08/28/2026
in 1863, Lew received a letter from General Sherman. He relates the story in his autobiography:
"...I went back to my shelf. And still, though Governor Morton would call me to his help as often as emergencies arose and when something trying was to be done, and though I always responded promptly, he kept silent about that which was deepest in my heart—a command in the field suitable to my rank.
In August I wrote General Sherman. After congratulations, I asked him to give me some duty, stating if it were under him—he was yet my junior—I would be most happy.
I have his reply in the original, and keep it carefully, a very precious souvenir. My feeling is that it should be published, not merely because of the kindly expressions to me personally, but for the character it exposes. No successful man was ever less tainted with jealousy than he; and, aside from the common-sense marking every line in the paper, no one can read it without being impressed with the writer’s devotion to the Cause, in him masterful over all else, even ambition.
“HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
“CAMP ON THE BIG BLACK, MISSISSIPPI,
“August 27, 1863.
“Major-General Lew Wallace, Crawfordsville, Indiana:
“DEAR GENERAL, — I was much gratified at the receipt of your letter of August 16th, and accept the tender you make of congratulations at the success which has marked our recent campaign. I assure you that I regret exceedingly that General Grant had not carried with him throughout his entire campaign the generals with which he opened it, and Donelson was as important a beginning as the capture of Vicksburg, the end of the great design.
“General Grant is now up the river, and when he returns I will endeavor to convey to him your proper expressions of confidence without in the least compromising your delicate sense of honor. I have reasons to know that the general esteems you as possessing as large a share of high soldierly qualities as would satisfy the ambition of most men, and that he would readily aid you to regain the high position you held in the estimation of the country. If I can aid you, it will afford me real pleasure.
“We have all made mistakes, and should be generous to each other. Some men possess one quality, others another; but all can be made to subserve a great whole. General Grant possesses in an eminent degree that peculiar and high attribute of using various men to produce a common result, and, now that his character is well established, we can easily subordinate ourselves to him, with the absolute assurance of serving the common cause of our country. For my part, I would be glad that every general officer should have an appropriate command, and that all should learn from our short military career that we can only gain a permanent fame by subordinating ourselves and our peculiar notions to that of the common commander. I will not say that you have not always done this, but I do think if I were you I would not press an inquiry into the old matter of the Crump’s Landing and Shiloh march, but leave that till war is over. Subsequent events may sweep that into the forgotten of the past. I would advise that as soon as possible you regain command of a division, identify yourself with it, keep as quiet as possible, and trust to opportunity for a becoming sequel to the brilliant beginning you had. I think I appreciate the feelings of gentlemen such as you and many others of our general officers; but I do say that in war there can be but one solid foundation for a lasting fame. A single occasion can give a meteor-like reputation, but real, enduring fame can result [only?] from long, patient, hard labor, study, courage, and actual experience which can only be gained by continuous service with armies in the field.
“I do not think General Grant or any officer has any unkind feeling towards you. Some one or more may have been envious of your early and brilliant career, but, as I know you must be ambitious of more lasting and real fame, I feel that with the advice of unselfish friends that end is still within your reach. There are some of our generals (necessarily chosen in haste by a distracted government) that are consumed by a gnawing desire for fame and notoriety, who are miserable if any one achieves a little more than they, but I know you are not of that class. I believe you have a proper desire to be appreciated, but probably have been a little impatient at the slow process. But now that the public mind is toned down to a pitch that will admit of waiting for the natural developments of time, I think you, too, would be willing to fall into our slower school. I have been more frank than you probably expected, but I assure you that I will gladly serve you in the best way I know how, and that is in giving you my honest, unselfish advice. Avoid all controversies, bear patiently temporary reverses, get into current events as quick as possible, and hold your horses for the last home-stretch.
“The war is not yet over. The South has still a large army; and though we have made large inroads, yet her people have an ugly, keen, and desperate spirit, and we must not presume too much. For all real, hard-working, and self-sacrificing soldiers there is still a large future. If these my ideas approximate your convictions, it will afford me great satisfaction to assist you in regaining your true place among the young and conspicuous generals of the war.
With respect, your friend,
“W. T. SHERMAN.”
(Portrait of Sherman by Matthew Brady)
If you are ever in Lancaster, Ohio, visit our friends at the Sherman House Museum
