(CIVIL WAR) Smith Edward Parmelee Letter describing a fruitl

Sale 2391 - Lot 91

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Estimate: $ 400 - $ 600

(CIVIL WAR.) Smith, Edward Parmelee. Letter describing a fruitless meeting with the quite intimidating General Sherman. Letter Signed as "Edw. P. Smith" to "My dear brother." 3 pages, 9 3/4 x 7 3/4 inches, on one folding sheet; folds, minimal wear. Nashville, TN, 26 April 1864

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Edward Parmelee Smith (1827-1876) was a field secretary for the United States Christian Commission during the war, and became well-known for his dedication to the education of the freedmen. Much is this letter describes his encounter with General William T. Sherman: "Just now our work is cut short by an order from General Sherman, refusing all passes beyond Nashville. This will . . . reduce us to the work of the permanent agents in the field. . . . I wish you could spend an hour at his headquarters & see the importunates & his one answer varied only by the degree of snap with which it takes down all fond expectations of getting front. If the application is in writing he endorses it 'Certainly not, W.T. Sherman.' If it is viva voce, the reply is 'It can't be granted,' & sometimes an additional remark is thrown in to the effect that Sec'y of State or Abr. Lincoln couldn't go front in such circumstances."