Sherman Letters

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CSHR 9/41

St. Mary's Academy
January 3, 1865
[1865/01/03]

[WTS]

A Mr. Morehouse has just called to say that he is going to direct to Head Quarters and very kindly offers to take a letter for me. I have but a few moments to write but I will avail myself of the opportunity to Say that I have already written to you three times since I recd your dispatch. I have also written twice to Charley. I want you to Send to me a letter of recommendation of Charley when I can get him a Brig'd. Commission at the time of Tom Ewing's resignation this winter. I do not intend to take no for an answer but feel that you owe it to him as otherwise his relationship would be a disadvantage to him. He is better than Jno. A. Logan & see what position he holds -

The children are all well. Tommy commences school today

As ever -

Ellen
[EES]

South Bend, Indiana.,
January 4, 1865
[1865/01/04]

Dearest Cump;
[WTS]

I have written you half a dozen letters none of which may reach you because I knew not exactly how to address them. I have also written to Charley, which please say to him should he not receive my letters. I feel distressed to find from Minnie's letter just received that on Christmas day you had not heard of the darling baby's death although his precious little body had then been in its cold dark grave between two & three weeks. I had some hopes, when I left home that the journey, or rather the change of air would be beneficial to him. Beautiful bright eyed little dove - he has left a bleak cold world at best, for the warm atmosphere of a Creators love. Would that our journey over we could be sure of joining him and Willy in their home of endless joy. To join them Cump you must beleive in the Saviour that redeemed them. Why set up truth and honor & principle as Gods and worship them, rather than the living God and our Saviour Christ from whom all good emanates? The faith that comforts us and sanctified our little ones in death could do you no harm, they why not ask God for it? You sacrifice so much for the good of your fellow men on earth, why then not sacrifice something to gain the haven of rest where our darling ones await us. If you ask faith of God He will give it to you. It would kill me to See you die without faith and prayer. Save me that sorrow in this world and in the next.

After Spending ten or eleven days at the Academy I came home yesterday bringing Minnie & Lizzie for a visit of a day. Elly was so charmed with her visit she refused to come and I therefore left her. The plays & sports delighted her particularly as there are so many small girls there. I left Tommy at the College. He was not at all distressed but bid me good bye with a brave heart and says he will study hard and endeavour to become what you wish him to be. I am anxious that he should be a missionary Priest and join the Paulist Fathers. Of course he will decide for himself but I hope he may be called to that glorious life. You are so crowned with earthly fame and honor and glory now it is not necessary for me to Say anything on the subject of your acheivements. What astonishes and charms the world at large does not surprise me for I knew when you were denounced that you were more capable of accomplishing great things for the country than any man they had. Thence my contempt for McClellan who was not capable of appreciating altho' he had the opportunity of knowing you He stands an example of retributive justice to the gaze of the world. Goodness like yours God rewards in this world sooner or later would that you would perfect the character by offering all to His honor when your reward will be everlasting in the kingdom of heaven. I am happy to know that we are soon to have a house presented to us. Philemon writes me that "the Sherman testimonial will be a grand success as it should be." Mr. Martin wrote to me requesting my preference (in confidence) for a farm in Fairfield Co. or a house in Cin: I explained to him that a residence in Cin: would be much more convenient to us with our family of daughters. But one son now - and I always feel that we will not keep him long. I have always prayed that God would take them in innocence rather than suffer them ever to forget or deny Him thro' the temptations of the world. And much as I grieve tho' my lonely long nights and surely as my heart bleeds at the thought of their suffering I would gladly suffer the loss of all myself offer them a sacrifice - innocent & pure to God to obtain for you the divine gift of faith. But for you I grieve when I think of your bright boys taken away. Yet they were taken in mercy & in love to a Father whose love surpasses ours infinitely In haste for this days mail ever dearest Cump your truly affectionate

Ellen
[EES]

South Bend, Indiana.,
January 8, 1865
[1865/01/08]

[WTS]

Before this, dearest Cump, I trust you have recd letters from me as also from the children. I did not write to you as soon as the rest because I was awaiting some communication from you directing me how to address my letters. Daily I looked for a dispatch from you but I recd none until long after you were in communication with the Authorities. Nor did you seem to avail yourself of the first opportunity to write to me. To=day I recd your second letter dated Dec 31st. At least it is only the second I have got although you speak of two you have written before & directed to Lancaster. Minnie received the one you wrote to her on Christmas day. Both Minnie & Lizzie have written to you often. I have given you informer letters the particulars of the dear baby's death. His sufferings were so protracted that I rejoiced to See his soul set free and mount to realms of bliss. Such lovely eyes - so bright, so intelligent, and so loving in expression - I have never beheld in mortal. None of my babies were as tender and as fond of me as he was; and it seemed to me I never loved one so fondly. He constantly testified his preference for me, and nestled so sweetly when I nursed him. Darling suffering little saint! If I succeed in working out my salvation how happily will eternity dawn upon me that restores him to my arms. Willy is your fervent intercessor with our Saviour I feel that Charley is mine. To see them suffer and die was my great sorrow - to know that they secure from all danger and in perfect happiness is my great consolation. I shall never be content or happy until you, like them, are a christian and thus may hope to be sanctified in death like them & with them rise in glory with the souls all the Redeemed the followers of the lowly Jesus. Our little darling's grave is ornamented now with shells but when Spring comes I will have bright flowers planted there. Only five weeks today since he left his pale cold little body in my arms - Since his heavenly eyes sent their last beams through my sorrow stricken soul. May God forgive me if it be a sin, but I cannot bear to think of having any more children if I am deprived the consolation of nursing them myself. - Tommy has an attack of ulcerated sore throat to which he has been subject at times ever since his infancy. The presentiment I feel, that Tommy will not live to be older than Willy, is so strong that I cannot reason it away but I do not indulge him on account of it. He was at the College two days & I had to bring him in on account of his sickness. I will take him back as soon as it is well. The girls are all well. I hope you will be able to See them soon. Mr. Stanton has been exceedingly polite and kind in twice telegraphing to me that arrangements can be made at the Dept. at any time to Send me down to See you &c. &c. I know you do not want me to come. Father wants you to come to Washington for awhile. I am happy to See dear Charley's name as "Bearer of Dispatches." I thank you dearest Cump for sending him. All the family are anxiously expecting you to Send for Hugh.

