One of those letters, however, he had addressed to just one man—General William Tecumseh Sherman. Scrawled on the back of a telegraph sheet, it read: To General Sherman: I have just shot the President. I shot him several times, as I wished him to go as easily as possible. His death was a political necessity. I am a lawyer, theologian, and politician. I am a Stalwart of the Stalwarts. I was with Gen Grant, and the rest of our men in New York during the canvas. I am going to the jail. Please order out your troops, and take possession of the jail at once. Charles Guiteau
