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| Field name |
Value |
| Collection Reference Number
|
GLC01545.01
|
| From Archive Folder
|
Documents Relating to the 1860s
|
| Title
|
William Tecumseh Sherman to E. L. Plumb on the potential for war in Mexico
|
| Date
|
3 January 1867
|
| Author
|
Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891)
|
| Recipient
|
Plumb, E. L.
|
| Document Type
|
Correspondence
|
| Content Description
|
Examines the situation in Mexico, but feels it is a conflict that should be avoided. Fears a "distinct Indian War" that will consume a large amount of American military resources, and does not want to also be fighting in Mexico. Feels people should "organize a State of Republican Govt." as their primary focus.
|
| Subjects
|
American Indian History Latin and South America Military History Government and Civics American West Westward Expansion
|
| People
|
Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891) Plumb, E. L. (fl. 1867)
|
| Place written
|
St. Louis, Missouri
|
| Theme
|
Foreign Affairs; Native Americans; Government & Politics; Westward Expansion
|
| Sub-collection
|
The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1860-1945
|
| Copyright
|
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
|
| Module
|
Civil War, Reconstruction and the Modern Era: 1860-1945
|
| Transcript
|
Show/hide Recd Jany 7th acKd Jany 11th Headquarters Military Division of the Missouri. Saint Louis. Jan 3 1867 E. L. Plumb Esq. Secretary of Legation La New Orleans My Dear Friend I was glad to receive this morning your note of Dec 29, with the newspaper slips. I fully appreciate the vast extent of Mexico, and the great difficulty of President [Benito] Juarez moving from point to point to satisfy outside interests and parties. If strong enough of himself he can wish out the end in his own way, and the less foreign assistance he accepts the better for him [2] and Country. I was in hopes Mr. Campbell would have the patience to await certain news of Juarez arrival at Monterey and San Louis Potosi and then meet him. The simple fact that our two Republican Govts. are in direct Communication would be of great help to Juarez. I am fearful lest some accident should involve us in Mexico. I know that we have so many open sores of our own that we can ill afford to involve ourselves in the troubles of others. Since my return the Indians men there a thousand miles from our border have killed [3] in a hard fight 94 of our Regular soldiers and I see ourselves involved in two or three distinct Indian wars. - We have local disorder in this & other Border States. And the Call on our Army for Soldiers is already far beyond our ability to fill. Therefore I dislike to see any drift to involving us with Mexico - but if his people will submit to discipline & organize a Stable Republican Govt. I will be the first to give them praise & thanks. I have not yet heard the real truth as to Escobedo - I got home Thursday, Dec 27, & found all well. Wishing you success in life and always glad to hear from you. I am yr friend W.T. Sherman Lt. Genl. [docket:] Lt. Genl. Sherman Jany 3 1867
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