Title:
William T. Sherman ALS (Autograph Letter Signed), 1867 – PSA/DNA Certified – Civil War General on Photographs & Correspondence

Description:
Offered here is a superb Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) by General William Tecumseh Sherman, penned entirely in his hand on official lined stationery from the Headquarters, Military Division of the Missouri, and dated November 26, 1867. Measuring 5.25" x 8", the letter is addressed to T. Apoleon Chesney, Esq., of New York, and references a recent letter regarding photographs and a local hotel.

Sherman writes in part:

“I have your note of Nov. 17th... I have no photographs with me but refer you to Fredericks opposite Metropolitan Hotel N.Y. for the best I know of. It is about 3 x 4 inches standing.”

The letter is crisply penned in dark ink with Sherman signing confidently at the close:

"W. T. Sherman / General."

The sheet exhibits light toning, minor edge wear, and a single small tear to the top right margin, but remains in very good condition, with strong legibility and exceptional presentation quality. The letter is PSA/DNA encapsulated in a tamper-evident holder with certification number 85572043, guaranteeing the authenticity of the signature.

Historical Context:
Dated just two years after the end of the Civil War, this 1867 letter comes from a period when Sherman served as commander of the Military Division of the Missouri, overseeing vast western territories during the early Reconstruction era and increasing tensions with Native American nations. While he is best remembered for his “March to the Sea” and his implementation of total war strategy that hastened the Confederacy’s collapse, Sherman remained a prominent military figure in the postbellum United States, playing a vital role in western expansion and Indian policy.

This letter reflects a quieter, more personal side of the famously unrelenting general—handling correspondence regarding a seemingly mundane topic: photographs. Notably, Sherman references the well-known Fredericks photographic studio in New York, one of the most prominent portrait studios of the 19th century, frequently visited by American leaders and dignitaries. His mention of a 3x4 standing photograph suggests he was frequently asked for images, a common occurrence for high-profile Union generals in the years following the war.

The Metropolitan Hotel, located at Broadway and Prince Street in New York City, was one of the city's most prestigious accommodations during the mid-19th century. Opened in 1852, it quickly became a hub for political figures, military officers, celebrities, and foreign dignitaries. Unlike many New York hotels, the Metropolitan allowed the slaves of its Southern patrons to stay on the premises. Mary Todd Lincoln and her black seamstress, Elizabeth Keckley stayed at the Metropolitan on various occasions. The hotel was known for its luxurious appointments, advanced amenities for the time, and cultural significance—frequently serving as a backdrop for meetings, receptions, and correspondence involving America’s elite. When General Sherman refers to the Fredericks photographic studio opposite the Metropolitan Hotel, he is pointing to a prominent establishment situated in a fashionable district frequented by the country’s most distinguished figures—making it a fitting place to obtain a high-quality portrait of one of the Union’s foremost generals.

Authentication & Encapsulation:

• Authentication Service: PSA/DNA

• Certification Number: 85572043

• Slab Type: PSA/DNA tamper-evident encapsulation

• Label Reads: "LETTER – WILLIAM T. SHERMAN – AUTHENTIC AUTO"

Closing Appeal:
This is a remarkable and highly collectible Autograph Letter Signed from one of America’s most consequential military leaders, written during the critical Reconstruction period. Sherman's handwritten communication, complete with commentary on Civil War-era portraiture and signed in his unmistakable hand, offers both historical depth and personal nuance. A fine addition to any Civil War, presidential, or 19th-century American manuscript collection.