VIEW OF THE SHERMAN MONUMENT From the Northwest (White House). SHERMAN A Memorial in Art, Oratory, and Literature by the Society of the Army of the Tennessee with the aid of the Congress of the United States of America Prepared by Authority of Congress Under the Direction of Col. Thomas W. Symons Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army In Charge of Monument and Ceremonies By DeB. Randolph Keim War Correspondent of the New York Herald Attending the Operations of the Army of the Tennessee, 1 862-3-4 Government Printing Office : 1 904 [Fifty-eighth Congress, second session, concurrent resolution No. 57.] IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES. March 17, 1904. — Submitted by Mr. Penrose, of Pennsylvania. March 17, 1904. — Referred to the Committee on Printing and ordered to be printed. March 23, 1904. — Reported by Mr. Platt, of New York, with an amendment; consid- ered, amended, and agreed to. April 21, 1904.— Reported by Mr. L,axdis, of Indiana, asking "unanimous consent for the present consideration of Senate concurrent resolution No. 57." There was no objection. The resolution was agreed to, as follows: That there be printed and bound in the form such as is customary in the case of eulogies twelve thousand copies of the proceedings and accompanying documents, with suitable process plates to be bound there- with, upon the unveiling of the statue of General William T. Sherman of which three thousand copies shall be for the use of the Senate, six thousand copies for the use of the House of Representatives, and three thousand copies, of which two hundred copies shall be bound in full morocco, to be distributed under the direction of the chairman of the Joint Committee on the Library, in such manner as, in his judgment, mav be desirable. (2) CONTENTS. Page. General Sherman Statue Committee 9 Sherman Statue Commission n Introductory ' 13 Inception of the memorial 13 Raising of funds 14 Congressional cooperation 15 General Sherman Statue Commission created 16 Finances 16 Invitation to sculptors 17 Conditions of competition 17 Rules of competition 17 Entries for competition 18 A model exhibit 19 The award 20 The contract 21 Death of the sculptor 24 The Statue 25 Sherman Plaza 25 Carl Rohl-Smith, sculptor 26 Story of the Monument, by Mrs. Carl Rohl-Smith 27 Inscriptions, emblems, and bas-reliefs on the pedestal 30 The Arrangements 33 The stands 33 Flag decorations 34 Floral display 35 Invitations 36, Form of, and reply 36 Tickets 37 Form of tickets 38 Police arrangements 38 (3) 4 Contents. Page. The Arrangements — Continued. Carriage regulations 39 Guests 40 Seating of the guests 42 Arrival of the President 42 The Parade 45 A pageant of war 45 Parade formation 45 Head of column, " Forward" 47 Route of march 47 In review 47 The President 47 Unison of harmony and step 48 Parade, rest 4S The Dedication 49 The Unveiling Commission 49 Order of exercises 49 Called to order 50 Invocation 50 Introductory address — Review of the history of the statue by Maj. Gen. Grenville M. Dodge, chairman of the commission and presiding officer . . 53 Sherman in Art 57 Honors 57 The Unveiling 59 Sherman in Oratory 61 The President announced 61 The President's address 63 Gen. D. B. Henderson's oration 69 Gen. Daniel E. Sickles's address 81 Gen. Charles H. Grosvenor's address S5 Gen. Thomas J. Henderson's address 93 In conclusion 99 Benediction 99 Departure of the President 99 Complimented by the President 100 Committee on Reception 101 Contents. 5 Page. Reunions 103 Commemorative gayeties 103 Society of the Army of the Tennessee 103 Society of the Army of the Cumberland 106 Society of the Army of the Potomac 112 Society of the Army of the Ohio 115 Local hospitality — Society of the Army of the Potomac 116 The Aztec Society of 1847 117 A brilliant ending of a superb beginning 119 Grand Army of the Republic 1 24 My country 'tis of thee 124 Sherman in Literature Sherman: A memorial sketch by DeB. Randolph Keim, civil war correspondent 125 A military pass 384 Sherman in the Record (official) 385 Sherman in Books: A Bibliography 391 Index 401 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Face page. Frontispiece — View of the Monument from the northwest (White House ) Faces title. The Statue: View of the Monument from the northeast, Pennsylvania Avenue 25 Diagram of Sherman Plaza 26 Portrait of the sculptor 27 The Arrangements: Diagram of plan of stands 33 The Parade: In Review — No. 1. Lieutenant-General Young, head of column in review 45 No. 2. U. S. Infantry entering court of honor 45 No. 3. U. S. Infantry passing in review before the Presi- dent 45 No. 4. National Guard, D. C, passing in review before the President 45 The Dedication: Major-General Dodge, presiding officer 53 Sherman in Bronze: Flag series — • No. 1. The statue veiled 59 No. 2. Statue unveiled 59 No. 3. Bird's-eye view of court 59 No. 4. William Tecumseh Sherman Thorndike 59 (7) 8 List of Illustrations. Sherman in Oratory: Face page. The President of the United States 63 Gen. David B. Henderson 69 Gen. Daniel E. Sickles 81 Gen." Charles H. Grosvenor 85 Gen. Thomas J. Henderson 93 Colonel Symons in charge of Monument and ceremonies 99 A memorial sketch of William Tecumseh Sherman: Gen. W. T. Sherman in command of the U. S. Army 125 Sherman at Shiloh, Tenn 195 Sherman at Missionary Ridge 240 The battle of Atlanta, Ga 278 Sherman's marches: Chattanooga, Tenn., .to Atlanta, Ga.; Atlanta to Savannah, Ga. : Savannah to Goldsboro, N. C . . . 294 Major-General Sherman, U. S. Armv, march to the sea 313 The grave of Sherman 380 A military pass 384 THE GENERAL SHERMAN STATUE COMMITTEE OF THE Society of the Army of the Tennessee, In charge of the inception and prosecution of the Monument. Constituted by Resolution of the Society. 1891, Oct. 8, Chicago, 111. Washington, D. C, Oct. 15, 1903. Maj. Gen. Grenvii.ee M. Dodge, Council Bluffs, Iowa, President. Col. J. F. How,« St. Louis Mo. ( Treasurer). Died July 9, 1S96. Brig. Gen. Andrew Hickeneooper, Cincinnati, Ohio. Brig. Gen. John W. Noble, Treasurer, St. Louis, Mo. Col. David B. Henderson, Dubuque, Iowa. Maj. S. E. Barrett, & Chicago, III. Resigned. Col. Augustus Jacobson, Chicago, III. Died October 15, 1903. Col. W. McCrory/' Minneapolis, Minn. Died February ij, 1893. Col. Corneeius Cadee, Cincinnati, Ohio, Secretary. a Succeeded by Brig. Gen. Andrew Hickenlooper. b Succeeded by Col. Augustus Jacobson. c Succeeded by Col. Cornelius Cadle. (9) THE SHERMAN STATUE COMMISSION. Created by act of Congress approved July 5, 1892. Maj. Gen. Grenville M. Dodge, President of the Society of the Army of the Tennessee; Chairman May 27, 1896-1904. Hon. Stephen B. Elkins, Secretary of War, 1892-93.(1 Hon. Daniel S. Lamont, Secretary of War, 1893-1897.^ Hon. RUSSELL A. Aeger, Secretary of War, 1897-1800. " Hon. Elihu Root, Secretary of War, 1S99-1904A Maj. Gen. John M. Schofieed, Commanding the Army of the United States, 1S92-1895. Lieut. Gen. Nelson A. Miles, Commanding the Army of the United States, 1895-1903. Lieut. Gen. S. B. M. Young, Chief of Staff, U. S. Army, 1903. IN CHARGE OF ERECTION OF THE MONUMENT. Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army. Col. John M. Wilson, 1895-1897, Lieut. John S. Sewell, 1897, Col. Theodore A. Bingham, 1897-1903, Col. Thomas W. Symons, 1903, In charge of completion of Monument and of Monument and ceremonies of unveiling. a No proceedings. 