LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION BY GENERAL SHERMAN FOR GENERAL E.W. RICE, WOUNDED SEVEN TIMES, REGIMENTAL, BRIGADE, AND DIVISION COMMANDER

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Item Code: 490-2357

This signed letter by General Sherman in his own hand is nicely presented in an old frame, probably dating about 1900, and matted next to an engraved portrait of Sherman. The lower edge of the mat bears a period ink inscription: “Letter to General J.A. Rawlins Re: General E.W. Rice From General W. T. Sherman.” The letter itself is written on lined paper with a preprinted heading reading, “Head Quarters Military Division of the Mississippi” and a date line with the year, 1865, preprinted, which is filled in by hand by Sherman to read, “St. Louis Dec 23 1865.”

The letter is addressed to General John A. Rawlins the Army Chief of Staff in Washington indicating Sherman has seen a letter from General Logan testifying to Rice’s wartime services and endorses Logan’s letter, “… add my recommendation that he receive the Rank of Maj. Gen. of Vols. General Rice Commanded a Brigade and Sometimes a Division and always with marked Success. He is now out of Service but should receive this mark of approbation and I trust it will be given at this session of the Senate. I am with great respect/ yr ob. Servant, W.T. Sherman/ Maj Genl.”

Elliott Warren Rice (1835-1887) was a fighting general, wounded seven times during the war, and universally respected and esteemed. He was practicing law in Iowa when the war broke out and enlisted on 15 July 1861, mustering in as a sergeant in Co. C of the 7th Iowa on July 24, but was promoted to Major August 30. He saw action first in the Battle of Belmont, where his horse was shot under him and he was wounded in the right thigh on 7 November 1861. He afterwards took part in the battles of Fort Henry and Fort Donelson, and led the regiment at Shiloh, being promoted Colonel to date 22 March 1862 and later fought at Corinth. In the Atlanta Campaign he fought at Resaca, New Hope Church, and Kennesaw Mountain. Receiving a promotion to Brigadier General to date 22 June 1864. He briefly commanded a division, and then returned to brigade command in the 15th Army Corps for March to the Sea and Campaign of the Carolinas. He mustered out in August 1865, but Sherman’s endorsement certainly played a part in his nomination for brevet Major General of Volunteers by President Johnson in January 1866, which was confirmed by the Senate in March 1866, conferring the rank upon him as of 13 March 1865. Rice returned to the practice of law after the war, living in Washington, but later returned to Iowa, where he died in Sioux City.

Rice’s service file contains numerous testimonials to his character and ability. He must have quite a military commander to have Sherman add his recommendation for a promotion to honor his services.  [sr]

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