Ever your truly affectionate

Ellen.
[EES]

January 8, 1865
[1865/01/08]

[WTS]

I had finished my letter but as the mail does not leave until evening I kept it open. This morning - the 9th - I had the happiness to receive yours to me of Christmas day. Your time must be so fully occupied that I fear to write you long letters. I am sorry you directed to me at Lancaster. You might have known I would be here when I had your consent to come. If I have had sorrow to bear since here, I have been blessed with peace of mind which I will never again - (so help me God) I will never again sacrifice by living in a mixed undefined way with other families. My great error in life has been in sacrificing too much for Father's gratification when after all he wd have been as happy, & those to whom I owed even a greater duty, would have been happier far, had I been what then seemed to me more selfish. As I trust my motive was ever good and unselfish I pray it may not be recorded against me but that you & the little ones who have gone from us may know it was an error of judgement & not of heart. Whether they give us a house in Cincinnati or not, I shall keep the old Sherman house for myself and children whenever we may be obliged to be in Lancaster. I will fit it up with what furniture I have and live there camp fashion. Direct my letters to South Bend Ind and not to Notre Dame. When directed to Notre Dame they go to the College. Father Sorin gave me the one I got yesterday. The ladies of Chicago sent me the splendid Afghan. I get compliments enough on your account. I send a New Years address which John Garaghty wrote & which the Carrier sent to me marked as you see it. I hope you will have a little more suavity of manner hereafter & be polite and kind in your manner to all who pay you compliments. You have no idea of the pleasure you can afford in this way. And in a world so full of cares & sorrows who would fail to give what pleasure he can. I know you would not if you reflect. I have written you very often. There seems to be a fatality about my letters and, like John Sherman with his, I beleive they are tampered with. I receive abusive anonymous letters which proves that malice is active enough for enterprise. Beleive me ever dearest your truly affectionate

Ellen.
[EES]

South Bend, Indiana.,
January 10, 1865
[1865/01/10]

Dearest Cump;
[WTS]

I write on paper I got of Mr. Maher at the Office at the College. It is better paper and much cheaper than I can get in town. Do not direct my letters to Notre Dame but to South Bend. I love to go to College and to the Office to Mr Maher for Willy used to speak of him so often - Those College bells seem to me to be his voice calling to me from heaven. Now that the baby lives there the place seems holy indeed to me and I can scarcely keep away from it.

They are all exceedingly kind to me. I go out there to Church every Sunday when the Sisters who cook see that I get the best kind of a dinner. By Priest Professors Sisters Brothers and Pupils our beloved Willy is spoken of in terms that shew that his worth impressed itself upon all who knew him. I cannot get over the cruel shock of his death and today the wound seems as tender at my heart as when it was first inflicted. God took him in loving tenderness I know but we were chastised in the act. Did I tell you that I have had an excellent likeness in oil taken of him by Beard? It is in Father's parlour. It is a comfort to me rather than a sorrow that my little darling has joined him in heaven. I feel very much distressed that you express so much concern at not hearing from me. I think my first letters could not have reached you. But you should remember that I did not know where you intended to emerge into daylight & your very last orders to me were to write no more until I heard from you. You did not either telegraph or write to me as soon, as you could for Capt. Gray came up Bearer of Dispatches & I got neither telegram or letter. I have been very happy to receive three letters this week but I would feel more completely satisfied about them if you had got any of my letters. In a letter recd this morning was enclosed a draft for $800 which I am glad to get as I am out of money. I hope Gov't. will raise the Salary of Officers as no man can support a family & keep up the dignity of Office on the present pay at the present prices. Minnie's gloves cost $3. a pr - her shoes between $4 & $5 & a good dress for her costs thirty dollars. I have let her go rather shabby. A gentleman in Cincinnati presented me with a box of shoes - a pair all around which saved twenty dollars. But you know what I save in one way I spend in another & so the twenty dollars went at last. I have had innumerable kind letters all highly complimentary of you. I will be very glad if they give us a house in Cincinnati & will go live in it at once. They are to have a meeting in Columbus on the 11th - so I observed from the paper. Your Lancaster friends - Messr. Hunter Martin Daugherty Brasee Talmadge and many others are deeply interested, Messr Hunter Brasee & Talmadge are the Committee - Tommy has sore throat but will get to College in two or three days the Doctor said this morning. Rachel suffers a little from Asthma but she continues fat and lively. She and Elly sing a great many little songs they learned at the Academy when visiting there - some to the Infant Jesus. Rachel began to fret in my room this morning and said she "wanted Charley so bad." Darling little Saint! he was near her in the room he sanctified by his death but she knew it not. It seems to me I have him in my arms still, sweet nestling little dove!

Lizzie is not much deaf this winter, and both she and Minnie seem heartier than they were last winter. Do, dear Cump, write for Boyle to come to you. He is very anxious to get into the field again. I am so much obliged to you for sending Charley on. Father was very anxious to have him come on. I cannot tell you in a letter the half my hopes and fears for you - You know that I live for you and the children but I cannot trust my heart to thinking too much of you for I must be reconciled to your absence - as long as it may last - I hope there will not been another long interval of silence when your army moves. Ever your truly affectionate,

Ellen.
[EES]

South Bend, Indiana.,
January 18, 1865
[1865/01/18]

[WTS]

I have not written to you for nearly a week, dearest Cump, nor have I heard from you for more than that length of time. For several days past I have been exceedingly unwell. The children are all in fine health. Tommy has gone to the College again and commenced his studies in earnest. Mrs. Williams was in from there today and says he is getting along well. As soon as we have dined I intend to ride out and see him as this is their recreation day. Until this moment I thought it no use to send letters to you now but I have just seen in the papers a notice that your Staff leave Louisville tomorrow to join you via Savannah. I have not had a letter from you since you heard from me. I wrote you very often but I fear my letters did not reach you. I was much disappointed that Charley could not come to See us. I hope he has joined you in safety again. He telegraphed me that he had written to me but I have not received his letter. I hope Hugh has received orders to join you & that he is of the party who leave Louisville today for Savannah.

