong, and most positive, but I doubt if you could stand them in the aggregate -- . The French make themselves most acceptable by politeness, and by affecting virtues they do not possess. Their servants are the best behaved and trained in the world, and all parts of the social machine move along without noise or friction, but with night like moths come out the women and men, on love and mischief intent, so that Paris is one great carousel. I do not see how American ladies can walk the Boulevard -- indeed I believe they do not -- but in riding they see all the affrontry of women and men. These houses [?] are parted off by the Police carefully -- so that certain gardens and Theatres are known to be for the one class and the others for the rest. I am certain the conveniences, comforts of living, the ease and luxuriousness of every day life has sapped the physical strength of the French people and this is the cause of the recent defeat by the Germans. Their moral sense has also been shaken and though they talk of the day of revenge, one is more disposed to laugh than to tremble. I do not think you would like France, though the comforts, and ease of living, the polite submission of the servants, male and female, the skill of the cooks etc would soon banish the moral and religious scruples, -- for in this respect the French, adhere to their forms of religion, long after the substance has vanished. Switzerland is your country, and the Cantons are divided into Catholic and Protestant, each zealous, faithful and really charitable to each other.

I was interrupted in this letter and am writing Thursday Morning July 25. Tommy has just come from Geneva, where he had a good time and I will leave him to do his own writing. I gave him the letter of the 7th, which I had read. Of course I am alarmed about Minnie, but am helpless. All I advise is not to be cast down, all we can do is to take the best care we can of her, and trust to natural laws. I have little faith in medicine, and all physicians have pretty much the same book knowledge. They vary very much in manner and practice, but on the whole they can do but precious little -- If Minnie studies her own symptoms, and bears up well she will weather it -- If not she may droop and be an invalid her whole life. Sorry that Lizzie also is getting old and the Rheumatism Mrs Pinchot thinks the sight of her new pink silk dress will cure her quickly -- I must now close --

Yrs Ever

Sherman
[WTS]

Paris, France.
July 26, 1872
[1872/07/26]

Dearest Ellen,
[EES]

I have just come in from Mr. Washburn who gave a breakfast party to me and Mr. Stanley, the newspaper man who has gained quite a notoriety by penetrating Africa about a thousand miles, finding the Explorer, Dr. Livingstone who has been lost so many years. I find Stanley to be one of those newspaper men, who were with us on the Indian Commission at Fort La[?]ramie some five years ago, and his experience then gave him the boldness and skill that enabled him to find his way among savage tribes of Africans, till he reached his destination. His narrative was very interesting, and though some doubts have been cast on his truth and fidelity, I think there remains now no doubt, as he has numerous letters from the Doctor himself, some of which he has destroyed, and others he retains till the Herald in New York has the benefit of his enterpise--- Tommy went out this morning with two of his steamer friends, a Mr. and Miss W[?]ardlaw of Georgia, to see the Jardin des plantes, and the Rui de Boulogne. After he returns he and I will pay a final visit to the Healys who are living in a suburb, the Park of Montmorency. Tomorrow we will go to Saint Germain, and this will about complete our list, for the next day we go to England. I think Tommy has already seen as much of Paris and France, as most travellers with a month of leisure, for I have had access to places and things not seen by many. He seems to enjoy it very much, and would be willing even to embark in dinner parties, but I think it best for him not to associate too much with older people. I have endeavored to avoid them, but there are so many Americans here that it is impossible to escape. I have one more tomorrow and then Paris is done.

Yesterday I got your dispatch not to call on the Archbishop of London: whether in anger or kindly the telegraph gives no clue. I can hardly expect you to feel as I do, about these things, and deeply regret that you always set your heart on things that do not chime in with my preferences, or prejudices. I wish you would tax me in some other way. Last winter at Nice, the Monsignor Cappel of Lothar's fame called on me, but I was out, on his card he gave his address and I wrote him a note of regret that I had missed his visit, but on reaching England I would return his call. This I shall do, and shall try and convey to the Arch Bishop Manning your greatest respect for him, and the Catholic Clergy of England. If the Arch Bishop will call, or send his, or do anything that will justify the Stranger for making the first advances I will go and see him; but if he do not, it will be wrongly construed by him, or rather by those carps, that seize every bait that offers to a greedy public.