6 Competition, and contract signed; Mr. John Seager, secretary of commission. c No record of meetings. dMr. W. S. Coursey elected secretary December 10, 1900. Mr. Merritt O. Chance, sec- retary. October 10, 1902. (II) INTRODUCTORY. INCEPTION OF THE MEMORIAL. During the proceedings of the twenty-third annual meeting of the Society of the Army of the Tennessee at Chicago, 111., October 7-8, 1891, Gen. Grenville M. Dodge offered a resolu- tion for the appointment of a committee of five to draft a suit- able tribute to their late president and commander and "to recommend some action by the society to commemorate his death by a suitable memorial." Col. James F. How added a resolution calling for a committee of five for the raising of funds ' ' from the members of this society " to be used in the erection of a monument to Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman, and "to have full power to use any funds collected by them, in the erec- tion of such a monument as they may approve, at such locality as they may decide. ' ' These propositions were drawn in formal resolutions and adopted unanimously on October 8, 1891, "that there should be some suitable and permanent expression of the respect, ad- miration, and gratitude felt by the American people for the noble character, lofty patriotism, and invaluable services of Gen. William T. Sherman" — locating the statue at the national capital — and authorizing the president of the society to appoint a committee of five persons to be known as the (13) 1 4 Introduction . "General Sherman Statue Committee," with authority to col- lect subscriptions in the name of the society and to memorialize the Congress of the United States to aid in the work. This committee was appointed. (See p. 9.) RAISING OF FUNDS. On November 9 following, at a meeting of the committee, resolutions were adopted constituting Generals Henderson and Noble a committee on legislation to ask an appropriation of $50,000, being the same amount contributed by Congress "for site, pedestal, and statue" of Generals Hancock, Logan, and Sheridan; also authorizing the committee to invite the Societies of the Armies of the Ohio, Potomac, and Cumberland, the Military Order of the Loyal Legion, and the Society of the Grand Army of the Republic, through their chief officer, to unite in raising the fund desired ; also to request the citizens of the several States and Territories to contribute, and instructing the chairman to appoint a committee of five in each State to carry out the object proposed, with power to appoint sub- committies to aid them in their work. A form of circular was adopted, setting forth the plans of the committee, to be addressed to the societies named, asking their cooperation and assistance. On November 11, 1891, the committee issued an appeal to the Society of the Army of the Tennessee urging that ' ' a sum sufficiently large should be obtained from our members to enable us to appeal to others for assistance in carrying on the work." The efforts of the society were made the subject of General Orders, No. 7, Albany, N. Y., January 9, 1892, Adjutant- General's Office, Headquarters Grand Army of the Republic. Introduction. 15 In stirring pronouncement, the following tribute was paid to the subject of the proposed memorial: He of all the preeminently great commanders during the struggle for national unity, since the war, was superlatively one of us. At our camp fires and reunions, department or national encampments, "Uncle Billy" was ever a prominent and welcome figure. His efforts for the welfare and pleasure of the "hoys," no matter how arduous or how great a drain upon his time, were always deemed a labor of love and duty, to be fulfilled without abatement. No honors paid him abroad or at home ever tended to weaken his love and solicitous interest in those who "marched with him from Atlanta to the sea," or stood a bulwark between the nation and its foes on bloody, hard-fought fields. A contribution was urged by every command, no matter how small the amount, "so that when the statue is erected in Washington every soldier who sees it win feel that it is a part of his effort." On February 10 the members of the Society of the Army of the Tennessee were advised of what had been done and were called upon to make every effort through their posts and by individual exertion among themselves and friends to aid in swelling the fund. CONGRESSIONAL COOPERATION. Through the exertions of the committee on legislation, assisted by the general committee and friends in and out of Congress, that body, under act approved July 5, 1892, enacted ' ' for the preparation of a site and the erection of pedestal for a statue of the late Gen. William T. Sherman, said site to be selected by and said pedestal to be erected under the super- vision of the General Sherman Statue Commission, president of the Society of the Army of the Tennessee, the Secretary of War, and the Major-General Commanding the United States Army * * * fifty thousand dollars." i6 Introduction. The commission having been authorized, no initial action was taken respecting the actual erection of the statue pendiug the collection of funds from private sources. (See p. n.) COMMISSION CREATED — FINANCES. The following exhibits the various appropriations made by Congress in connection with the Sherman statue, from 1892- 1904. Designation of item. July 5, 1S92 FOR PEDESTAL AND STATUE. For the preparation of a site and the erection of a pedestal for a statue of the late Gen. William T. Sherman, said site to be selected by and said pedestal be erected under the supervision of the president of the Society of the Army of the Ten nessee, the Secretaryof War, and the Major-General Commanding the United States Army, and any partof the sum hereby appropriated not needed for preparation of site and the erection of a pedestal may be vised and ex- tended in the completion of said statue of the late Wil- liam T. Sherman For the completion of the equestrian statue of Gen. Wil- liam Tbcumseh Sherman For removal of present iron fence around the site of the statue and setting up of a substantial granite curb in place thereof For construction of roadways and paths and improvement of grounds about the statue I June 28, 1902 For completing and unveiling the statue I do For extra steps and mosaic work at base of the statue Dec. 22, 1902 Appropriating and reappropriating and making available sums remaining over for the statue, and for improvement of grounds, etc Feb. iS, 1904 Total public Date appropriated Mar. i895 June 6, 1900 Contributions from private sou res. A statement by the treasurer to the General Sherman Statue Committee dated St. Louis, Sept. 9, 1S95, showed a balance Aug. 31, 1895, on deposit to the credit of the fund $13,332.49. In addition there were other sums in sight to bring the aggregate up to the amount named Total public and private Amount appro- priated. Iso, 30- 8, 000. co 500. CO 000.00 000.1 14, 469. 91 123,969.91 Introduction. 17 INVITATION TO SCULPTORS. On March 22, 1895, the formal announcement was made by General Dodge, president, that " a committee of the Society of the Army of the Tennessee, the president of the same society, the Secretary of War, and the Lieutenant-General of the Arm}', have the authority to erect and supervise the construction of an equestrian monument to Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman, in Washington, D. C," and invited "such artists as desire to compete for the erection of the said statue and pedestal to sub- mit models." CONDITIONS OF COMPETITION. In a circular of June 20, General Dodge, president, in behalf of both the committee and the commission, in reply to letters from sculptors asking for a more detailed statement of the con- ditions of the competition, after referring the matter to the National Sculpture Society and consultation with a number of artists, submitted rules which would govern the competition, the essential features of which were : The sum of $96,000, raised by subscription and appropriation, is available and competition is invited. This amount must cover all expenses of the statute ready for unveiling, including four awards of $1,000 each and incidentals of all kinds, leaving $90,000 actually available for the statue and pedestal. The monument to be placed in one of the United States res- ervations in the city of Washington, D. C. RULES OK COMPETITION. An accurate and elaborate model of the design, scale 1 inch to 1 foot, both pedestal and equestrian statue, to be delivered free of expense to G. M. Dodge, president of the Society of the S. Doc. 320, 58-2 2 1 8 Introduction. Army of the Tennessee, care of the Secretary of War, Wash- ington, D. C, on or before January i, 1896. The artists of the next four designs, if deemed satisfactory, but not accepted, after the accepted one, to be paid '$1,000 each. The successful