Mr. Hunter Mr. Talmadge & Mr. Brasee are the Committee who first put the idea in motion of presenting you a homestead &c I have not yet heard the result of the meeting which was held in Columbus on the 11th inst. May God continue his mercy to you - ever your truly affectionate

Ellen
[EES]

South Bend, Indiana.,
February 6, 1865
[1865/02/06]

Dearest Cump;
[WTS]

All your letters of 21st and 22nd ult. to me and the children have at last been received. We are beginning to have reports of you through Southern papers & all parties north and south think you must make Charleston or Augusta your objective point. Now they seem to think Augusta the place and it is said that Beauregard is in command of forces there to meet you. It is also said that Lee will meet you in person. On the other hand peace rumors gain ground every day and since Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Seward went to meet peace Commissioners the hope of peace is almost general. I do not hope for or desire any peace that will leave it possible for Jeff Davis or any of his partners in guilt ever to have a seat in Congress. If they will let you alone you will soon conquer a peace & they will be glad to escape to Mexico where so many of their northern sympathisers are going. I have heard that Wm. Marshall Anderson is preparing to emigrate with his family to Mexico and it is said the many rebels of St. Louis have gone there. I scarcely know how to Send this letter. You have no doubt heard all the particulars of the proposed testimonial. Gov. Brough presided at the first regular meeting in Columbus at which Chas. Anderson made a great speech - one that delighted your Lancaster friends. Mr. Hunter was sick and could not attend but Mr. Martin went in his place and labored most assiduously. He manifests as much pride in the matter as if it were an honor to him or his own brother. I do not think they will leave it to me to decide what shall be done with the money. They will keep it until it can be presented to you personally. You will probably be able to come home before long to decide what to do with it as you would not keep it all in Govt. Bonds. They are so liable to be stolen. I intend to exchange my Govt. Bonds for Bank Stock $3.000 - The Bank Stock yields ten per cent. Mr. Stanbery is President of the Committee in Hamilton Co. for getting forward the testimonial Theodore Talmadge and Wm. Desher in Columbus. Wm D. published a little notice of an old widow Lady who when handing in her contribution of $25 said she ought to take an interest in this as she was present at the birth of "Tecumseh Sherman" and put his first clothes on him. That was Mrs. King I presume. By the bye the old lady is delighted at the kindness you have shewn her grandson William. I have long neglected to warn you as I promised of the Son of ------ who is or has been around your Head Quarters. He is a notorious thief, and a contemptible, mean scamp - he will steal your clothes your liquor cigars and money and your horses too if he can. This I have been requested to Say to you on the authority of his Grand father and others who know him - so much for that individual, and with him, I hope ends all discussion or recommendation or disparagement or requests of or for any one, from the next in command to yourself, to your latest attached contraband. What a pity it is Giles Smith has taught so many subordinate officers to gamble & then pocketed their money. He must have set out with Gen. Wool for a model. Corse is far from being a model but as he does not draw others into his snares he is not so bad as Smith. The photographs you have sent me from Savannah are miserable. Minnie would not have hers but destroyed it immediately. I have Lizzie in town now for a few days she is so deaf she cannot attend class. I hope she will get over it as it has just come on. Minnie has had diptheria and for two days I will truly distressed and anxious about her but now she is entirely well. Tommy is in today and is writing you a letter. Elly is anxious to take dancing lessons with the girls at the Academy All send fond love to you and are very anxious to See you. Mrs. Gen. Weoster and her family are in town & will probably remain here for some time. Ever dearest Cump your truly affectionate

Ellen
[EES]

South Bend, Indiana.,
February 15, 1865
[1865/02/15]

Dearest Cump:
[WTS]

We are beginning to get news of you from the Rebel papers, which is so far very cheering. They admit that you have taken Branckville and cut the railroads. It seems that Hood's Army was sent east but did not get there in time to join Hardee against you. I trust in the goodness and mercy of God who has thus far preserved your life and made you the glorious instrument of incalculable good to our country. I do hope it will not be long before we have news from you direct. I have written to you twice and once to Charley enclosing letters to Mr. Stanton. Since receiving yours of 28th ult I know how to address my letters myself and will write more frequently. Minnie Lizzie & Tommy have received your letters and the fifty dollar bill enclosed to Minnie. I have received all the money you have sent me, from Atlanta before starting and from Savannah on your arrival there. From the Lancaster paper I see that you have made the Carrier Boy a present and I am glad of it. They published your letter of course. This being recreation day at the College Tommy is spending the day with me. He was with me. He was charmed with your your letter which he read in the Gazette and with the idea that you were once a Lancaster boy. He also read with great pleasure a poem set to the air "Benny Haven O" called "General Sherman O" by Capt Burt 70 Ohio. Tommy is feeling the greatest interest in his studies and is at this moment reading in the other room in a regular school boy tone which can be heard a square of off. Elly and Rachel are as well as usual and quite as fat and as busy & full of mischief. Elly is not by any means as amiable as Rachel; and so often gives trouble through the day but at night she is very penitent and prays most devoutly. Rachel is a dear little creature and resembles Willy so much that I sometimes feel sick at heart when I look at her & realise the fact anew that we will see Willy's sweet gentle manly face no more until the great resurrection day. I have a beautiful ambrotype of our darling baby to shew you but it is too precious to send by mail or express. May God hear their pure prayers in our behalf! Lizzie has been so exceedingly deaf for two weeks that I have kept her with me. I think she is beginning to improve a little now and as soon as she is better she shall resume her studies. Her health otherwise is very good and she is growing strong. Minnie I think is no taller than when you saw her more than a year ago. I am going to Chicago next Monday evening. I have had repeated invitations from several families there to visit them but I will stop at the Hotel, as I am going with something of a party for only two days. Indeed, to tell the whole truth, I am going as the guest of the Lady Managers of the Great North Western Sanitary Fair. It is to take place the last of May is to be the greatest thing of the kind ever held in the west. I have been invited by the ladies first and then by Bishop Duggan (a most enthusiastic Republican) to preside at the Catholic Table. Each congregation is to be represented. They have ten thousand dollars to begin upon & expect to realise half a million. From the class of ladies engaged & from the class who have engaged in those Fairs elsewhere I feel that it will be safe and proper for me to accept, as they pledge themselves that no labor or expense shall be devolved upon me. They have sent me free tickets to & from Chicago & will entertain me themselves. So if you can send anything that will be either a curiosity or of value pray do so. Do not write to me to keep out of it for before this reaches you I will be fully committed All the first people of the North West are more or less interested in it. I hear that your last old hat has been sent to Boston perhaps you will have another by that time. But seriously I wish you could send something, or better still bring something. Tell dear Charley I recd the pictures he sent me. No news from home. Mrs. Mrs Ellen Talmadge died recently - Theodore had been remarkably active in the Sherman testimonial affair. All send best love to dear Papa & Uncle Charley. Did you get Tommy;'s letter? The girls write often. Beleive me ever your truly affectionate

