ALS signed “W. T. Sherman,” four pages, lightly-lined on two adjoining sheets, 8 x 10.5, February 16, 1887. Letter to General William Strong. In part: “I am really much indebted for the full details of the Equestrian monument to General Grant contained in your letter of the 14th with the photographs &c and compliment Chicago on the sensible and business like manner in which the whole matter has been conducted. Rebisso is the same artist who took some contract for the McPherson statue in Washington, and finished his work creditably and satisfactorily, and I feel confident he will do as well if not better in this.
Artists are naturally and most properly most sensitive at any suggestions from outsiders, but he cannot mistrust you or me. Grant will be remembered in after ages as General Grant not as President Grant, therefore the equestrian statue - and the period of the representation in bronze will be about Appomatox. He was then Lieut. General.
Taking the two photographs from top to bottom. I like Rebisso's hat, as it shows the face full - the top of the crown may be dented down in the middle, as that was usual. The face is good, but a little too stern or severe. The coat opened at top is good, and as usually worn by him, but the breast and sleeve show too many wrinkles, for Grant was full breasted, with muscular arms, filling his coat well. On the shoulder should be the strap with three stars, the middle one large, the other same as of a Maj. Genl. The sword belt & sword are well, though habitually he did not wear them, but this is emblematic - No Sash - I agree with you that it will be more truthful to dispense with the top boots, for he rarely if ever wore them. In the two statues in Washington of Thomas & McPherson the former is represented with top boots, the latter without, whereas the very reverse was the fact. I would prefer the plain brass stirrup to the more recent tapaders copied from the Mexican. Still such stirrups were used in 1865.
The bridle should have broad cheek pieces and brow band - with strong flat reins. The breast strap should also be broader than represented. The saddle case is well the holster should be larger, and the valise behind ditto. But an overcoat folded & fastened by straps will be appropriate. In the right hand corner of the saddle case should be a spread eagle with the three stars of a Lieut. General, or the four stars of a full General. The three on a curve, the middle the largest will make the best appearance.
I like his design to have the horse easy, and not cavorting. A General on horseback should be oblivious of his horse, because he has something to think about besides managing his steed. When the time comes for dedicating this monument if living I shall endeavor to be present, and meantime be assumed that I bear in special honor the generous men who have contributed the means for this mark of love and respect for our Old Commander.” In very good condition, with fairly uniform overall toning (heavier strip of vertical edge toning on last page), vertical crease to right side, some light soiling and staining, and nearly complete separation along hinge.
How sad that the former general’s thoughts were not only focused on his old friend but also on the passing of his own years as he wrote “when the time comes for dedicating this monument if living I shall endeavor to be present.” Sherman would in fact die in New York City on February 14, 1891, and never saw the sculpture mentioned. It was eventually dedicated eight months later. One would imagine that the general would have been pleased, however, thanks to his own input, as witnessed by such comments as “I like Rebisso's hat, as it shows the face full - the top of the crown may be dented down in the middle, as that was usual.” Clearly, Sherman desired the work to accurately portray the friend and commanding officer he viewed as being a “brother.” Indeed, a Chicago Tribune article described the $25,000, 18-foot high bronze as “colossal.” The statue has become an iconic part of Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood and naturally, its home on the east end of Lincoln Park Zoo. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