competitor to enter into contract with the United States and give bonds in the sum of $25,000 for the performance of the work. A full description, dimensions, character of materials, and other necessary information to accompany each model. Full name to be given and no secrecy maintained; models to be in plaster, no drawings accepted; only artists and sculptors residing in the United States or Americans residing abroad allowed to compete. A committee of the National Sculpture Society to pass on the artistic char- acter of the models and experts in bronze castings to decide as to quality of materials. The right to reject any and all designs reserved by the commission. Public exhibition of models to be had two weeks before final decision, the full-sized statue to be modeled and all stone and bronze work to be done in the United States. ENTRIES FOR COMPETITION. The following sculptors of established reputation submitted models in compliance with the terms and regulations of the commission. SCULPTORS ENTERING COMPETITIVE MODELS. Cliicago— Carl Rohl-Smith. New York — H. K. Bush Brown (2 designs), Adrian Jones, James F. Kelly, J. O. Lester, Alfred Luzi, Ferdinand Mirauda, C. H. Niehaus (2 designs), Victor Olsa, W. O. Partridge (2 designs), Richard Hinton Perry, J. Massey Rhind, Edwin M. Van Note. Paris— George E. Bissel, P. W. Bartlett. St. Louis — Robert P. Bringhurst. Washington— h, Amateis, F. A. T. Dunbar, H. G. Ellicott, Theodore A. Mills. Introduction. 19 A MODEL EXHIBIT. The exhibit as a whole at the War Department attracted widespread attention. It was largely visited by official and unofficial residents, and many persons of taste or professional interest in art from the principal cities of the United States. In the opinion of experts, connoisseurs, and men and women traveled and of home culture, the collection possessed un- qualified artistic merit, and was in the highest degree creditable to the progressive work of American sculptors. At a meeting of the committee of the Army of the Ten- nessee in Washington, D. C, January 17, 1896, it was decided: "The twenty-three models for the Sherman equestrian statue, on exhibition at the War Department, come within the term limit," and "are hereby accepted for competition." The primary selection was then made and announced in a letter of January 21, 1896, to the competing artists that "the four models which in their judgment possess the most merit for further elaboration and development " are " those offered in competition" by "P. W. Bartlett, Carl Rohl-Smith, C. H. Niehaus, and J. Massey Rhind," and as "entitled to one of the $1,000 premiums for merit, the models submitted by H. K. Bush Brown." The commission had before them the report of the committee from the National Sculpture Society, which reached nearly the same conclusion. The four sculptors who competed for the final judgment were required to send, free of expense and risk, to Gen. G. M. Dodge, president of the Society of the Army of the Tennessee, care of the Secretary of War, Washington, D. C, on or before May 15, 1896, their designs, on a scale of 2 inches to 1 foot, complete, for award to the artist whose design was considered 20 Introduction. satisfactory. In addition to the premium to the three unsuc- cessful artists, $250 were added for additional labor, all other requirements for these models to be in conformity with the circulars of March 22 and June 20, 1895, and the location defined by the committee. At the meeting of May 26, 1896, Major-Geueral Dodge was authorized to act for the commission and committee in all mat- ters of executing contracts for the erection of the statue and to pay out of the funds under their control in pursuance of said contracts and to see the same duly executed. THE AWARD. At a meeting of the commission at the Office of the Secretary of War on Ma) - 27, 1896, General Dodge was made chairman. A secret ballot was taken, without consultation with each other, when it was resolved to accept the model of Carl Rohl-Smith, of Chicago, conditional upon compliance in all respects with the plans and specifications and requirements of the commission and committee appointed by acts of Congress and the Society of the Army of the Tennessee. The committee of award were: The Secretary of War, Mr. Damon t. The General of the Army, General Miles. Maj. Gen. G~enville M. Dodge, President of the Society of the Army of the Tennessee, chairman. Col. D. B. Henderson, ] Of the General Sherman Gen. J. W. Noble, Statue Committee, Society Col. Augustus Jacobsou, of the Army of the Ten- Col. Cornelius Cadle, J uessee. In cooperation with their labors of selection, the commission, as announced in their rules, invited a committee of the National Sculpture Society to pass upon the artistic character of the Introduction. 2i models. This committee was composed of Augustus St. Gaudens, Bruce Price, J. Q. A. Ward, and D. C. French, who met on January 15, 1896, and examined the models. THE CONTRACT. The articles of agreement, dated at Washington, D. C, November 18, 1896, were drawn and signed between Daniel S. Damont, Secretary of War, Nelson A. Miles, Major-General Commanding U. S. Army, and G. M. Dodge, president of the Society of the Army of the Tennessee, first part, and Carl Rohl-Smith, sculptor, of Chicago, of the second part, as follows: By whereases the appropriations by Congress, submission and accept- ance of the model and selection of a site are specifically set forth. Therefore it is covenanted and agreed between the parties of the first part above named, on behalf of the United States of America and the party of the second part, also above named, that the party of the second part for himself, heirs, etc., will design, model, sculpture, construct, erect, and deliver, within four years from the date of signing the agree- ment, a bronze equestrian statute of the late Gen. Wiuum Tecumseh Sherman, together with a granite pedestal therefor, including certain bronze figures and other bronze work and including also the foundation and base upon which said pedestal is to rest, all complete, to constitute a monument; that he will erect said monument on the site selected and upon the general design shown by the model approved by the committee of the Army of the Tennessee and an amended model as suggested to be prepared and submitted to the committee of the Army of the Tennessee, the Secretary of War, and the Major-General commanding the Army and approved before work is commenced, etc. Then follow specifications for "pedestal for statue of General Sher- man" above named, the concrete, the foundation of the pedestal proper, of the terrace walls, the buttresses on either side of each flight of steps to be of squared stone masonry, of granite or gneiss of established quality laid in cement of quality as specified for concrete, all according to accepted plans, the shape and size of every stone to be shown in the drawings and strictly followed. Then is set forth necessary mechanical data and details, of which the following is the substance: Lettering to be satisfactory to the party of the first part. 22 Introduction. BRONZE WORK. The main pedestal winch carries the equestrian portrait, statue of Gen- eral Sherman, height, \~ feet 6 inches. Group representing "War," height, 8 feet 6 inches. Group representing " Peace," height, 8 feet 6 inches. Base relief, "Marching through Georgia," size, 7 feet 6 inches by 3 feet 9 inches. Base relief, "Rattle of Atlanta," size, 7 feet 6 inches by 3 feet 9 inches. Base relief, "General SHERMAN planning while the Army sleeps," size, 4 feet by 3 feet 9 inches. I'.ase relief, "Missionary Ridge," size 4 feet by 3 feet 9 inches. Badge of Society of the Army of the Tennessee, size, 5 feet by 1 foot 6 inches. Coat of arms of the United States, size, 5 feet-by 1 foot 6 inches. ( )n the four corner pedestals: Statue representing "The Corps of Kngineers," height, 6 feet 6 inches. Statue representing "The Cavalry," height, 6 feet 6 inches. Statue representing "The Artillery," height, 6 feet 6 inches. Statue representing "The Infantry," height, 6 feet 6 inches. Eight portrait medallions to be