Significant ALS signed “W. T. Sherman,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, Headquarters, Army of the United States letterhead, March 9, 1876. Sherman writes to [General Judson] Kilpatrick (1836–1881). In full: “Yours of March 6 is received. I answer most emphatically that after I returned from Durham to Raleigh that I informed nearly all the officers Howard, Slocum, Blair, Logan, & all, of the exact details of the ‘terms,’ and they all heartily approved—there was no concealment & several copies were made & handed about. All were relieved, because they hated to turn back to pursue as we found would be the case, the fragments of Johnston’s army towards Georgia. You may emphatically deny that I copied or imitated the draft by Reagan of which Boynton gave a copy. I did not have the original in my hand three minutes. The appearance of similarity is coincidental, but on comparison they are not at all alike—not only did Blair & Logan approve but they urged immediate acceptance of Johnston’s terms without reference to Washington. That I remember perfectly, but they demurred to this day of such reference. I like your articles well—they are spirited & lifelike, and carry conviction. Stick to your own memory & view of facts, just as if you were on the witness stand—now that Belknap has gone up or down, he carries Wilson and Boynton along, for these were his tools. They will now chirp like Irish monkeys—Anderson will remember being with you as you passed into Snake Creek Gap ahead of McPherson—I am glad you propose to publish the diaries in book form. These fellows had the aid, assistance, and endorsement of the War Office, those of great weight—but now so fallen as to become an object of scorn & pity. Go for them now but be choice in language lest you raise sympathy for the distressed….” Subtle staining, mild handling wear (a few tiny tears) and light show-through of text, otherwise fine condition. JSA/John Reznikoff Auction LOA and RRAuction COA.
