Exceptional ALS signed “W. T. Sherman, General,” three lined pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, Headquarters, Army of the United States letterhead, June 11, 1877. Letter to W. I. McDonald, Esq., Chief Clerk of the U. S. Senate. In full, “I beg to acknowledge the receipt from you of the handsome volume entitled ‘Constitution, Rules and Manual’ for which I beg to convey my sincere thanks. On casting my eyes over its pages I find it embraces the subjects indicated by the title. The Declaration of Independence 1776., the Articles of the Constitution 1778 the famous Ordinance of 1787 and much historical matter well indexed. In as to be available and most valuable to every American, especially to Officers of the Army. I should be pleased if Congress would provide…a copy of this volume should be distributed to every Post - for it would ensure an exact compliance with the Laws and historic precedents which have contributed to the growth and development of the Government and Country.” When Grant became president in 1869, Sherman was appointed commanding general of the U.S. Army. His tenure as commanding general was marred by political difficulties, and from 1874 to 1876, he moved his headquarters to St. Louis in an attempt to escape from them. One of his significant contributions as head of the Army was the establishment of the Command School (now the Command and General Staff College) at Fort Leavenworth. In fine condition, with a light strip of vertical toning along left edge and writing lightly showing through from other side. An excellent Sherman letter, invoking his unwavering sense his esprit de corps and patriotism. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