selected by the commander of the Army of the Tennessee, 1 foot 3 inches by 1 foot 3 inches. Models of all the above to be prepared by the party of the first part and submitted for the approval of the parties of the second part before cast. To he cast in United States standard bronze from one-fourth to three- eighths of an inch in thickness. Samples subject to test. The bottom edge of the plinth of all the statues to be filed true and out of wind, so as to fit closely to the granite. The equestrian statue to have two pieces of steel 2 'j inches square cast solid in one of the fore legs and in one of the hind legs of the horse; to extend into the cap stone 1 foot, and to be secured firmly in place by type metal run hot around them. In addition to these bars to be two bronze expansion bolts 1 l 2 ' inches in diameter put down through the bronze plinth, extending into the granite capstone 9 inches, the bolts being of Tobiu bronze. All the other statues to be securely fastened to the granite with bronze expansion bolts of a suitable size and of the same material. All base reliefs, medallions, and emblems to be securely fastened to the granite with bronze bolts of the same metal as the base reliefs, the outside ends headed and finished not t 1 show. The work specified to be done by the artist and not by others. The parties of the first part covenanted to pay out of the appropriations the aggregate sum of $79,000, and from funds subscribed and furnished by the Society of the Army of the Tennessee the further sum of $ 11,000. Introduction. 23 Payments to be made as follows: First. Five thousand dollars when the foundation shall be completed ready for setting the pedestal and accepted. Second. Fifteen thousand dollars when the pedestal shall be completed and ready for the equestrian statue and accepted. Third. Fifteen thousand dollars when the terrace shall be completed and accepted. Fourth. Five thousand dollars when the entire granite and brickwork shall be completed and accepted. Fifth. Twenty thousand dollars upon the completion and acceptance of the bronze equestrian statue and all other bronze work at the foundry free of all incumbrances. Sixth. Nineteen thousand dollars when the bronze statue, emblems, base reliefs, etc., are all in position and the whole work completed and accepted by the parties of the first part. The $11,000 paid by the Society of the Army of the Tennessee through its president to be : First. Two thousand dollars on signing of the contract for work on accepted models. Second. Two thousand five hundred dollar* when the plaster model of the equestrian group 'was accepted. Third. Two thousand five hundred dollars when plaster models of the two groups, bas-reliefs, and emblems were accepted. Fourth. Two thousand five hundred dollars when plaster models of the four corner figures were accepted. Fifth. One thousand five hundred dollars when all the bronze work was cast and accepted at the foundry. All these terms were to be carried out under the direction of General Dodge, representing the commission, by the United States engineer of public buildings and grounds in charge of the work on the monument. The subfoundation of the statue, which was completed in December, 1898, contains 397.7 cubic yards of concrete; 1 , 142 of sand and filling; 284 of back filling, and 1,680 of excavation; 204 piles, and 19,717 feet of timber. 24 Introductions The following are the measurements proposed by the sculptor in the accepted model and enlargements proposed by the com- mission: Height of monument Height of equestrian Height of pedestal Length of terrace Ground covered from steps in front to steps in rear Length of lowest step Height of " War" and " Peace" Height of corner figures By the sculpt or. Ft. in. 47 6 17 6 3° 37 55 s 25 8 6 6 6 By the commis- sion. Ft. in. 50 6 17 6 33 ° 41 o 59 8 35 ° 9 6 DEATH OF THR SCULPTOR. At the meeting of December 3, 1900, General Dodge, presi- dent, announced the death of the sculptor at Copenhagen, Denmark, on August 20, which was communicated by cable August 21 and letter August 29, 1900. Also of the desire of the widow of the sculptor to complete the statue herself with such artistic assistance as she could secure. It was agreed to permit the personal representatives of the late Carl Rohl-Smith to proceed without unnecessary delay to perform the contract in accordance with the designs approved. Meetings were held from time to time as the work progressed and to meet exigencies as they arose. Every facility in the way of a building was arranged for the convenience of the sculptor. On February 19, 1898, the order for the construction of the foundation and pedestal was given by the commission, and work began in the spring. THE STATUE. SHERMAN PLAZA. After many suggestions and objections by Congress to the East Plaza of the Capitol, the Secretary of War, Mr. Lamont, the Commanding General of the Army, General Miles, and the president of the Society of the Army of the Tennessee, General Dodge, selected as the site "for the Society of the Army of the Tennessee's equestrian statue of General Sherman" that por- tion of the grounds south of the Treasury Department, bounded as follows: On the north by the street immediately south of the Treasury Department; on the east by Fifteenth street; on the south by D street extended, and on the west by the gravel road around the ellipse and the south grounds of the Executive Mansion. By the appropriation act (urgent deficiency ) approved Feb- ruary 1 8, 1904, Congress declared: "and for the improvement of the grounds in its (the monument ) vicinity, which grounds shall be hereafter known as Sherman Plaza. ' ' This gives the site its official name and embraces the area defined by the bounds as fixed above by the Sherman Statue Commission. The site is commanding and in keeping with the fame of the subject of commemoration. On the north rises the Greek por- tico of the Treasury Department, suggesting the classic in architecture. On the east stretches away toward the Capitol (25) 26 The Statue. Pennsylvania avenue, the via triumphalis of Washington, remi- niscent of the great review and reminding of the everyday life of the city. On the south stretch beautiful landscape effects, with the tall, slender outline of the Washington Monument in the dis- tance. On the west are seen the picturesque trees and drives of the south park of the White House, with a glimpse of the chaste white Ionic outlines of the home of the Presidents through the varicolored foliage. THE SCULPTOR. Carl Rohl-Smith was born at Roskild, Denmark, April 3, 1848. In his early years he showed the artistic bent of his thoughts hy many well-executed pieces in such rude material as he found at hand. As a youth he was given the advantage of instruction and practice under some of the best Danish sculp- tors. After acquiring considerable reputation in Europe he came to the United States in the early eighties, locating in Chicago and becoming a naturalized citizen. He not only stood in the first rank of his profession, but, possessing the character- istics of a striking personality, had won friends in every walk of life. Among his best works are the Soldiers and Sailors' Mon- ument, at Des Moines, Iowa; the Indian Massacre, an order from the late George Pullman; the Frontiersman, at Austin, Tex., and statues for the Woman's Temple, Chicago. Upon securing the Sherman commission he removed to Washington. In 1900, as a brief respite from his labors, he visited Denmark, where he was suddenly taken fatally ill, his death occurring on August 20 of that year in Denmark. The story of the inauguration of the work and its prosecu- tion, as well as the sentiment wrought in bronze, is impressively told by the widow of the deceased sculptor. S. Doc. 320—58-2. In Charge. &&*S<>, SHERMAN PLAZA. Location, boundaries, and position of the Sherman Monument and its surroundings. S. Doc. 320—58-2. CARL ROHL-SMITH, SCULPTOR. The Statue. 