Ellen.
[EES]

South Bend, Indiana.,
March 1, 1865
[1865/03/01]

Dear Papa
[WTS]

I received your letter and was very glad to hear from you Minnie and Tommy got your letters. There is still snow on the ground Papa I am reading Madame La Verts Sovenirs of Travels I have not read very far though Mama and Ellie and Rachel have gone out to the Academy Mother Angala has just come back from new York and she was at Washington and saw Grand Pa and they have gone out to see her. Papa did Mama send you My Bulletin Tomorrow is Recreation day and Mama is going to bring Minnie in to stay all night I was glad to hear that you are gaining so many Victories. if you keep on I should think the war would soon end. Ellie and Rachel are growing very fast. Rachel is as big as Ellie. Rachel says aint I a muggens Mama is going back to Lancaster soon. Ellie and Rachel have new dresses on today and Rachel said wont Mother Angala say I look sweet. Mama started out to the Academy but the horses cutup so she had to get another team. all send love to you and Uncle Charly and Ellie and Rachel send kisses give My love to Uncle Charly from your affectionate Daughter

Lizzie
[]

March 3rd.
[1800/03/03]

[WTS]

Lizzie, you perceive is still with me dearest Cump, as I have been obliged to keep her since she became too deaf to attend the classes. Now she is improving but she is still so very unwilling to return that I scarcely know what to do with her. Owing to her peculiarly nervous disposition I fear to force her into a position where she may be unhappy. Minnie has just spent two days with me having Spring dresses fit and her picture taken. She is perfectly well and very well contented at the school. Tommy grows more intensely school boy every week & I have to listen to harangues and accounts of plays and adventures during all the time I remain there. He has not been in for some time but I have promised to bring him in on Wednesday to be measured for a new suit which he will soon need again. Rachel is just so sweet and attractive and takes just such a hold of your heart as proves that She will join Willy and Charley in their abode of bliss & live forever in the sunshine of God's love, Elly is a little woman of the world already, plays the guitar (thinks she does) and sings and dresses and talks politics and puts on airs innumerable. A lady asked to See her but she declined going down stairs as she said the lady was secesh - which was really the case. I had a letter from Tom on Wednesday. He has resigned. Hugh is ordered to Genl Schofield I beleive. Father is going home soon. I am also going down for a few weeks to see to the flowers &c on Willy's grave and to See about the monument. What desolation sinks deep into the heart when we think that he lies there! Earth's pleasures are worth nothing to me now - Ever yours faithfully

Ellen.
[EES]

South Bend, Indiana.,
March 7, 1865
[1865/03/07]

[WTS]

From the window where I am sitting, dearest Cump, I can see the College and the Church. March 8th. Inst this one sentence I wrote yesterday when the Doctor called to See Rachel who is suffering from quite a severe attack of asthma accompanied by fever. I think she is rather better this morning although it is still hard breathing. After the Doctor's visit I rode to the College and spent the afternoon between that place and the Academy. As this is recreation day at the College I brought Tommy in with me to Spend the day leaving there after his studies closed in the afternoon and being pledged to take him back before the study hour this evening. He has been ding donging his story books into my ears every since he came in, reading at the top of his voice and flattering himself all the time that the events narrated are of great interest to me. He had just come from the Bath House yesterday, when I got there where he said he thought he should learn to swim the water was so deep in the large tubs. Lizzie is to return in a week her hearing having improved sufficiently. I may be a little delayed in my preparations to return home, by a short visit to Chicago which I have promised to make to meet the ladies interested in the anticipated Grand Fair. I have a ticket for self & party for the cars & am to be entertained at the "Sherman House" as the guest of the ladies and I am determined to remain only two days. Still I cannot get ready for Lancaster before I return from that place & that visit which I really dread, so long & so thoroughly have I been secluded. The old Sherman house in Lancaster will be ready for me when I get there, that is such furniture as I have will be moved in & the Edward's moved out &c. I do not expect to remain very long at any one time in L. but I must keep some place of my own to inhabit whenever Father's health or my own inclination calls me there. I have had frequent letters from E. Reese & recd one this morning in which she tells me that she is suffering severely from asthma. I have felt serious apprehensions lest you may be visited by the terrible malady as you advance farther North.

