New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1875-06-30
ORLEANS
Gen. Shermns's LoyaIty-A statement
from Cot. Levy.

Gen. SheSmas's L0yaIty-A statement
from Cot. Levy.
Hon. w. N. Levy, Congressman from che
fourth Louisiana district. has published the
following statemen: IN che Shreveport
Times
SAlCAITocHEs, Ia, June %. 1875.
GESTLEMEN-in your issue Of Sunday.
June 90, appears the following article:
''Col. VIM. NJ. Levy, Congressman elect
from this district, ;s said to have recently
made the following statement to . CORE
spondent OF the Cincinnati Enquirer:
Gen. Sherman voluntarily. nnequivo-
caliy and Internationally pledged himself
Ill tho most binding manner not to fight on
either side during the war The day before
the occasion l refer to. Col Sherman, in
company with myself and Gen. Bragg.
while taking drink q: the st. Charles bar,
made the came pledge in unmstakable
terms. His strongest desire in parting was
70 leave an assurance that he had no eu-
nifty. and would not participate in the
hghe. 1t was an opinion among many that
Sherman's policy was to retire until the
thing vas over, then return and resume his
Old place at the military school. which he
could have done, as he was regarded as .
very valuable man FOR that position
deem it my duty 20 correct this state
ment, inasmuch as it is misunderstand
ing or misappreheDsion of the facts of the
case, and l am unwilling that my name
shoIld be connected with aught that does
injustice 70 another. I have frequently. in
private intercourse, spoken Of my relations
with General Sherman while he had charge
Of the Louisiana State Seminary of Learn.
ing. and residing in Rapides parish. but
must have been greatly misunderstood if
from any remarks of mine it has been de-
~t.H
tacily. suuivOcaliy aud Internationally
pledged himself. in the most binding man
nec. not to fgL: On either side during the
war"
l saw a good deal OF General Sherman
Just before the war: had frequent conversa-
tIOns with him, and was greatly impressed
by his earnestness and uneasiness of feeling
in the discussion of the probable results of
the secession movement.
was an ardent advocate OF secession.
both on principle and policy. He was ar
IDENTIFY and, believe, sincerely opposed to
it on the same grounds. | well remember
solemn and saddened expression of his
opinion just after the adoption Of the ordi- |
nance OF secession by the Louisiana cOnven
ton to the effect that peaceabie secession
was impossible, and . terrible internicine
war was inevitable, the magnitude of which.
ne thought. was not appreciated by US of
the South, but which, from bis knowledge OF
Northern sentiments, ne professed to foresee.
lie expressed himself most gratified for the
kindness and hospitality which had been ex-
tended to him by the officials and private
citizens of our State, and stated. on more
than one occasion, that IN view of the terri.
Dle struggle which he believed was imminent
and inevitable, he wished to retire to some
quiet home in the West, where he might not
be called upon to participate in it. or even
witness its horrors. certainly construed
General Sherman's remarks as indicative of
desire to abstain from active participa
tion in the war, but not as p!edging himself
not to take part in il. It is due to him TO
but short time after the passage of the Sc
cession ordinance of Louisiana, and these con
versations were had. if my memory serves
me Alright. at least a month or six weeks
before the commencement OF actual hostili-
ties. What causes may have operated to
change his views. as understood by me. l
have no means OF knowing. Since tho sur
render l have seen General Sherman but
once, and then an interview was casual and
our conversation cursory. Ny ante bellum
relations with him have not been renewed
His military course and political views
are before the people of the country tor
their Judgment, and however l may differ
with him politically. and condemn his con-
duct of the war 10 the high position which
he occupied, IN justice to history, to myself
and to himself. do not hesitate to correct
statement. which l am sure has arisen
from misconception and misappreheu OF
my meaning
Very truly yours.
WILLIAM NJ. LEVY.