27 THE STORY OF THE SHERMAN MONUMENT. By Mrs. Carl Rohl-Smith. As the result of a competition held in January, 1896, Carl Rohl-Smith was selected the designer and sculptor of the Sherman monument. His sketches, which were commenced in the previous year, underwent some elaboration before his signing the contract with the representatives of the Government of the United States and the Society of the Army of the Tennessee, wherein he agreed to complete the monument in four years for the sum of $90,000, giving his bond for #30,000. In the summer of 1897 he moved to Washington, D. C, where he erected a studio and worked incessantly for three years to make the monument a success. Finding the time allowed in the original contract to be insuffi- cient, he applied for and was granted one year's extension, which placed the time of completion to December, 1901, stating in his letter of applica- tion, "If one year is not enough, I shall ask for more. This work should not suffer on account of lack of time." On August 20, 1900, Carl Rohl-Smith died in Copenhagen, Denmark. As to the location of the monument and the general idea by which he had been guided in the elaboration of the sketch model, Rohl-Smith expressed himself in the detailed description accompanying his design as follows: "The gentle sloping grounds south of the Treasury building, with the noble Greek architecture, makes one of the finest sites in the country for a colossal monument, and in elaborating my sketch model I have chosen to preserve the classic style of n\y first model, both because I think it is the most expressive form for representing General Sherman in sculpture, and at the same time it brings the monument into harmony with this splendid building. I regard it as highly important that tin; monument be thus brought into artistic harmony and relation with its surroundings. The canons of art and the rules for placing monuments in ancient and modern times all point in this direction, and I think it would be fatal to the artistic success of the memorial to disregard these consid- erations." Rohl-Smith was much impressed with the character of General Sher- man and decided to portray him in his full vigor, as he was known by all his fellow-participants in the war. The monument having such a commanding position, overlooking 28 The Statue. historic Pennsylvania avenue, the sculptor thought the most fitting repre- sentation of Sherman was to picture him as, "on the happiest day of his life," he rode up the avenue, with a true military hearing, acknowledging the plaudits of the people. Rohl-Smith thought that Sherman on such an occasion would select a gentle animal, and has portrayed the man as having complete control over the horse, both the rider and his mount being at ease, perfectly understanding each other. The bas-reliefs are meant to suggest episodes from Sherman's life. The " March through Georgia " (on the north side) was found not to he so dangerous as feared in the North. The men are singing and somebodv calling out to " Uncle Billy," who is coming up from behind, accompanied by his staff — Dayton, McCoy, and Audenried — with Osterhaus farther out to the left, while the colored folks, hearing the clatter of the hoofs, have stepped outside their huts and with awe look at the spectacle, not exactly understanding the " cause." The " Battle of Atlanta," on the south side of the monument, is not so much intended to give the historical facts, which all know, as the sense of the battle witnessed from General Sherman's headquarters, so well described in his own memoirs. Hearing the cannonade, he and his staff are seen outside the Howard house, listening to what is going on in the distance. To give the effect of a scene 6 or 7 miles distant in a bas-relief is a diffi- cult undertaking, but Rohl-Smith has made the attempt in his endeavor to picture the Sixteenth Army Corps repulsing the attack of the opposing forces, thereby saving the army from defeat. Nothing but smoke can be seen from headquarters. McPherson has left a short while ago. Little do they expect that the escort which is Hearing (in the left corner of the bas-relief) shall be an escort for his body. Generals Howard and Schofield were for a short time with Sherman at headquarters, and Colonel Poe is seen giving information from a chart. " Sherman at the Campfire," on the west side, is a free conception after the words of Col. S. H. M. Byers in Some Personal Recollections of General Sherman: "While others slept his little campfire was burning, and often in the long vigils of the night I have seen a tall form walking up and down by that fire." And later: " It was a singularly impressive sight to see this solitary figure walking there by the flickering campfire while the army slept." The Statue. 29 By "Missionary Ridge" on the east side is thought of the trying day when Sherman had his troops engaged from "dawn of day." He is seen waiting — waiting for signs of General Thomas moving on the center. His men are fighting on the hills in the Backgrounds. There are two groups, "War" and "Peace," one on each side of the monument. "War" is personified by a terrible woman who tramples humanity under feet, tearing all ties asunder, illustrating Sherman's words, "War is hell !" With her are vultures. " Peace " is showm as a young girl with a flowering branch of a fruit tree. At her feet we see at one side the strong taking care of the weak; at the other, the animals being fed — intended to give the ideal and the material side of life. To erect a monument in honor of this great commander without doing honor to his men would hardly be in the spirit of the man. Therefore there are medallions of his army and corps commanders: McPherson- Howard, Logan-Blair, Dodge-Ransom, and Grierson-Smith, and four sol- diers on watch around the monument. They represent Infantry, Cavalrv, Artillery, and Engineers, but Rohl-Smith was more interested in giving the different types of good American boys, which made up the army, believing that the uniforms were not the most essential features. The badge of the Society of the Army of the Tennessee is given on the south side, below the "Battle of Atlanta." The pedestal is built by the Harrison Granite Company, of New York, and the granite furnished by the Fletcher Granite Company, of Vermont. The site chosen for the monument presented difficulties, for it was made ground and water was discovered in the bottom. It was found necessary to sink piles to a depth of 35 feet below the original foundation, so that the depth of the foundation became deeper than the height above ground. For the additional foundation Congress appropriated the sum of nearly $10,000. By the time of Rohl-Smith 's death the monument was brought so far for- ward that the commission in charge of the work deemed it best to let his widow have it completed according to his plans and desires. The granite pedestal was set and paid for by the Government in the spring of 1900. Of the sculpture, the working model for the equestrian and the three full- sized soldiers were completed. The fourth was commenced in wax. The four bas-reliefs were nearly completed, and the armature for the colossal 30 The Statue. equestrian was built, ready for the wax. The models for the groups "War" and "Peace" were carefully worked out in accordance with the monument. Lauritz Jensen, of Copenhagen, completed the colossal equestrian. He also put the final touches on the bas-reliefs and made the badge of the Army of the Tennessee. Sigvald Asbjornsen, of Chicago, completed the fourth soldier, and Mrs. Theo. A. Ruggles Kitson, of Boston, made the four double medallions. Stephen Sinding, of Copenhagen, started the groups "War" and "Peace" in Denmark, after having promised to bring them over and complete them in the United States. As they were about to be shipped he was taken ill, and sent Carl J. Bonnesen in his place. After having completed the group "Peace" he returned to Denmark, and Sigvald Asbjornsen completed the group "War." All the sculpture is cast by the Gorham Manufacturing Company, Prov- idence, R. I. According to Rohl-Smith's desire, a band of mosaic is laid around the monument, 6 feet wide, with two low steps. In the mosaic is laid the names of all the battles in which Sherman took part. Congress appro- priated $8,000 for the mosaic, Mrs. Rohl-Smith made the design, and the National Mosaic Company, of Washington, D. C, has laid it. INSCRIPTIONS, EMBLEMS, AND BAS-RELIEFS. The following are the inscriptions, subjects of the bronze bas-reliefs, medallions, figures, and emblems on the pedestal and mosaic pavement around the base of the statue: [North.] WILLIAM TECUMSBH SHERMAN 1820-1891 Bas-relief — Sherman's March through Georgia " On no earthly account will I do any act or think any thought hostile to or in defiance of the Old Government of the United States" Alexandria, La., Jan. iSth, 1861. "War's Legitimate Object Is More Perfect Peace." Washington, I). C, Feby. 23rd, 1882 The Statue. 