Foto Friday!.

1st Massachusetts Sharp Shooters

First Massachusetts Sharpshooters.

https://gettysburg.stonesentinels.com/union-monuments/massachusetts/1st-massachusetts-sharp-shooters/

Happy Birthday to “Uncle Billy.”

February 8th is William Tecumseh Sherman’s 204th birthday.

Given all the rhetoric and opinions of this most controversial son of the Buckeye State I believe its important to read the below. It clearly states his views on the upcoming crisis that soon will envelop our nation.

Sherman’s resignation letter from Louisiana State Seminary and Military College

LOUISIANA STATE SEMINARY OF LEARNING AND MILITARY ACADEMY,

January 18, 1861 .

Gov. THOMAS 0. MOORE,

Baton Rouge, La.:

Sir –

As I occupy a quasi – military position under the laws of the State, I deem it proper to acquaint you that I accepted such position when Louisiana was a State in the Union, and when the motto of this Seminary was inserted in marble over the main door:  By the liberality of the General Government of the United States. The Union. Esto Perpetua. ‘

Recent events foreshadow a great change, and it becomes all men to choose. If Louisiana withdraws from the Federal Union, I prefer to maintain my allegiance to the Constitution as long as a fragment of it survives; and my longer stay here would be wrong in every sense of the word. In that event I beg you will send or appoint some authorized agent to take charge of the arms and munitions of war belonging to the State or advise me what disposition to make of them.

And, furthermore, as president of the Board of Supervisors, I beg you to take immediate steps to relieve me as Superintendent the moment the State determines to secede, for on no earthly account will I do any act, or think any thought , hostile to or in defiance of the old , Government of the United States .

With great respect, your obedient servant, 

W. T. SHERMAN,

Superintendent .

Interesting Letter from a Allen County Ohio Buckeye.

1863: Park H. Fryer to Samuel Lewis Fryer