Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891) [Comment on his decision to publish his memoirs]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00955.03 Author/Creator: Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891) Place Written: St. Louis, Missouri Type: Autograph manuscript signed Date: 25 June 1886 Pagination: 2 p. ; 24 x 15 cm. Order a Copy
Inscription written by Sherman on the title page and an illustrated plate removed from the book "History of Julius Caesar." Explains that though the book was given to him by Ingram McMillan (see GLC00955.01, Sherman is possibly referring to Charles McMillan), he must downsize his library as he is now residing in Rome. Gives the book to Major Henry Hitchcock, "my friend and former Staff Officer." Comments on his 1866 dismissal of the idea of writing memoirs of the Civil War written on the foregoing page (GLC00955.02). Writes that he decided to publish his two volume memoir in 1875 because erroneous newspaper reports from the war were being considered facts. He notes criticism of his work, but defends it by commenting that his recollections and the information in General Ulysses S. Grant's 1884 memoirs agree substantially. Ends by stating, "So that I honestly believe we have done well to have followed the example of Julius Caesar."
St Louis Mo.
Jun 25. 1886
Although this Book was presented to me by Ingram McMillan now residing in Rome Italy I find it necessary to break up, my Library as too bulky to be caried about. I therefore deposit it with my friend and former Staff Officer Major Henry Hitchcock as a Souvenir. In December 1866 as recorded on the foregoing page I had no purpose to write and publish the memoirs of my own time. but I thought I discovered the fact that many Erronius versions of facts, reported by the newspapers of the day were taking root in History that's in 1875. I [2] publish two volumes of memoirs which Encountered Sharp Criticisms, and more recently General Grant on the approach of death in 1884 did the same, and we agree substantially on all the contraousted facts
HISTORY OF JULIUS CAESAR
VOL. 1.
& deductioning so that I honestly believe we have done well to have followed the Examples of Julius Caesar -
W. T. Sherman
General,
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