ALS signed “W. T. Sherman, Maj. Gen.,” three lightly lined pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.75 x 8, Headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi letterhead, September 7, 1865. Sherman writes to “Phil.” In part: “Ellen & all the family are now here…. Ellen likes the Nicholson House much, and though I prefer to wait & build, yet on the whole it is a good thing & I don’t know but it is wise to secure it…. The house suits as well as any….” After discussing the possible purchase of a lot on which to build, Sherman continues: “Ellen with our joint experience of personal expenses is disinclined to take more property in line of debt…. I have not seen Easton[?] since you left, but I understand his interest to be to build … at the end of his road…. I think you may surely count on sales this coming year…. At all events I hope by the time you come out, I can take the part I agreed to, but I would prefer it to be vacant…. If you go to Notre Dame give my best respects to Mr. S— & Sister Angela. Explain to them how it is to my interest to have all the family united and therefore my children should be at school soon. Affectionately….” The exact identity of the recipient is unclear, though the content suggests a relative, friend, or neighbor at Sheridan’s former home. There is some possibility, though no conclusive evidence, that Sherman was writing to General Philip Sheridan (1831–1888). In very fine, clean condition. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
