Now that I cannot be compromised by political events, I will so shape my course as best to serve the institution, which has a strong hold on my affections and respect.

The Board of Supervisors will be called for the 9th instant, and I will cooperate with them in their measures to place matters here on a safe and secure basis.  I expect to be here two weeks, and will make you full returns of money and property belonging to the State Central Arsenal.  All the arms and ammunition are safely stored here.  Then I will write you more at length.  With sincere respect, your friend,

W. T. Sherman.

Major Smith’s receipt to me, for the arms and property belonging both to the seminary and to the arsenal, is dated February 19, 1861.  I subjoin also, in this connection, copies of one or two papers that may prove of interest

Baton Rouge, January 28, 1881. 
To Major Sherman, Superintendent, Alexandria.

My dear sir:  Your letter was duly receive, and would have been answered ere this time could I have arranged sooner the matter of the five hundred dollars.  I shall go from here to New Orleans to-day or tomorrow, and will remain there till Saturday after next, perhaps.  I shall expect to meet you there, as indicated in your note to me.

I need not tell you that it is with no ordinary regret that I view your determination to leave us, for really I believe that the success of our institution, now almost assured, is jeopardized thereby.  I am sore that we will never have a superintendent with whom I shall have more pleasant relations than those which have existed between yourself and me.

I fully appreciate the motives which have induced you to give up a position presenting so many advantages to yourself, and sincerely hope that you may, in any future enterprise, enjoy the success which your character and ability merit and deserve.

Should you come down on the Rapides (steamer), please look after my wife, who will, I hope, accompany you on said boat, or some other good one.

Colonel Bragg informs me that the necessary orders have been given for the transfer and receipt by Major Smith of the public property.

I herewith transmit a request to the secretary to convene the Board of Supervisors, that they may act as seems best to them in the premises.

In the mean time, Major Smith will command by seniority the cadets, and the Academic Board will be able to conduct the scientific exercises of the institution until the Board of Supervisors can have time to act.  Hoping to meet you soon at the St. Charles, I am,

Most truly, your friend and servant, S. A. Smith

P. S. Governor Moors desires me to express his profound regret that the State is about to lose one who we all fondly hoped had cast his destinies for weal or for woe among us; and that he is sensible that we lose thereby an officer whom it will be difficult, if not impossible, to replace.