The Sisters at the convent are holding a chapter and reelecting & reappointing to offices &c. &c. I have not yet heard the result but I think M. Angela will not be elected Mother but I hope she will be retained at this house in some capacity. They have however so many branch establishments that I somewhat fear she may be sent away from here entirely for awhile. You doubtless have so much labor & fatigue and so little time for letter writing that short letters must please you best. I wrote to Charley day before yesterday his birth day and hope he will receive the letter. Father writes me that he will go home about the 12th or 15th inst. Tom has resigned & is with him. Hugh has been ordered to Gen'l. Schofield to command a Division. All the children have written to you & my letters have been very frequent. Hoping & trusting in the Almighty arm & wisdom which up hold & direct the armies & the genius of Commanders I await in peace & patience the result of your present Campaign. I fear you think me inappreciative of your exploits & labors - judging me by yourself you cannot beleive me so - Did I never think you loved meexcept when you say so in direct or indirect terms I would have long since ceased to give you credit for any such feeling. I think I have the mind the heart the loyalty & the personal love which must insure to you, when you reflect, the strongest truest most genuine sympathy & full appreciation in all that is past, in progress, & to come. All the children send fond love to Papa and Uncle Charley both for of whom they pray daily & fervently. Ever your truly affectionate

Ellen
[EES]

South Bend, Indiana.,
April 1, 1865
[1865/04/01]

Dearest Cump;
[WTS]

Captain Collins who has been spending a short furlough here with his family, will leave on Monday for the front and will be the bearer of this to you. I expect to receive some pictures of myself and Tommy from Chicago & will send one of each by the Captain. If you do not happen to prize them give them to Charley. I was rejoiced to receive your dispatch and letter from the Steamer en route to City Point. I have ever felt that you must be preserved with Willy pleading for you before the throne of God in heaven. My first feeling, with each reassurance of your health and continued success, is one of deep and humble gratitude to the Great Creator and Lord "who holds the earth in the hollow of his hand" - who bestowed your genius upon you & preserves your life for His own great ends. I trust and beleive the rebellion cannot exist much longer. Then may we not hope for a few years of peace and happiness together. The children are all well and the little ones already keen to See Grand Pa and the old home again. Minnie does not grow any this year. I think she is no taller than when you seen her last. She looks very well and is in fine health. You must not set your heart on sending her to a fashionable school in New York. To the City of course she can go if you desire it but do not decide to take her to a purely fashionable school. With two children lying low in the cold earth. I could not see one educated even for a year to forget her immortal destiny or to lose the proper estimate of time & eternity - this worlds goods & those of heaven. Lizzie is growing nicely and is rather more stout than heretofore. She is entirely over her deafness and I this morning returned her to the Academy. Both Minnie and Lizzie have written to you and even Tommy has written. I fear my letters have not reached you. The most of them I have directed Care of Genl Gillmore Charleston. I fear Lizzie will get a little jealous of Minnie if you do not write to her. Minnie got your letter of 24th March, yesterday & Lizzie had been hoping for a letter from you. You forgot to put in the picture you said you would send. Your letter to me from Goldsboro I have recd since I got the one written on the Steamer. The papers state and I presume it is so that you had to put into harbour on your way down on account of the Storm. I noticed it was stormy the day after I got your dispatch and I feared you might have a rough sea. I have been very apprehensive lest you might have asthma as you get farther north. I hope you may be spared that, at least as long as you have to serve in the field. I feel very anxious to know how Hugh is situated. I hope you will not fail to tell me when you write. Father has been very ill again but when I heard last he was better & thought he would get home last week. I am so glad you feel willing to have me attend the fair as I proposed The invitation was urged in such a way that I could not refuse without a good reason, and I felt assured that you would not object under the circumstances.

I enclose the pictures. Please give one to Charley. I wish you would hand the accompanying circulars to Some of the Officers and ask them to send me on some trophies &c. &c. You must send me something. Capt. C. escorts us to Toledo & gets us off from there. Please shew some appreciation in some convenient way. Beleive me ever your truly affectionate,

Ellen
[EES]

South Bend, Indiana.,
April 2, 1865
[1865/04/02]

[WTS]

I have just closed a letter to Send by Capt Collins to you you, dearest Cump but think it proper to write also by mail lest something may prevent the Capt. seeing you. He has been sick with a bleeding of the lungs and may be again & not reach you at all. I do not remember whether I have told you how handsomely they entertained Tommy & me in Chicago. When I go up to the fair I think I shall divide my time between the houses of Mr. Medill of the Chicago Tribune, Mr. Hayes the Controller & Mayor Sherman who says he is related to you & whom I of course acknowledge as a relative. Col. Taylor was sick & his son was very low and about dying of consumption & I consequently did not see him. He wrote me a note & expecting that I would remain some time he though he would be able to call in a few days. The attentions they paid me were very delicately done and the whole affair passed off really well. Chicago is a prettier City than Cincinnati & the people seem very clever and very social & compare well with the best people anywhere. It is however capable of great improvement and judging from the enterprise of the people I imagine it will be well improved. I wish you would be here at the time of the fair. Perhaps you may be. People think the war is near its close now & I cannot but hope that it is so. I pray it may be. Love to Hugh & Charley & with love from the children beleive me ever most faithfully your ever affectionate.

Ellen
[EES]

[1800/00/00]

Dearest Cump;
[WTS]

Mr. Bradwell, who sends this letter through me, is one of the very first Citizens of Chicago

Please interest your Officers in this Ever yours.

Ellen
[EES]

Lancaster Ohio.,
April 10, 1865
[1865/04/10]

[WTS]

Minnie enclosed her letter to me to forward, but dearest Cump, affairs are hastening so rapidly to a close that I scarcely feel that you will receive anything I may happen to forward.

Today I recd yours of March 31st in which you state that you will move by April 10th the present time. from which I infer that you will have no more fighting to do as Lee surrendered today to Grant on his (Grants) own terms. I think the rebels ought "not to have been allowed their side arms or horses, but I suppose Genl Grant knew best.

