He served in this position until his retirement fourteen years later. William Sherman died in New York City on 14th February, 1891. Were I a citizen of Louisiana, and a member of the Legislature, I would deem it wise to bring the legal condition of the slaves more near the status of human beings under all Christian and civilized governments. In the first place, in sales of slaves made by the state, I would forbid the separation of families, letting the father, mother, and children, be sold together to one person, instead of each to the highest bidder. As I occupy a quasi-military position under the laws of the State, I deem it proper to acquaint you that I accepted such position when Louisiana was a State in the Union.
Recent events foreshadow a great change, and it becomes all men to choose.
Henry Villard met General William T. Sherman in 1861. In his memoirs, Villard recalled how Sherman was extremely worried at that time about the possibility that the Union Army would be defeated. Sherman openly confessed, after he had been assigned to the command of the department, that he had not wished it and was afraid of his new responsibilities. With the vivid imagination inherent to genius, he clearly saw how formidable were the difficulties of the part he was expected to play in the suppression of the Rebellion. They simply appalled him.