Democratic Sentinel, Volume 2, Number 24, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 July 1878 — Gen. Sherman’s Son Goes Abroad to Become a Priest. [ARTICLE]

Gen. Sherman’s Son Goes Abroad to Become a Priest.

The following letter, says the St. Louis Globe, explains itself, and settles a question which has of late been the subject of a good deal of newspaper comment: 912 Garrison Avenue ) St. Louis, Mo., June 1, 1878. f The Hon. Simuel Reber: Dear Sir : . . . For some time past T have had a strong leaning for the ministry, and bo, having now reached the age wh» n every man has to choose his own career in life, and, having weighed this important matter of a choice with all the care and deliberation of which I am capable, 1 have decided to become a Catholic priest. How long ago I reached this decis on, what means I have taken to tost and confirm myself in my resolution, and whv, having finally decided, I now choose to go to England to make part of my preparation for the priesthood, are inquiries which are of no interest to anyone but myself, and to answer them would be apart from the objrfit of this letter. I write to inform you. and to beg you to communicate the information to those who may inquire concerning me, that 1 assume to myself the whole responsibility of my choice, as with me alone rested the duty and the burden of choosing a path in life ; so with me alone rests the blame or praise of having chosen the church instead of the law. My father, as you know, is not a Catholic, and, therefore, the step I am taking seems as startling and as strange to him as I have no doubt it does to you, my dear sir. I go without his approval, sanction or consent: in fact, in direct opposition to bis best wishes in my behalf —for he had formed other plans for me which are now defeated, and hid other hopes and expectations in my regard which are necessarily dashed to the ground. In conclusion, my dear sir. I have one request to make, and I make it not only to you, but to all our friends and relations to whom you may see fit to show this letter or communicate its contents It is this: Feeling painfully aware that I have grieved and disappointed my father, I beg my friends and his, one and all, of whatever religion they may be, to spare him inquiries or Comments of any sort, fir I cannot h Ip feel ing that anything of the kind would be illtm d and inappropriate. Trusting to your delicacy and to the'rs to appreciate my motive in this, and to comply with a request so easily fulfilled, I remain, with great respect, affectionately and sincerely vours. Thomas Ewing Sherman.