1840 Letters

West Point, NY - 14 January 1840

W.T. Sherman letter to brother John Sherman...The examination is just over ; the result is favorable toward me, as usual.

Washington, MD - 17 January 1840

When I took my seat in the Senate this morning, I found on my table your letter of this instant, the contents of which not a little surprised me.

Washington, MD - 18 January 1840

Were I not apprehensive, that you would misconstrue my motives, I would say to you, that you would make a great mistake to attack personally any one in your vindication.

Washington, MD - 25 January 1840

As far as the consulate at Havannah may bear on your dicision, it is proper to remark, that I regard the contingency as a remote one.

Washington, MD - 0 February 1840

So far from being offended, my dear daughter, the sentiments you have expressed but elevates you, if possible, in my estimation.

Washington, MD - 1 February 1840

The House has refused to receive abolition petitions; the strongest measure yet taken and which must be productive of good consequences.

Washington, MD - 12 February 1840

We are now in the midest of an exciting question, the assumption of state debts.

Washington, MD - 14 February 1840

I send you in pamphlet form my speech on the assumption of the State debts. You will see what bold grounds I took

West Point, NY - 7 March 1840

W.T. Sherman letter to brother John Sherman...although the river has opened, and is alive with steamboats and sloops, still West Point appears as dull as ever

Washington, MD - 24 March 1840

I have had a subject on hand of not a little interest to the South; I mean the case of the Enterprise, one of the three Brigs, which have been so long in negotiation

Kipley, VA - 27 April 1840

I have seen the spot where, if it be the will of Providence, I hope one day to live with my family

Washington, MD - 29 April 1840

The Presidential race is going to be a close one. Preston, Thompson, and Dawson have come out boldly, after all their denials, on the side of the bank tariff

Bucks County, PA - 0 May 1840

My general health is about as usual ; I fear not better. I have much pain in chest and head.

Washington, MD - 30 May 1840

I was distressed to hear through Francis, that your health was not good, and could not but feel somewhat mortified, that you had not mentioned, or hinted at your indisposition, in any of your letters to me

Senate Chamber, MD - 8 June 1840

As to the Presidential election, my impression remains unchanged; that Gen'l. Harrison will be defeated, and such, I think, begins to be the prevailing opinion here.

Newport, RI - 12 June 1840

On reaching New York we received an accession to our company, Joseph John Gurney, Richard Mott, Samuel Parsons, and a large number of younger friends

Amesbury, MA - 2 July 1840

I wish to contradict in terms as explicit as possible the rumor which thou mentions from Newport Yearly Meeting. It is most preposterously absurd. My abolitionism grows daily stronger

Amesbury, MA - 13 July 1840

Did I mention to thee in my letter from Newport a circumstance in relation to Richard Mott?

Warren County, MS - 24 July 1840

I am living as retired as a man on the great thoroughfare of the Mississippi can be, and just now the little society which exists hereabout has been driven away by the presence of the summer's heat and the fear of the summer's disease.

Fort Hill, SC - 5 August 1840

Co'l Pickens has no opponents, but I was surprised to learn, that there is so much Harrisonism in Abbeville.

Fort Hill, SC - 10 August 1840

This state is relatively quiet, though there is a sprinkle of Harrisonism, more or less, all over the state.

Baltimore, MD - 21 August 1840

Had you been advised by me in 1831 you would have been the Candidate in opposition to Gen'l. Jackson and elected and the country saved the misery and the disgrace which followed.

New York, NY - 19 September 1840

The title of the United States to the lands within the new Western States is derived either from treaties with foreign nations or from cessions of some of the thirteen original States.

Fort Hill, SC - 25 September 1840

Co'l Gadsden is with me, on his return from a meeting at Ashville of the direction of the rail road. Not a sufficient number attended to do business.

Boston, MA - 3 October 1840

Fanny Ellsler has excited all the enthusiasm which always leaps up here to welcome first-rate excellence.

Lawrenceville, IL - 31 October 1840

abraham lincoln --Letter to W.G. Anderson. Lawrenceville, Illinois. October 31, 1840

Lynn, MA - 0 November 1840

I was in Boston this week, and looked in twice upon the queer gathering of heterogeneous spirits at the Chardon Street chapel...

Fort Hill, SC - 1 November 1840

We have nothing new. The state has gone with great unanimity against Harrison, though from every appearance he will succeed.

Fort Hill, SC - 2 November 1840

The Whigs are shouting and rejoicing over their brilliant victory, as they call it; but, if I do not greatly mistake, it will prove the cause, among other things, of their speedy and utter overthrow.

New York, NY - 5 November 1840

I have taken the true ground, from which both Mr. Edward Livingston and Mr. Louis McLane had, when Secretary of State, sadly departed, simply because they did not take the trouble to examine the subject.

North Bend, OH - 15 November 1840

Since my letter to you, I have thought that our personal meeting might give rise to speculations, and even jealousies, which it might be well to avoid

Philadelphia, PA - 13 December 1840

The impression which I have that the coming administration will be in fact your administration : one which I can honorably support & be connected with has revived a project

Washington, MD - 13 December 1840

The weather has been so bad, that I fear the out door work has been much interrrupted. It is now raining and thawing, with very sloppy streets.

unknown - 24 December 1840

The difficulty will be with the Tobacco men.

Washington, MD - 26 December 1840

I do not despair, (if we can preserve it,) of defeating the National bank. There will be found great difficulty in getting one.

Philadelphia, PA - 30 December 1840

I have received a visit of many hours from a friend who has just returned after passing several weeks in the midst of the most confidential circle of the President Elect