The next news will be from you & then the whole affair will be closed. I hope it may be now. The children are well. I have written to you often. Ever your affectionate

Ellen
[EES]

Lancaster Ohio.,
April 10, 1865
[1865/04/10]

[WTS]

I wrote you a note this morning dearest Cump. and enclosed it to Mr. Webber a Cincinnati Artist who intends visiting the front to paint some historical scenes & is anxious to See the paraphernalia & surroundings just as they are.

I reached home day before yesterday. Father got home the same day and every moment of my time has been absorbed. I am living in the old house by Mrs. Daugherty which she with unexampled kindness has had completely put in order & repaired cleaned fitted and furnished all ready for me. I am comfortable & satisfied. The news of the Surrender of Lee has just reached us and I am too much excited to write. Now at last we may hope to live together in peace with our family. The children all in fine health. Lizzie promised to study hard when I came away.

Give my best love to Charley & tell him I will write to him tomorrow. The same to Hugh. I have written very often to you and Charley but fear you have not received the letters. All send love & hope now to See you soon. Ever yours

Ellen.
[EES]

Lancaster Ohio.,
April 26, 1865
[1865/04/26]

Dearest Cump;
[WTS]

Yesterday morning I wrote you & forwarded a letter which Lizzie enclosed to me for you - also a letter which Minnie had written to me. In the evening I received your letter of the 9th from Raleigh telling to direct Via Fortress Monroe and so I fear all the letters I have written lately with those sent yesterday from the children will not reach you at all. News electrified us on Monday of your mild terms to Joe Johnson. You will see the strictness & the abuse of the newspapers. You know me well enough to know that I never would agree in any such policy as that towards perjured traitors as many of them are being deserters from the Regular Army of the United States. But my opinion of you is unaltered and my heart not having been set on the popular favor I care nothing for the clamor they have raised. I know your motive was pure. I know you would not allow your Army to be in the slightest degree imperilled by this armistice and however much I differ from you I honor and respect you - for the heart that could prompt such terms to men who have cost us individually one keen great pang which death will alone assuage - the loss of Willy. I feel that we are bound as far as possible to imitate our blessed Saviour and be meek and forgiving at heart but to Authorities belongs the exercise of justice and unless that be done crime will be put upon a par with virtue and will rapidly engulph the world. I think you have made a great mistake but it is well enough for you do not wish to be a politician & you have done no harm to even yourself except in a political view. Your record no man can tarnish and to the latest posterity it will shine pure and bright & none the less so for this last act which is so thoroughly unpopular.

I have not seen any of the Democratic papers but the Cin: Gazette, which has been constantly inimical to you, says this is a deep stroke of policy on your part to gain the Democratic vote for the next Presidential nomination. Mr. Stanton in his summing up against you proves that he has been nursing wrath against you & you have now given him occasion to pour it out at a time and in a way to most deeply embitter the "many=headed=monster thing" - the people. So be it. God is over all. and He will bring good out of evil to those who trust in Him. My only prayer for us all is that we may have eternal life. What is earth's fame & glory now to Mr. Lincoln or Genl McPherson and what does Willy pray for now? As to this world's view - your record is made it is grand - it is high - it is unalterable & imperishable as long as time lasts. As to yourself, you are incapable of a mean selfish sordid motive & to me you are far dearer when people blame than when they praise you. Father is very much indisposed & we are uneasy about him. The children are well. I got the $200. enclosed. Tommy is here - his letter has not yet come. He says he would give the $100 to See you now. This was spontaneous & pleased me much. Ever dearest Cump your truly affectionate,

Ellen-
[EES]

Lancaster Ohio.,
May 17, 1865
[1865/05/17]

[WTS]

Your letters of 8th & 10th reached my yesterday dearest Cump and I assure you we are truly charmed to find that have have had so good an opportunity of returning the insult of that base man Halleck. This being public and the Army participating, makes it equal to his insult and is perfectly satisfactory to your friends every where. We have not felt so much pleased with any thing since the fall of Savannah - since "Sherman marched down to the Sea." We were all on the qui vive to See you here - I had the house ready the children were on tip toe & the town was in a State of expectancy serenades bands processions &c were to greet you and all the town & country was to be here. I had hopes of seeing the grand review but if you think it better not I will not go on as it will be sufficient exertion & fatigue to attend the fair. I shall certainly expect you there. The people & most anxious to have you & will give you an ovation. I shall keep clear of the Tribune people & go to Mayor Sherman's. Father is very anxious to See you. He thinks Stanton & the President will lose no means to destroy you if you lay your self liable to or compromit yourself in any way towards Stanton as he is a "Superior Officer &c". Of course you know all this & will let your judgement govern your just indignation. Two days after Stanton fulminated that astounding falsehood I telegraphed you through him. Stating that "Father & I highly approved your Memorandum" &c. &c. Stanton replied that he would forward the dispatch without delay & signed himself very truly my friend. I think you never got it. He has promoted Col. Swords since in response doubtless to a letter I wrote him just before this affair came out He evidently wishes to conciliate. I do not care how harsh you are with him but I hope you will not give them the truimph of a court martial over you for breach of military etiquette. I would rather have seen that defiant parade through Richmond than anything else since the war began. Father says Stanton can be impeached on his falsehoods accompanying your memorandum.

