Nov 01, 2016 - Sale 2428

Sale 2428 - Lot 43

Price Realized: $ 1,560
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 500 - $ 750
"I CAN LOOK BACK . . . WITH COMPOSURE AND SATISFACTION" SHERMAN, WILLIAM TECUMSEH. Autograph Letter Signed, "W.T. Sherman," to Mary Audenried ("Dear Mrs. Audenried"), comparing his own post-war years with the wrecked lives of his friends, and pledging to protect her daughter. 4 pages, 8vo, personal stationery, written on a single folded sheet, ruled paper; faint scattered toning. St. Louis, 25 May 1884

Additional Details

". . . Since the failures of Grant, [William R.?] Scurry and [John?] Eno--all my personal friends--I have had abundant reason to congratulate myself that I have heretofore resisted all appeals to me to embark in Some grand business, & gain occupation. Behold the wrecks! and I am now anchored in a safe harbor, owing no man a cent, with a reasonable income, and all the friends I want. Bacon & [John E.] Tourtelotte are gone, and I am just where I was when the War broke out in 1861, thus closing the circle of life, and waiting for the last move to Calvary Cemetery.
"I can look back on the history of the past 23 years of Stirring Events with composure & satisfaction, calling up in memory many happy, as well as sad events, in many of which you and your husband were bright features. I prefer to think of him as a handsome, gallant, Knightly, faithful Son and you as a sweet child. I prefer to cherish these memories and not to think of him or you otherwise. I hope you will even confide in me and I will share with you in your love for him, and give you then full measure of a fathers love. Same as to Florence. Whatever ministers to her happiness will be hailed by me--even if misfortune overtakes her I will sympathize and protect her if I can . . . . "