31 Inscriptions in the mosaic pavement at the base of the pedestal: " Gtiswoldville— Waynesboro— Fort McAllister -Capture of Savannah - Averasboro— Bentonville— Durham Station— .Surrender of Johnston's Army." Bronze figures northeast angle of base: "Artillery" Bronze figures northwest angle of base: "Infantry." [East.] Allegorical group "Peace." Bas-relief "Battle of Missionary Ridge." Medallions north side of bas-relief: McPherson. Howard. South side of bas-relief: Grierson. A. J. .Smith. Bronze figures northeast angle: "Artillery." Bronze figures southeast angle: "Cavalry." Mosaic pavement around the base — inscriptions: "Kenesaw Mountain— Ruff's Mill— Peach Tree Creek— Atlanta- Ezra Church— Utoy Creek— Jonesboro— Capture of Atlanta— Allatoona. " [South.] Seminole War, 1840-1842 War in Mexico, 1S47-1S48 Occupation of California Civil war, 1861-1865 General commanding the Army of the United .States 1869-1S84 Bas-relief: "The Battle of Atlanta." Spread eagle in bronze with shield on breast 1 /cartridge box\ 3« \ 40 rounds / Erected by the Society of the Army of the Tennessee with the aid of "Should be 1-5 Sherman's corps command. S. Doc. 320, 58-2 3 32 The Statue. The Congress of the United States 1903. Bronze figures southeast angle: " Cavalry." Bronze figures southwest angle: " Engineers." Mosaic pavement around the base — inscriptions: "Chattanooga — Ringgold — Missionary Ridge — Relief of Knoxville- Meridian Expedition — -Dalton — Resaca — New Hope Church — Dallas — Kulp's Farm." [West.] Allegorical group "War" Bas-relief " Sherman in camp at night." Medallions north side of bas-relief: Blair Logan South side of bas-relief: Ransom Dodge Bronze figures northwest angle: " Infantry" Bronze figures southwest angle: " Engineers." Mosaic pavement around the base — inscriptions: "Bull Run — Shiloh— Corinth— Chickasaw Bluffs- Arkansas Post — Steeles Bayou — Jackson — Vicksburg — Colliersville. ' S. Doc. 320—58-2. THE SHERMAN MONUMENT. Plan of stands and court during the ceremonies of unveiling, October 15, 1903. THE ARRANGEMENTS. In every respect the preparations were on a scale and in design in entire harmony with the memorial character of the event and the fame of the subject of commemoration. THE STANDS. The arrangement of the stands afforded an admirable view of the statue and entire proceedings, and being within hearing distance of the speakers the assemblage possessed a decided advantage over previous occasions of a similar character. The grand stand (white) extended across the north side of the inclosure facing south, the front of the statue, for the accom- modation of the President and official and nonofficial guests. The right or west stand (blue) faced obliquely to the north- east, looking toward the President's seat, and was arranged in eight divisions for the use of the societies of the Armies of the Tennessee and Cumberland. The left or east (red) stand, also in eight divisions, faced obliquely to the northwest toward the grand stand and was set apart for the societies of the Armies of the Potomac and Ohio. At the foot of the western half of the front of the grand stand were seats and tables for the press and a Western Union telegraph operator, wires having been connected with the main office. About 150 park settees for maimed soldiers of the civil war, in blue and white, were arranged obliquely facing inward along the eastern and western sides of the base of the statue. (33 34 The Arrangements. The seating accommodations aggregated 2,400, viz., grand stand (north), 350; those on either side (east and west), each 1,050; the park settees, about 500. THE FLAG DECORATIONS. The colors employed were national — red, white, and blue. The President's stand, being the center of attraction, was not only tastefully arrayed with an outside display of national flags, but within was entirely covered and draped in the ceiling and supports of the roof and sides and rear. In this were used 10 large garrison flags, 25 post flags, 22 storm flags, 100 small camp-color flags, 563 yards of white cheese cloth in covering the ceiling and supports of the roof, and 275 yards of colored cheese cloth on the outer posts of the stand to conform with the flag decoration. Also a large number of smaller decorations, as eagles, shields, small silk flags, etc. The draping over the front, sides, and back was particularly effective. At either corner on the front was a corps flag. The part of the grand stand used by the President, Cabinet, and other noted guests was furnished in keeping with the surroundings, the President's seat being a large leather overstuffed armchair, and those of the members of the Cabinet, speakers, and other dis- tinguished guests golden oak leather cushioned. The floor was covered with Turkish rugs. Strips of carpet were placed on the steps to the stand and three aisles leading to the reserved seats. In the decoration of the wing stands 9 post flags were draped in front between the sections, and 9 storm flags and 9 corps flags on staffs were flown over the front and back about the center of the seating sections with excellent effect. The statue was hidden behind 2 large garrison flags placed parallel to the sides, suspended by rings from a guide wire east and west and looped together at the top, front, and rear. The The Arrangements. 35 loosing cord in front was arranged to disengage the flags at the top At the lower end for the time being hung a weighted cluster of flowers and ribbons. The figures at the four corners of the base were each wrapped in a post flag, so arranged as to be conveniently removed. FLORAL DISPLAY. The flower features were particularly elaborate and artistic. As a center piece rose the pedestal and surmounting statue with its draping of the national emblem. On the steps at each of the four sides leading up to the mosaic platform around the base stood at an incline a shield 6 feet high of red, white, and blue everlastings, with a border bearing its appropriate inscrip- tion— that on the north steps, Society of the Army of the Ten- nessee; east, Potomac; south, Ohio; west, Cumberland. At the foot of each shield lay two branches of palms, the stems crossed and fastened with ribbons. At the foot of each of the corner figures was a wreath of leaves 7 feet in diameter. Between the foot of each shield and these wreaths, and con- necting them, ran a festoon of laurel leaves 7 inches in diam- eter entirely around the mosaic platform. Against each corner, at the foot of the base, stood a wooden shield, hand painted in gold, 6 feet high, each emblazoned with the arms of one of the four societies-northeast, Potomac; southeast, Ohio; southwest, Cumberland; northwest, Tennes- see. These shields were united by an inner line of festoons of galox leaves, forming a semicircle, from corner to corner, passing around by the top of the floral shields first mentioned, being caught with floral knots. The total length of these fes- toons was about 400 feet." and grounds and the floral shields, festoons, etc., were furnished by A. Gude & Co., florists, Washington, D. C 36 The Arrangements. INVITATIONS. Under the direction of Col. T. W. Symons, circulars of request for lists of officers of the various branches of the Government and others proper to be invited were issued. Based upon the schedules of names officially reported in reply, 2,171 invitations were distributed. In order to avoid the confusion hitherto attending similar occasions, the invitation card embodied the name of the guest, as follows: FORM OF INVITATION. The Sherman Statue Commission requests the honor of the presence of at the unveiling of the Statue of General William Tecumseh Sherman at the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and Fifteenth Street, N. W. October Fifteenth, nineteen hundred and three at two thirtv o'clock. Commission Major Genl. Grenville M. Dodge, President, Society Arm}' of the Tennessee. Hon. Robert Shaw Oliver, Acting Secretary of War. Lieut. Genl. S. B. M. Young, Chief of Staff, U. S. Army. Colonel Thomas W. Symons, Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army, in charge of Monument and Ceremonies. FORM OF REQUEST FOR REPLA'. The favor of a reply is requested addressed to Colonel T. W. Symons, V. S. Army, Washington, D. C. These were inclosed in an envelope officially marked— - OFFICE OF THE SHERMAN STATUE COMMISSION I729 NEW YORK AVENUE, WASHINGTON, D. C. 1 Superscription.) (Address.) The Arrangements. 