Alexandria Letters for the years 1754 thru 1861

Alexandria, VA - 9 March 1754

In my last, by Mr. Stewart, I slightly mentioned the objection, which many had against enlisting, to wit, not knowing who was to be paymaster, or the times for payment.

Alexandria, VA - 20 March 1754

I was favored with your letter by Mr. Stewart, enclosing a lieutenant-colonel's commission, and I hope my future behaviour will sufficiently testify the true sense I have of this kindness.

Alexandria, VA - 11 August 1754

He advanced slowly as far as Gist's house, thirteen miles from the Great Meadows, employing the soldiers on the way in repairing the road, and sending out scouting parties to watch the motions of the French.

Alexandria, VA - 20 August 1754

Another thing, which should be fixed indisputably, is the law we are to be guided by, whether martial or military. If the former, I must beg the favor of your Honor to give me some written orders and indemnification

Alexandria, VA - 11 September 1755

After a small halt at Fredericksburg, to issue orders to the recruiting officers appointed to that rendezvous, I proceeded to this place, in order to collect a return of the provisions and clothing

Alexandria, VA - 28 November 1755

There has been such total negligence among the recruiting officers in general, such disregard of the service they were employed in, and such idle proceedings, that I am determined to send out none until we all meet

Alexandria, VA - 14 January 1756

I have given all necessary orders for- training the men to a proper use of their arms, and the method of Indian fighting, and hope in a little time to make them expert.

Alexandria, VA - 14 January 1756

When I was down, the Committee among other things resolved, that the Maryland and Carolina companies should not be supported with our provisions.

Alexandria, VA - 1 February 1756

You may tell Mr. Livingston from me, that, if the soldiers are not skilled in arms equal to what may reasonably be expected, he most assuredly shall answer for it at my return.

Alexandria, VA - 2 February 1756

I can but return my very hearty thanks for your kind condescension in suffering me to wait upon General Shirley, as I am very well assured it was done with the intention to favor my suit.

Alexandria, VA - 23 April 1781

When the enemy came to your house, many negroes deserted to them. This piece of news did not affect me much, as I little value those concerns.

Alexandria, VA - 1 March 1789

Your sanction to my remaining in New York during the crisis of the elections, conveyed through Col. Carrington, never came to hand till I had arrived in Orange.

Alexandria, LA - 16 January 1860

W.T. Sherman letter to brother John Sherman...I received your letter explaining how you happened to sign for that Helper Book.

Alexandria, LA - 4 April 1860

W.T. Sherman letter to brother John Sherman...no people were ever governed by mere abstract principle.

Alexandria, LA - 8 May 1860

W.T. Sherman letter to brother John Sherman...Last night I got the copy of the speech and read it...

Alexandria, LA - 1 December 1860

W.T. Sherman letter to brother John Sherman...The quiet which I thought the usual acquiescence of the people was merely the prelude to the storm of opinion that now seems irresistible.

Alexandria, LA - 16 January 1861

W.T. Sherman letter to brother John Sherman...I am so much in the woods here that I can't keep up with the times at all.

Alexandria, LA - 18 January 1861

W.T. Sherman letter to brother John Sherman...I regard the seizure by Governor Moore of the United States Arsenal as the worst act yet committed in the present revolution.

Alexandria, VA - 3 June 1861

I arrived here on the 1st at 2 P. M., and immediately examined the site of this encampment and the plans of its proposed defences.