John Russell Young (1840-1899). Around the World with General Grant. New York : Subscription Book Department, The American News Company, 1879. 2 volumes, 8vo. Deluxe 3/4 morocco binding with gilt spine and marbled ends. First edition. Bookplates of W. T. Sherman, P. Tecumseh Sherman, and "Head Quarters of the Army" bookplates.

General Sherman's copy of the account of his dear friend Ulysses S. Grant's world tour. After the end of his second term as president, Grant embarked on a two-year vacation with his wife, Julia. The flexible itinerary allowed for visits throughout Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, India, Southeast Asia, China, and Japan. When the Grants returned to the United States, they made stops at Yosemite Valley, Utah Territory, and Nebraska, before arriving in Chicago. There in the Windy City, they were greeted by General Sherman at a reunion held by the veterans of the Army of the Tennessee. (J.F. Packard. Grant's Tour Around the World, p. 853).

The book’s author, John Russell Young, was a journalist and author who was invited to accompany the Grants on their tour. Young struck up a friendship in China with the Qing statesman Li Hongzhang (???), impressing Grant, who recommended Young to President Chester A. Arthur to fulfill a diplomatic role in China. Young's account of the journey was popular and a demonstration of the emerging global power of the United States. No doubt, Sherman was eager to read the full account of Grant's voyage.

PROVENANCE:

The Sherman-Fitch Library

Primarily assembled by General William Tecumseh Sherman (1820-1891), the collection of books was inherited and curated by his son, Philemon Tecumseh Sherman (1867-1941). Before his death, Philemon transferred the library to his niece, Eleanor Sherman Fitch (1876-1959). Eleanor was the granddaughter of General Sherman through his eldest daughter, Maria "Minnie" Ewing Sherman Fitch (1851-1913). Until now, the Sherman-Fitch library was held at the family estate in Washington County, Pennsylvania.

The library includes a range of diverse material owned by General Sherman that principally relates to the Civil War, American history, and the Sherman family. Many works in the Sherman-Fitch library are historically significant, including General Sherman's annotated copy of Ulysses S. Grant's memoirs, the Sherman family bible, and Barnard's "Photographic Views of Sherman's Campaign."

Most examples in the collection are affixed with bookplates that bear both General Sherman's and Philemon's names. In some cases, where General Sherman's ownership was clear, his bookplate was not always affixed. However, books with just Philemon's bookplate were generally acquired after his father's death in 1891. General Sherman’s bookplates were likely added by Philemon after his father’s death. Philemon’s bookplates were placed by Tecumseh Sherman Fitch (1908-1969) after he inherited the library in 1942.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate, Books, Travelogues, Ephemera, Presidents, Politics]