37 The result was eminently satisfactory, each guest being pro- vided with a correctly assigned seat, and practically all seats being occupied. Others were debarred from occupying places during the unseemly rushes which had so often marred the dignity and comfort of public ceremonies of this character. As data for future reference it should be said that from the 2,171 invitations issued 1,600 replies were received, of which about 1,100 were acceptances. The invitations were mailed to their respective superscriptions about three weeks in advance of the event. A check list of acceptances and declinations and those not responded to was kept. Upon the acceptance list tickets to the stands were classified and issued so as to bring together in a bod}- the official group, organization, or society in the particular section assigned to it. As far as possible in the arrangement of sections the usual order of precedence was observed, the President's stand naturally being the post of honor and the objective point from which the entire system was arranged. In connection with the specific lists, blank invitations aggre- gating 750 were given to the societies of the four armies with which General Sherman had been associated — of the Tennessee, of the Cumberland, of the Ohio, and of the Potomac — for distri- bution among their visiting comrades. TICKETS. With an authoritative list of acceptances classified and an arrangement of seats to correspond, of which there was a work- ing plan exhibiting seat numbers to correspond with ticket numbers, the placing of holders of invitations was rapid and convenient. The seat tickets, in small envelopes, contained the name of the stand, the number and location being inserted in red ink on the typewritten list. By this means it was also 3§ The Arrangements. possible to locate certain guests or to issue duplicates of the same ticket, with a check upon any further attempt on the same seat. ADMISSION TICKETS FORM. Ticket. Sec. North (East or West ) Stand No.- Coupon No.— Admit Bearer to the Unveiling Ceremonies of the Sherman Statue. Guests should be in their seats by 2 P. M. in order to see the parade and review be- fore the unveiling ceremonies. EAST STAND Washington, D. C, Oct. 15th, 1903. Colors. North Stand (The President's). East Stand. West Stand. Sec. White. (The President, Commission, Diplo- matic Corps, Senators, Represent- atives, and other guests. ) Red. (Societies of the Armies of the Ohio and Potomac. ) Blue. (Societies of the Tennessee and the Cumberland. ) An overflow ticket (green) was issued for south entrance, east and west, admitting only after the parade and review. Seats on park settees on the court were provided. POLICE ARRANGEMENTS. In order to facilitate the movement of the military and naval parade, and to maintain peace and order in connection with the exercises, ample details of officers, mounted men, and privates of the Metropolitan force, with careful instructions, were stationed along the route of parade, clearing the streets from The Arrangements. 39 curb to curb, and near the stands, with directions to regulate the arrival and departure of carriages according to the circular of rules, to keep the areas inside of the ropes about the statue space clear of obstructions or intrusion, and to maintain a clear space of at least 20 feet on either side for the entrance and departure of the distinguished guests from the White House; also to keep the avenues south clear of vehicles, and regulate the arrival and departure of such as are permitted to enter. It was specially noted that persons having a white, red, blue, or green ticket with section and stand noted thereon, as per samples, were to be admitted to all inclosures. It was also required to exercise care in properly directing and assisting all persons having tickets. A patrol wagon and ambulance were in readiness. Members of the force, except along route of parade, appeared in sack coats and white gloves. carriage; regulations. The rules to be observed by carriages in attendance at the ceremonies were equally successful, as follows: All carriages entered from the north by way of east Bxecu- tive avenue, between the Treasury building and the White House, and the occupants were required to exhibit their tickets, admitting them to the reviewing stands, to the policemen stationed at the head of this avenue. Carriages then proceeded down this avenue to the reviewing stands, leaving their occupants at the southwest corner of the Treasury building. No carriages were permitted to enter the roadway between the Treasury building and the reviewing stands, passengers being obliged to be left at the point designated. After leaving passengers carriages continued on the road- way, following the iron fence south of the White House to 4-0 The Arrangements. Pennsylvania avenue by the way of west Executive avenue, between the State, War, and Navy building and the Executive office building, and were parked in east Executive avenue, one line on each side of the street, standing lengthwise as far down as a point opposite the south end of the Treasury building and on the north side of Pennsylvania avenue adjoining Lafayette Park. After the President and his party left the stand and entered the White House grounds upon the completion of the cere- monies, carriages were admitted to approach the reviewing stands for occupants and load on both .sides of the street at same point where passengers were deposited, and after loading proceeded by the same route to Pennsylvania avenue as for- merly, thus keeping the carriages traveling in one direction. Carriages were not permitted to stop at the place where un- loaded any longer than absolutely necessary to leave occupants. It was urgently requested that all carriages arrive and be out of the way by 2. 15 so as not to interfere with the parade. From 2.30 until the time the President and his party left the stand no carriage was allowed to cross the roadway opposite the southeast gate of the White House grounds. Any of the guests leaving the stand before the completion of the ceremonies were able to find their carriages in east Execu- tive avenue or Pennsylvania avenue, where parked as directed above. THE GUESTS. The following guests occupied the President's box: The President and Mrs. Roosevelt. The Cabinet and Secretary to the President The Statue Commission. The speakers. The Arrangements. 