Re: Nits Make Lice

Posted by Rich on June 27, 2001 at 06:02:15:

In Reply to: Re: And MY own thought for the day - 125th Anniv - More on Custer! posted by Bill R on June 26, 2001 at 18:04:37:

: Rich,

: Surely you arent saying there is another side to this story?

: : Well, every story has its other side, but ...

: As for Sheridan making the comment, I would beg to argue. Unless Sheridan was raiding towns and killing women and children, the quote does not fit. According to what I had read on Chivington, he made the comment. It does fit in the context of what happened at Sand Creek.

: The quote I remember from Sheridan was "burn everything. Leave them only their eyes to cry with." He devestated the south, but to my knowlege he was not killing their women and children.

: Bill R

Yes, Bill, I AM saying that EVERY story has two sides ... that's part of understanding, but ...

You are correct, Phil Sheridan did not say, "Nits make lice." Phil went on record as saying "the only good Indians I ever saw were dead". Often misquoted as "The only good Indian is a dead Indian."

Doing some quick page flipping this AM ... It was William T. Sherman who said, "Nits make lice." Apparently, though, he wasn't the first. As early as 1810, a John Seveir made the comment in reference to his actions in destroying a Cherokee village. It became popular as a phrase and was repeated many times through the 1800s. Both Chivington & Sherman made use of it!

Remember, at the time of Little Bighorn, Sherman & Sheridan were Custer's top ranking officers ... With attitudes like theirs ... need I say more?

Follow Ups:

• Re: Nits Make Lice Bill R 08:00:56 6/27/2001 (0)
• Re: Nits Make Lice Theresa 07:06:29 6/27/2001 (0)

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Comments:
: : Rich,

: : Surely you arent saying there is another side to this story?

: : : Well, every story has its other side, but ...

: : As for Sheridan making the comment, I would beg to argue.  Unless Sheridan was raiding towns and killing women and children, the quote does not fit.  According to what I had read on Chivington, he made the comment. It does fit in the context of what happened at Sand Creek. 

: : The quote I remember from Sheridan was "burn everything.  Leave them only their eyes to cry with."  He devestated the south, but to my knowlege he was not killing their women and children.

: : Bill R

: Yes, Bill, I AM saying that EVERY story has two sides ... that's part of understanding, but ...

: You are correct, Phil Sheridan did not say, "Nits make lice." Phil went on record as saying "the only good Indians I ever saw were dead". Often misquoted as "The only good Indian is a dead Indian."

: Doing some quick page flipping this AM ... It was William T. Sherman who said, "Nits make lice." Apparently, though, he wasn't the first. As early as 1810, a John Seveir made the comment in reference to his actions in destroying a Cherokee village. It became popular as a phrase and was repeated many times through the 1800s. Both Chivington & Sherman made use of it!

: Remember, at the time of Little Bighorn, Sherman & Sheridan were Custer's top ranking officers ... With attitudes like theirs ... need I say more?


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