Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Sherman, William T. (William Tecumseh), 1820-1891 to Joseph E. Johnston

Order a pdf of this item here.

A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03260 Author/Creator: Sherman, William T. (William Tecumseh), 1820-1891 Place Written: Raleigh, North Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 April 1865 Pagination: 4 p. : Height: 25 cm, Width: 20 cm Order a Copy

Written one day after General Johnston's surrender to Major General Sherman. Sherman's letter concerns repatriation of Confederate troops, providing supplies to Confederate troops, and Sherman's hope that the wounds of war can be healed. Informs of his orders to General John M. Schofield to facilitate the return of the men to their homes. Gives his view on the end of the war, "Now that the war is over I am willing to risk my person & reputation as heretofore, to heal the Wound made by the Past War. And I think my feeling is shared by the whole Army." Continues on to comment on some men who may not comply with the truce. "If we are forced to Deal with them it must be with severity, but I hope they will be managed by the People of the South." Written on stationary marked "Head Quarters Military Division of the Mississippi."

Sherman, William T. (William Tecumseh), 1820-1891
Johnston, Joseph E. (Joseph Eggleston), 1807-1891
Schofield, John McAllister, 1831-1906

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources