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Ewing ALS re WT Sherman 1861

Thomas EWING, Jr. Autograph letter signed "Tom" to his father regarding the appointment of William T. Sherman and other Generals and suggesting the locations of upcoming battles.

Washington: 22 May 1861. 6 pp. (195 x 120 mm). Written in pencil. Condition: minor fading of pencil, usual folds. a nice letter from a washington insider, referring to his foster brother william t. sherman as "cump" and suggesting fort pickens and norfolk to be the next battles. "... I thought Cump [i.e. William T. Sherman] would advise you as to the movements here in his behalf & there probably result...I have been either with John or Charles Sherman at different times, the President & pretty near all the Cabinet & Genl Scott. The question as to his appointment to place of Brig. Genl or that of Qr Master Genl ... in the regular army has been before the Cabinet twice ... Genl Scott is in bad humor with the administration for appointing Reeder Brig Genl in regular army ... We have the idea he will not favor Cump's appt ... The general impression is the first battle after Pickens will be at Norfolk. The Gov is not ready. Genl Scott says Genl impatience is the only opposing general he fears. At present it is plain the Enemy can put man for man in the field anywhere in eastern Virginia with us. I doubt very much if there is a battle in Virginia except at Pickens for a full month or more ..." Sherman would not receive a commission as Brigdier General until after First Bull Run, initially being appointed a Colonel in 13th U.S. Infantry.