All through Europe at this time there underlies a current of dangerous feeling: on religious questions. The day of fighting again the Wars of the League and the Covenant I think have passed -- but controversies assume a legal shape. The condition of the Pope in Rome, or rather the legal status of the people who compose his household is one serious Cause. The recent vote of the German Parliament to banish the Jesuits from their Empire, and the movement of the English Politicians calling on their Executive to prevent these expelled Priests from taking refuge in England are reviving angry discussions, and lastly the public announcement in the English Parliament that the Government will proceed to execute the local law, against the Bishops and Priests in Ireland, who were charged by Judge Keogh with interference and unlawful influence in political Elections has begun an excitement which may have a bloody end. I am by my office and position thrown with the men who discuss these things, not for any special interest in the results, but as straws which show which way the wind blows, and what part of each should take to ride the storm to a safe port. I avoid all such discussions as much as I can, as I do the earnest discussions even here, as to Grant and Greely,--- because as an officer of the Army, my duty is clear, vis let the result be what it may. I must with arms necessary support the successful lawful candidate, whether I like him or not, just as I must enforce any law, whether it be pleasing or otherwise. On this religious controversy in Europe, we have no connection at present, and I think on the whole it will ensure to our advantage, for the state has no connection with any sect, whereas almost universally in Europe each Government partakes of the nature of one or other of the Religious sects, and supports the one at the expense of the other.

I think the German Government has made a mistake in banishing any sect by a general sweeping decree. Even if the Jesuits as they assert own a Superior Allegiance to another power, remote or hostile, Still each man accused should have a trial. This is to us guaranteed by the Constitution, and no man can be punished excepting after a trial, in open day, and with the assistance of Counsel -- whereas I understand that the German decree will be enforced against all of the Jesuits, by simply notifying them they must leave the Empire. I dont know many [sic] land to which they can go but to America, and now it is contended no state has a right to banish a class to another country without its consent, so that the Germans may find themselves involved in a quarrel that will be serious, for public opinion would not support Bismark, should he imprison, or banish the Jesuits to a penal Colony.

In England the question is very different. There there is a Law, like in our Southern States, making a penalty to any one, who attempts to influence a voter, to prefer one candidate to another, on the Supposition that each qualified voter knows his man. Now if a Bishop or Priest who has wonderful influence over his flock, uses that influence in a political election he becomes liable just as if he had a malicious purpose, but in each case there must be a Jury trial, and nobody supposes an Irish Jury will impose much of a fine, or imprisonment on a priest who has used his priestly influences in an Election when the Church is supposed to have an immediate interest, yet the discussions attending these trials are going to arouse the same old controversy, and it may be bloodshed -- Yet I hope the public trials will result in the Establishment there and gradually all over the world that Churches, Priests and Preachers should confine themselves to their own special sphere and leave Politics alone. I think the feeling elicited by these cases now agitating Europe, exceeds anything we ever have at home and I want to escape it. And this is partially the reason why I did not want to call on Archbishop Manning, without his making the first call as is invariable among Gentlemen -- not holding special offices like Kings and Cabinets. Still notwithstanding your dispatch, should the Arch Bishop give me a decent excuse I will see him -- If not, then I cannot -- I may send Tom to see him for your sake, and his own.

Mrs. Pinchot and family left yesterday for Dina[?]nd on the Coast of Britanny for the summer, and we broke up our house at No 6. Rue de Pr[?]esbourg. Tom Audenried and I came back to the Grand Hotel, which is a vast establishment, in the very heart of Paris -- as large as the old Linden Hotel, only triangular -- with high stairways, and elevators. We have our rooms on what they call here the 2nd Etage -- a third story: that is we ascend two flights of stairs. We eat in a Restaurant attached to the Hotel because we are scarcely here for any meal but breakfast, and with the exception of the heat which nearly equals that of Washington we have every comfort.

Mrs. Pinchot concluded her purchases for me before leaving, and I have a list of the articles and their cost. They embrace everything mentioned in yours or the girls letters -- embracing hair for you, Minnie, Lizzie and Mary McCoy -- a nice dress for Lizzie made up and the silk for one for Mary McCoy, also any quantity of gloves, collars, bows -- etc, etc. I gave Mrs. P. 3000 Francs, and she put in all the spare change in such little things as she knew would be useful. I have bought a few books and pictures and will complete the balance in London, and Tom has bought a couple of nice presents for Elly and Rachel. I have endeavored to be economical, yet I think you will be satisfied with the tokens we bring -- I have from Rome two of the Cameos, but the third and best designed for you is not yet come, though the Maker Tignani promises it to Healy at the end month, and Healy can send it to me at London, or Liverpool, before I sail.

I have seen General* and Mrs. Graham -- and they spoke Minnie coming to them next winter at Rome. There is not the least trouble in her coming, nor in your coming with her -- or with Elly and Rachel, and if you allow me to advise I can put either or all in the way that seems best to me, but if you know better, so be it, take your own way. I will come home with the intention to stay quite a long time, unless Greely be elected when we will have a prompt hint, that the war is over, that the pen is the mighty instrument and that we can take up our packs and walk, as Uncle Sam has no need of Professional Soldiers. -- I think notwithstanding that even Gen. Grant must now be convinced that we of the old Army, had better stick to the Profession, however belied, than to venture to cope in Politics with those who are trained to it.

It is now full time for Tom to come, and my two sheets are full, and though they were better blank, still I must send them even without revisal for what they are worth.

Love to all

Yours truly,

W.T. Sherman
[WTS]