Lot 172
Sherman, William T. Autograph Letter Signed ("W. T. Sherman Maj Genl"). One page, recto and verso, quarto, Headquarters 15 Army Corps. Camp Before Vicksburg, March 29, 1863. To "Messrs Harper Brothers." Integral address leaf has separated, is docketed on verso. Fine. In 1992, this letter sold for $6900.00.
In the midst of his attempt to capture Vicksburg, Sherman writes to a publisher in New York about military books: "…The copy of Butterfield Camp & Outpost Duty is also received and I have given it a hasty glance. It fills a vacuum hitherto in our Military Manuals and should be extensively circulated. all such Books must come to us from the War Department, stamped with authority before we can use it as authority…that Department would purchase large numbers and distribute them…Should you succeed in this I would advise its publication in part edition on Linen paper, so as to be carried in the pockets of officers on outpost duty, and such as are published on paper should have a pliable leather waterproof cover for similar reasons This to be sure would increase its cost, but would insure its real value fourfold." On writing this letter, Sherman had just returned from a reconnaissance expedition up several bayous to determine the best point to insert his army to the east bank o of the Yazoo River; a point from which the army could act against Vicksburg. Ultimately, Grant chose to lay siege to Vicksburg and the city surrendered on July 4, 1863, thereby giving control of the Mississippi to the Union.
Estimated Value $3,000 - 4,000.
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