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Story
October 20, 1865
New Hampshire Statesman
Concord, Merrimack County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
Extracts from Gen. Sherman's March 1863 letter to Ohio Gov. Tod, published for the first time, urge unwavering Northern support for the Civil War effort, condemn 'copperheads' and 'poltroons,' and emphasize conquering or being conquered.
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LETTER from GEN. SHERMAN.
In March, 1863, Gen. Sherman wrote a letter to Gov. Tod, of Ohio, some extracts of which are now for the first time published, which must be refreshing reading to those democrats who are now so loud in their praises of "the hero who marched down to the sea." We believe that the loyal people of the North will agree with the General that "the poltroons" who faltered and cried quit in the darkest hours of the nation's trial, "should never claim a voice in its councils." Here is what he says:
"Since the first hostile shot the people of the North have had no option. They must conquer or be conquered. There can be no middle course. I have never been concerned about these copperhead gabblings. The South spurns and despises this class worse than we do, and would only accept their overtures to substitute them or their lives in the cotton and corn field for the slaves who have escaped. I do not pretend, nor have I ever pretended to foresee the end of all this, but I do not know that we are far from the end of the war, but I repeat that it is no longer an open question, we must fight it out. The moment we relax, down go all our conquests thus far.
I know my views on this point have ever been regarded as extreme, even verging on to insanity, but for years I had associated with Bragg, Beauregard, and extreme Southern men, and long before others could realize the fact that Americans would raise their hands against our consecrated government, I was forced to know it and witness it. Two years will not have been spent in vain, if the North will now, by another magnificent upheaving of the real people, again fill the ranks of your proved and tried regiments, and assure them that, through good report and evil report, you will stand by them. If Ohio will do this, and if the great North will do this, then will our army feel that it has a country and a government worth dying for.
As to the poltroons who falter and cry quits, let them dig and raise the food the army needs, but they should never claim a voice in the councils of the nation. With sentiments of great respect,
I am yours truly,
W. T. SHERMAN, Maj. Gen."
In March, 1863, Gen. Sherman wrote a letter to Gov. Tod, of Ohio, some extracts of which are now for the first time published, which must be refreshing reading to those democrats who are now so loud in their praises of "the hero who marched down to the sea." We believe that the loyal people of the North will agree with the General that "the poltroons" who faltered and cried quit in the darkest hours of the nation's trial, "should never claim a voice in its councils." Here is what he says:
"Since the first hostile shot the people of the North have had no option. They must conquer or be conquered. There can be no middle course. I have never been concerned about these copperhead gabblings. The South spurns and despises this class worse than we do, and would only accept their overtures to substitute them or their lives in the cotton and corn field for the slaves who have escaped. I do not pretend, nor have I ever pretended to foresee the end of all this, but I do not know that we are far from the end of the war, but I repeat that it is no longer an open question, we must fight it out. The moment we relax, down go all our conquests thus far.
I know my views on this point have ever been regarded as extreme, even verging on to insanity, but for years I had associated with Bragg, Beauregard, and extreme Southern men, and long before others could realize the fact that Americans would raise their hands against our consecrated government, I was forced to know it and witness it. Two years will not have been spent in vain, if the North will now, by another magnificent upheaving of the real people, again fill the ranks of your proved and tried regiments, and assure them that, through good report and evil report, you will stand by them. If Ohio will do this, and if the great North will do this, then will our army feel that it has a country and a government worth dying for.
As to the poltroons who falter and cry quits, let them dig and raise the food the army needs, but they should never claim a voice in the councils of the nation. With sentiments of great respect,
I am yours truly,
W. T. SHERMAN, Maj. Gen."
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
Biography
What themes does it cover?
Bravery Heroism
Justice
What keywords are associated?
Sherman Letter
Civil War
Copperheads
Northern Loyalty
Union Support
What entities or persons were involved?
W. T. Sherman
Gov. Tod
Story Details
Key Persons
W. T. Sherman
Gov. Tod
Event Date
March 1863
Story Details
Gen. Sherman writes to Gov. Tod urging the North to fully support the Union army in the Civil War, criticizing copperheads and poltroons who falter, asserting the nation must conquer or be conquered.