Famed Union general (1820–1891) best known for his devastating campaigns in the deep South, including the ‘March to the Sea,’ that led to the capture of Atlanta and Savannah and proved to be one of the turning points of the Civil War. ALS signed “W. T. Sherman,” three pages, lightly-lined on two adjoining sheets, 5.5 x 9.25, September 22, 1888. Letter to Napoleon Sarony. In full: “Enclosed is the check for $18. for the pictures sent—but the Special one—Imperial Mounted on a large sheet is not at all what I wrote for. Sheridan is dead, and could not if he would come to your Studio—the best photo I have of him is by C. Rankin of Washington and is on a panel 17 x 11 1/2 in which no margin at the top and sides but a good margin below for autograph, date & c. Such as a photograph should be. Gutekunst of Phila. promises me one of same size and kind of General Grant. Yours of me either 13,331 Cabinet—or 2945 panel 7 1/2 by 13 inches—No margins top or sides, but a full inch White Margin below—(without advertisement). Your photographs of Me are the best extant, but as issued are advertisements of ‘Sarony’ and not likenesses of Genl Sherman. I think you made a mistake and I tell you so with a Soldier’s frankness. Now if you are willing to enlarge your No 13321, Imperial, or No 2945 Panel, to the size of 17 x 11 1/2 inches the same of Sheridan, I will frame his, Mine & Grant’s together in my new house, and will leave them as my testimony that they are the best extant. Otherwise I will be found to take Gutekunst, or Mora’s. The small one you send me will not do.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds and a couple stray ink marks. Sarony photographed Sherman, three years before he died in 1891. His photograph would be used as a model for the engraving of the first Sherman Postage stamp. RR Auction COA.
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