I shall go next week to S. Bend & Chicago & the children & I will look for you anxiously there. Ever your truly affectionate

Ellen
[EES]

Lancaster Ohio.,
August 14, 1865 Monday morning
[1865/08/14]

[WTS]

All well this morning dearest Cump. Col. Steele is ill and Sis has gone down there leaving her baby at home. Father cannot ride, in the absence of the carriage & so he walked down here yesterday by way of exercise. I think he felt rather worse for it in the evening. Mr. & Mrs. Hunter were riding on Saturday when the horses took fright & threw Mr H. out & then run the carriage over him, but strange to Say he was not much hurt. I went to the State farm Saturday morning starting at seven o'clock brought in peaches & now have forty one quarts put up ready for use here or transportation to St. Louis I hope to hear from you in a few days about the future arrangements. A house in the suburbs would be infinitely more agreeable than one in the City. We might have to wait until Spring to get possession. I would rather move twice than settle in the heart of the City. I hope you had a pleasant trip & got down safely. Rachel says now she "loves us both the same." Love to Philemon. As ever yours,

Ellen
[EES]

Lancaster Ohio.,
August 18, 1865 Friday morning.
[1865/08/18]

[WTS]

Your letter reached me yesterday dearest Cump and I need not tell you that I am rejoiced to have at last a prospect of being with you permanantly where we can have the children near us. I hope you will take a house in the suburbs & not in the heart of town. I would like a double house so that I can have a room on the first floor for Father for if he lives he must spend a good deal of his time with us to obviate the necessity of my coming home so much to see him. I feel so happy about it I scarcely know what I want but I hope you will not be in too great a hurry getting things. The President of the R. R. will send me down a few weeks later just the same and I can send Minnie on first to commence school with the rest & take Lizzie with me. I have thought the matter over long & well and I am convinced that it will be better for Minnie to go to the Visitation Convent. She is too large a girl to be shut off of evenings with the children. If we bring her into the parlor there will be no end to our indulgence & she will be going to concerts to the Theatre, entertaining gentleman & perhaps falling in love & then the studies will be wofully neglected. She must go to the Visitation Convent & I will have her there the 1st of Sep. Let me take my leisure a little about the rest. But if you greatly prefer that we should all go then of course I will be ready. I would like to help select the furniture but I don't care a great deal, I hope you will get what is durable. In the hall I would so much rather have a carpet than oil cloth. There is a kind of carpeting that comes for Halls. We are all well. I enclose two letters & forward the Army & Navy Journal. I Have written to them to send it to St. Louis to you. All send best love. Have you heard from Dr. Roler about "Sam." Ever your truly affectionate

Ellen
[EES]

Lancaster Ohio.,
August 19, 1865 Saturday morning.
[1865/08/19]

Dearest Cump;
[WTS]

This is a beautiful bright morning but I do not feel well. I was out nearly all day yesterday, & overfatigued myself. I hope Philemon will be home to-day and bring us further news of the house &c. It seems to me you could have a Stable put up on a lot if the house & surroundings suit you otherwise. I hope you will have a list of the contributors to the fund. I would like to See it here before I leave. Minnie will soon be ready to Start but I think we had better wait until the middle of September, Enclosed you will find a letter from Alexander from which you will find that I have written a little sketch of Willy for him - His paper is for the Soldiers and their families and my little sketch can do no harm & attract no criticism. He is going to Send me 100 copies bound seperate to Send to Willy's friends. I will buy a lot in a Cemetery in St. Louis & I hope you will have Willy & Charley taken there & then I can feel at home Minnie says she would prefer to go to boarding school. Lizzie would not. Charley goes to Cin: to day. I do not know whether he intends to return or not but I rather think not. He seems to have enjoyed his visit very much since you left - or since a day after. He is very much incensed at Phil for his denunciations of him. He don't mind me - thinks I'm not in earnest. What has become of Dr. Duncan? Give my my most sincere regards. I do wish he could stay with you. All send love. I scarcely know how to begin to pack. If you spend all the money for other furniture you need not get a piano as the one I have here is good enough for present use & it can be sent down without much trouble, as I still have the box in which it came. Do not buy all the furniture before I get there but just enough to make the house habitable. Susan Bartley came up yesterday but Fanny Moulton did not come. Did you invite her to Stop with me? Ever affectionately yours,

Ellen
[EES]

Lancaster Ohio.,
August 24, 1865
[1865/08/24]

Dearest Cump;
[WTS]

Your letter of 21st was received last evening & as I was alone all evening and gave my thoughts entirely to the subject I feel that I know my own mind well now. This morning I telegraphed you that I greatly prefer the Nicholson House and feel totally opposed to the Hazzard House. I want rest & comfort and feel that we ought to look to our own individual & present wants rather than (in this) to the prospective interest of the children. Should neighbours come too near us there or prove after awhile to be disagreeable or undesirable we can sell & move farther out then. What we want is to be settled properly now. The "H." house will not suit at all - I would not on any account be willing to take the house - and if it were a fine house - large & modern I would not be pleased to have the grading going on about us. I hope you will take the Nicholson house and build at once a good stable to suit yourself - You can do that for $30.000 I will furnish it out of my own means - let the house be yours & the furniture mine. The fund in Ohio when I heard some time ago had amounted to $10.000 which will more than repay me for what I would expend for furniture. It had been taken up again and for aught I know they are adding to the sum now. But whether great or small you would not I hope think of refusing it. I will take it, and would were it only $500. You get a good house and stable on the Stoddard tract and I will furnish the house and see that our sum which is laid by does not suffer on account of it. I have said nothing to Philemon about the exchange he proposes to make. I will not make it until I have myself been in St. Louis awhile. He owes me 10 per cent on $3000 for one year (or will) and 8 pr. cent on $3,000 for three years, which will make much more than $500 - I am too sick to day to get up to See Father and therefore have not talked with him about the house but I know he would agree with me. I will be ready to go out soon as I am anxious to get under good medical treatment. I am in a very bad way at present and feel truly uneasy about myself.

