Description

Description: This letter is part of the long-running exchange of correspondence between Sherman and his close friend, Margaret Middleton, and provides a quiet, friendly update on life, as Middleton was spending a good deal of time in Connecticut with relatives during that period.

"I was glad to view your good letter yesterday, and will surely repeat my visit soon. I had a good long talk with your aunt who said you would continue as now a long time. I am sorry we are so far apart as I always experienced a pleasure in taking you to the Theatre… I promise not to forget you and will soon take you to see Mary Anderson [in a very successful production of A Winter’s Tale]. When down town I will secure such well in advance and give you timely notice. I wish you would… call here at your convenience. It is very easy to reach us by the elevated road & vice versa. Our home proves as convenient as it promised when you saw it in the rough. It is now completely furnished and provided. My office proves a great comfort because I now have all my books and papers here in hand instead of divided between the 5th Ave. Hotel & the office on Houston St." Sherman closes by mentioning "I must now go down to enquire of Admiral Baldwin, an old California comrade of 1847. He is very low and cannot last much longer," before signing off with his typical "Affectionately, W.T. Sherman."

This is an autograph letter signed, written on three pages of a sheet of ruled paper measuring approximately 9.25" x 11" when unfolded. Also included here is the transmittal envelope, with a green Washington two cent stamp and three black-ink cancellations. He did not include a return address for himself, but Middleton’s address is written in Sherman’s hand. Item #A01041

William Tecumseh Sherman (1820-1891) served in the US military for a number of years before resigning to spend more than a decade as a banker, businessman, and superintendant of a military academy. He rejoined the military for the US Civil War, becoming one of its most famous generals for leading Union troops across the south in "scorched earth" campaigns. After the War he continued his military career and was promoted to General of the Army, his troops primarily fighting Native Americans along the wagon trails and railroads. In retirement, he was a constant presence at New York’s theatres, lectures, and galleries, and also occasionally thrilled audiences at speaking engagements.

Margaret Lee Middleton (1848-1921) was a Manhattan socialite, who was a skilled and respected genealogist and librarian for many years. She also dedicated a portion of her time to work with charitable organizations. Like Sherman, she was an aficionado of theatre and the arts. Although she was nearly three decades younger than Sherman, the two struck up a close relationship in the 1880s based on their common interests, and often attended events together. It seems they may have been introduced by mutual friend, Mary Thompson Hunt, whose 1884 death brought them closer.

Condition: Pinhole formed at the intersection of two of the fold lines, otherwise in very good condition.