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OFFICE ST. Louis RAILROAD Co.,
HON. S. CAMERON, Secretary of War :
Dear Sir : I hold myself now, as always, prepared to serve my country in the capacity for which I was trained.
I did not and will not volunteer for three months, because I cannot throw my family on the cold support of charity, but for the three years' call made by the President an officer could prepare his command and do good service. I will not volunteer, because, rightfully or wrongfully, I feel myself unwilling to take a mere private's place, and having for many years lived in California and Louisiana, the men are not well enough acquainted with me to elect me to my appropriate place. Should my services be needed, the Eecord or the War Department will enable you to designate the station in which I can render best service.
Yours truly,
- William Sherman
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