Yesterday Minnie went to Cin: where Charley will join her & take her on to St. Louis. I hope she will arrive safely & well. She is to go to the Visitation Convent as both she & I greatly prefer it, and I am sure you will think it best. We miss Minnie very much. All send love to dear Papa. Ever your truly affectionate

Ellen,
[EES]

Lancaster Ohio.,
August 26, 1865
[1865/08/26]

[WTS]

Yesterday about 2 o'clock I received your telegram, dearest Cump and I replied that it wd not be possible for me to go out quite So soon as next week. Since you left I have been very sick again and I am now scarcely able to be up. I think however that I am now getting well over this attack and that I will be able to pack & make arrangements next week and get off early the week after that. Minnie will be there to commence her school and it is not so important for Lizzie and Tommy.. They will only miss one week and the Schools do not really organise before ten days after the nominal time of opening. I am very anxious to know what house you have taken. I hope it is the Nicholson house as I am not at all willing to go into the Hazzard house. I will get the furniture, as I told you, & repay myself out of the Ohio fund. I telegraphed you yesterday to let me know what house you had taken. If you will go on & build a stable buying a little more ground for the purpose. You can do that with the $30 000 & I will get the furniture. I am very anxious to know what house you have taken as I so much prefer the Nicholson house,

I will bring only Emily out with me and let you get a cook there. I do not want a cook who will run out late of nights like the ones we had when we were there before. If you can get some one like you had for me in New Orleans I shall feel delighted. Do you not think I had better send the furniture as frieght & not by express. The express charges are so very high now. If they offer to bring it out by express free of charge telegraph me & I will send it that way - If not I will send it as freight unless otherwise advised by you.

The letter you left, addressed to Mr. Scott, I opened & added a post script. He replied to me instead of writing to you. He says that he will be married on the 25th of Oct to Miss Muir & sail on the 1st Nov. for Europe to be absent one year. He has invited Sue to go with him but does not know whether she will accept his offer or marry Mr. Elliot & remain in his house the year he is absent as he has offered to let her do. Mary & Mr. Brown will not be married until he gets a Church of his own. James will be married the 15th Oct & John not till Spring. That is the amount of the gossip which he sent with his love &c to you. Mrs. Arrington writes me about her Sister's son. I have often heard he speak of the ones who were killed in the war. I hope you will do what you can for this lad who is only 16. Minnie is with you by this time. I will try to be ready to start from Cincinnati Wednesday or Thursday the 6th or 7th proximo. Should I be more ill in the meantime I will telegraph but I do not anticipate that. I think that I can get ready to leave Cincinnati Thursday the 7th - All send love. I will not make a bargain with Philemon yet awhile Ever yours.

Ellen -
[EES]

Lancaster Ohio.,
August 28, 1865 Monday Morning.
[1865/08/28]

Dearest Cump:
[WTS]

I am somewhat better this morning than I have been for ten days past. I will begin my packing as soon as I have got this letter off. I enclose an invitation from Zanesville. Your letter has not yet reached me nor have I recd any answer to my dispatch asking what house you have taken. If the "Hazzard" house, I hope you will change and get the "Nicholson" house at once & get yr. Stable built as soon as possible for we will need the carriage all the time. I will have a good many boxes of pictures books &c to Send. I think I shall send the Secretary & perhaps the Piano. Do you think they had better go by express or as freight? Telegraph me as soon as you get this. Minnie's picture & Willy's I shall send by Express in any event. I shall take the carpet in my room & the one in the parlor as they will do better than new ones for the rooms in constant use up stairs. All the children are well. I begin to feel very anxious to get out & will hasten my preperations. Will they have the car for me? Ever your affectionate

Ellen
[EES]

St. Louis, Missouri.,
October 12, 1865
[1865/10/12]

[WTS]

I am literally writing at Head quarters, dearest Cump as I came in this morning & found your letter here from Des Moines in which you say you will be in Leavenworth on the 15th. You wrote to me from Chicago that you would be in Des Moines on Sunday last & at Leavenworth Sunday next but I have heard from other sources that your movements were more rapid and so thought it useless to write as I would probably miss you. As soon as I go out home I will send word or go over to Mr Garrisons & tell them what you say about meeting Mr. G. &c. I called there once and saw Mrs. Garrison & her daughter. When they called on me I was not in so I saw them only once but I like them very much. I also saw Mrs. Col. Eastman when I called and her Sister in law Mrs. Genl Easton. Mrs. Hauenkamp & Mrs Ballentine are very friendly. I have been at Mrs H's. at Mrs Abadie's Mag Rebers Mrs A-J. Smith's. Mrs Patterson's Mrs Dr & Mrs Col. Alexanders and a great many other places. Your friends have been very kind and attentive to me. Mrs. Gault & the Col. called last evening I have seen Mrs Gault several times since you left. Father will probably be here next week or the week after Tom Ewing & John D. Martin are at Memphis and perhaps Vicksburg on business. I do not know whether they will visit us or not on their return. I wish you would come back as soon as possible for it is getting so lonely I scarcely know what to do. At first I was so busy through the day & so tired of nights that I filled up the time but now it seems very long without you & I want you to hurry back.

Genl Beckwith is groomsman - one of them - at Genl Carr's wedding which is taking place about this hour at the house of Mr. Maguire the Bride's Father on the Bellefontaine Road. Dr Moore Col McCoy and all the rest have gone out I beleive. I sent my regrets yesterday, Genl, Barry & Dr. Moore brought Mrs. Felt out one evening & had a game of eucre. We had a pleasant time. The children have not been late to school yet but once, and Lizzie got a medal at the end of the month. She gets off now too early she is so anxious to be in time & to keep head in her class of twenty. Minnie comes out on Saturday evening & returns Sunday evening. I am going now to See her this being Thursday. One evening a week or more ago one of our policemen called & told me that a young man had given information there that he had been offered five hundred dollars in gold if he would fire your house. Patrick sleeps in the study and has a gun in there & we sleep very well of nights & have not been disturbed. The police kept watch for several nights but all apprehension seems to have died away now and I think there can be no danger. I have paid all the bills & spent nearly all the money but I think you will be satisfied. The horses are in fine condition and the house and premises look more and more cheerful every day.

Do come home as soon as you possibly can. I feel distressed about your asthma & sincerely wish you had salt petre=paper with you. I ought to have put it in. Emily got here the day after you left. Ever your sincerely affectionate

Ellen
[EES]