"He has no right to use us for such purposes, though he is commander in chief. I did suppose his passage with Grant would end there, but now it seems he will fight him as he has been doing Congress. I don't object if he does so himself and don't rope me in. . . .
"If the President forces me into a false position out of seeming favor, I must defend myself. It is mortifying, but none the less inevitable.
"Affectionately,
"W. T. Sherman."
(Telegram.)
"Washington, February 14, 1868.
"From St. Louis, February 14, 1868.
"To General U. S. Grant, Commander U. S. Army:
"Your dispatch informing me that the order for the Atlantic division was issued, and that I was assigned to its command, is received.
"I was in hopes I had escaped the danger, and now, were I prepared, should resign on the spot, as it requires no foresight to predict such must be the inevitable result in the end.
"I will make one more desperate effort by mail, which please await.
(Signed) "W. T. Sherman, Lieutenant General."
(Telegram.)
"Dated St. Louis, February 14, 1868.
"Received at House of Representatives, February 14.
"To Hon. John Sherman:
"Oppose confirmation of myself as brevet general on ground that it is unprecedented, and that it is better not to extend the system of brevets above major general. If I can't avoid coming to Washington I may have to resign.