AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED (ALS)

Washington DC, 24 November 1879. Letter. Paper aged and a bit fragile, first and final pages slightly darker than others. Very Good. A six-page letter on both sides of three lined Headquarters Army of the United States letterhead (5" x 8") to Colonel L. B. Church. Sherman expresses his well wishes as Col. Church recovers from an illness, noting that "I know that in conveying to you this note of sympathy, I also can assure that the prayers of every member of that Grand Old Army, and of the millions they represent" will join him in hopes that "your overtaxed lungs may regain their usual health & strength." He also describes in great detail a celebration, noting the musicians and the tunes they played: "The incident to which you refer occurred at the Grand Banquet at the Palmer House Chicago the night of Nov. 13 when was assembled probably the most brilliant, talented, and renowned company that ever assembled in America.... Frank Lombard was on hand with a quartette--not the old one but still a good one ... this quartette sang 'March Through Georgia,' 'Old Shady,' 'Tramp-Tramp,' and 'John Browns[sic] Soul.'" Sherman concludes by mentioning the overwhelming crowds present in D.C. for the dedication of the statue honoring General George H. Thomas. SIGNED "W. T. Sherman."

Colonel L. B. Church was the Assessor of Internal Revenue.