Sherman, William Tecumseh

Autograph letter signed ("W.T. Sherman Maj. Genl."), 3 pages (9 7/8 x 7 3/4 in.; 249 x 197mm),"In the Field, near Atlanta, Ga." 15 August 1864, to Henry Stanbery, Esquire of Cincinnati, Ohio; on stationery of "Head-Quarters, Military Division of the Mississippi," docketed on verso of third page; some light soiling. Brown linen folding case, brown morocco spine, green morocco lettering pieces.

Sherman waxes philosophical about the war. Responding to Stanbery on the subject of the appointment of a civilian as Aide de Camp, Sherman explains: "Mr. Avery must first get a commission in some Regiment actually mustered in and then is subject to selection. I am allowed by law but three . . . and I have a few others . . . . My staff is very small purposely, for I limit myself to a single wagon, & no tent. I live more like an Indian than a civilised General. It would be a hard life to invite a young gentleman to."

Sherman then provides valuable insights on fighting the war: "I want our People to come down, or rather up to the standard of our opponents, and live and move and fight as well & better than they, and this can only be done by stripping to the buff & living on the shortest rations. I am thoroughly convinced that the causes of this war lie deeper than Mr. Lincoln or even Jeff Davis suppose, and that contests heretofore settled by ballot will be settled by Bullet, till the free and enlightened American People learn that there are many things in this world that cannot be reconciled and adjusted by . . . discussion & vote. To this end all must learn War pure and simple, and without hesitation."