SHERMAN, William Tecumseh (1820-1891). American general.
Lengthy Autograph Letter Signed to Mrs Julia K. Fish, 4 pages 8vo, Headquarters, Army of the United States, Washington, 11 July 1870. Discussing the future of Fort Monroe.

'... the President has at last resolved to promote Capt Turnbull - though to be frank I must say that he owes nothing to me in this result: for I regarded the case as involving the existence of the Artillery School at Fortress Monroe. If this school cannot enforce study and attention it cannot long survive. Now the only means it has to compel attention to the Course of Study is to deny promotion & advancement to those who fall short of its requirements. This case was a test one - for all realised the claim and influence of the family. And if the Rule cannot be enforced against a favorite it surely should not as against a poor fellow with no such influences or opportunities.
 'I wish you would send this my letter to Col Benjamin who will see the force of my argument better than you can ...
 '[Turnbull's] case was one that concerned the whole body of Artillery officers, for it will only result in the downfall of that School, which has no force or utility unless it has the sanction of authority. ...'

Fort [Fortress] Monroe in Hampton, Virginia, was established as early as 1609, but was greatly enlarged, and named after President James Monroe, in the nineteenth century. It remained in Union hands during the American Civil War. Still an active military establishment it is due to be decommissioned in 2011.
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