Letters from Hoyt Sherman

HSP Foundation is fortunate to have received a collection of documents from the estate of John Griffith, grandson of Sara and Hoyt Sherman.  These documents include seven letters written by Hoyt while he lived in Hoyt Sherman Place during the last year of his life.  The letters are addressed to his nephew, Hoyt Sherman Jr. and Hoyt Jr’s wife Hattie and were signed “Affectionately, Uncle Hoyt.”

All the These letters document many visits from family and friends and while he complained about aging (he was 74), he continued to maintain a social life and entertained with his daughters at Hoyt Sherman Place.

The last letter is dated September 11, 1903:

“It was fully understood early this year that one of my journeys was to be this to Washington next month, to attend the unveiling of the General’s statue, but I couldn't endure the fatigue of the journey, and have now abandoned all thought of it.  Charley has been here for a few days past, and he will without doubt be there, and represent my branch of the family.  You will have an opportunity to visit with him.  I was in New York City last spring attending the unveiling of St. Gaudens [Augustus Saint-Gaudens] statue of the General—it was a magnificent affair in every respect and I enjoyed it most heartily.  We have the promise now of Aunt Bina, that she will take Miss Stokes place the 1st of next month, and feel now that that very serious change will take place with no special disturbance of our household affairs.”

Charlie was Hoyt and Sara’s son.  Aunt Bina is probably Sara Sherman’s sister Sabrina Celestia Lunt, 1841-1919.  Miss Stokes was Hoyt’s housekeeper before she left in 1903. The statue of General Sherman still stands at the southeast corner of Central Park in New York. Hoyt died January 28, 1904.