41 The clergymen officiating. The Assistant Secretary to the President. Mrs. Sara Rohl-Smith, widow of the sculptor, Mr. Peter Suhr. Col. Thomas W. Symons, U. S. Army, Engineer in charge of Monument and unveiling ceremonies, aid to the President. Capt. William S. Cowles, U. S. Navy, aid to the Presi- dent. Master William Tecumseh v Sherman Thorndike, grand- son of General Sherman. The remaining sections of the President's stand were occu- pied by the Diplomatic Corps, Senators and Representatives, the Chief Justice and Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States, military, naval, and marine officers of general rank, and the higher civil officers of the three coordinate branches of the Government and others of suitable rank, governors of States and Territories and United States dependencies. The east stand (red) was occupied by veterans of the — Society of the Army of the Potomac. — Gen. John R. Brooke, president; Col. William P. Fox, corresponding secretary; Col. Horatio C. King, recording secretary; Lieut. Frank S. Halliday, treasurer. Society of t lie Army of the Ohio. — Lieut. Gen. J. M. Schofield, president; Maj. J. F. Stewart, treasurer; Capt. George Redway, first vice-president; Prof. J. Fraise Richard, secretary and his- torian. The west stand (blue) was occupied by veterans of the — Society of the Army of the Tennessee. — Gen. Grenville M. Dodge, president; Maj. A. M. Van Dyke, treasurer; Gen. 42 The Arrangements. Andrew Hickenlooper, corresponding secretary; Col. Cornelius Cadle, recording secretary. Society of the Army of the Cumberland. — Gen. H. V. Boynton, president; Gen. Frank G. Smith, treasurer; Maj. John Twee- dale, U. S. Army, corresponding secretary; Col. J. W. Steele, recording secretary; Col. G. C. Kniffin, historian. Settees at the base of the statue were occupied by maimed soldiers of the civil war. SEATING OF THE GUESTS. The guests as they arrived were promptly shown to their places by a reception committee of forty-three gentlemen who had previously acquainted themselves with their duties and the location of seats. Although the number to be seated was several thousand, this usually confusing feature of great public occasions was not in the least in evidence. ARRIVAL OF THE PRESIDENT. The President having left the White House as previously arranged, accompanied by the Cabinet and his two aids, walked through the south park to the southeast gate. At this point a detachment of the First Regiment, Minute Men (Continentals), of Washington, D. C, Colonel Winter, com- manding, received him at salute. Then in platoon, as a van- guard of honor and advancing, the procession moved in the following order: Col. T. W. Symons, Corps Engineers, U. S. Army, in charge of monument and ceremonies, and Capt. W. S. Cowles, U. S. Navy; the President and General Dodge, president .of the Society of the Army of the Ten- nessee and presiding officer; Secretaries Hay and Shaw; Acting Secretary Oliver and Attorney-General Knox; Post- master-General Payne and Secretary Moody; Secretaries The Arraiigements. 43 Hitchcock and Wilson; Secretary Cortelyou and the Secre- tary to the President. Rear guard of honor, Commander Kimball and staff, Department of the Potomac, Grand Army of the Republic. The route of march was along the drive south of the Treasury Department to the east end of the grand stand, thence turning south and then west along the front. As the President approached and ascended to the platform the Minute Men stood at salute, the United States Marine band at the north base of the monument played "Hail to the Chief," and the assemblage rose with great cheering. As the President took his seat the "President's flag" was flown from the peak of the staff on the top of the grand stand. S. Doc. 320—58-2 rf>^*T2*--V' LIEUT. GEN. S. B. M. YOUNG, GRAND MARSHAL, LEADING COLUMN IN REVIEW. 8. Doc. 320-68 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA NATIONAL GUARD PASSING IN REVIEW BEFORE THE PRESIDENT. THE PARADE. A PAGEANT OF WAR. The military and naval pageant was restricted to the United States forces, Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, stationed in the vicinity of Washington, and the National Guard of the District of Columbia, under command of Lieut. Gen. S. B. M. Young. The display was exceptionally fine. In order, discipline, and array it would undoubtedly have received generous approval from our hero himself, one of the greatest of disciplinarians, had he been present in flesh as he manifestly was in spirit. PARADE FORMATION. The orders for the military and naval parade were published for the information and guidance of all concerned in General Orders, No. i, Headquarters of the Grand Marshal, War De- partment, Washington, October 8, 1903, the organization being as follows: Lieut. Gen. S. B. M. Young, U. S. Army, grand marshal. Brig. Gen. W. H. Carter, U. S. Army, chief of staff. Col. William P. Hall, Adjutant-General's Department, U. S. Army, Adjutant-General. FIRST DIVISION. Col. Winfield S. Edgerly, Second U. S. Cavalry, marshal. Second Battalion of Engineers, U. S. Army. Thirty-seventh, Forty-fourth, and One hundred and fourth Companies Coast Artillery, U. S. Army. (45) S. Doc. 320, 58-2 4 46 The Parade. Second Squadron, Second Cavalry, U. S. Army. Fourth Field Battery, U. S. Army. Detachment of Hospital Corps, U. S. Army ( Fort Myer, Va. ). Battalion United States Marines. Two battalions United States seamen. SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. George H. Harries, National Guard, District of Columbia, marshal. Second Regiment, National Guard, District of Columbia. First Regiment, National Guard, District of Columbia. First Separate Battalion, National Guard, District of Columbia. Signal Corps, National Guard, District of Columbia. Naval Battalion, National Guard, District of Columbia. First Battery Field Artillery, National Guard, District of Columbia. Ambulance Corps, National Guard, District of Columbia. II. Dress uniforms worn. III. (Denning location of rendezvous positions of first division.) IV. (The same for second division. ) V. Organizations reported by their commanding officers to the marshals of the respective divisions. VI. The column to move at 2.30 p. m. The units to enter the column in the sequence stated in Paragraph I of this order. VII. The inarch at full distance guide right. VIII. The route of march south on Sixteenth street to H street, east on H street to Fifteenth street, south on Fifteenth street to Pennsylvania avenue, west to marker. The platoons to successively execute "fours left" as they arrive opposite the marker, enter the dedication grounds, execute "fours right," march past the reviewing stand in line; leave the ground by executing "fours right " and remain in columns of fours for the remainder of the route west to Executive avenue, then south about 300 yards, then east toward Fifteenth street, changing direction to the north in time to place the battalions in columns of fours, side by side, with 5- yard intervals, facing north and heads resting at the southern border of the dedication grounds. Cavalry and field artillery after passing in review to march toward B street and subsequently be massed in rear of the foot troops by the marshal of the first division. IX. In each division but one band to play at a time, alternating from head to rear of column. At the time of passing tbe reviewing stand bands to play as prescribed by drill regulations. X. The column reviewed by the President at the grand stand on the dedication grounds. XI. The Fourth Field Battery, U. S. Arm}', after passing in review to move to a position about 3C0 yards southwest of the statue and fire a salute The Parade. 47 of 17 guns, beginning at the moment of unveiling of the statue, the com- manding officer being charged with the necessary arrangements. XII. After the conclusion of the exercises the organizations to withdraw by the most convenient routes, avoiding main thoroughfares. XIII. No organization to execute any change of formation during the entire march unless ordered by the grand marshal. HEAD COLUMN FORWARD. The column began to move promptly at 2 p. m. from its initial point on K street facing east, head at Sixteenth street NW. The units entered the column in the sequence given in parade formation, at full distance guide right, United States cavalry in column of platoons of three fours each, artillery in column of sections, foot troops in close column of platoons of sixteen files each, National Guard of the District of Columbia close column of platoons of sixteen files each, battery in column of sections. ROUTE OF MARCH. Moving over the following route: South on Sixteenth to H street, east on H street to Fifteenth street, south on Fifteenth street to Pennsylvania avenue, west to marker. IN REVIEW. Executing "fours left" as they arrived opposite the marker, where the column entered the dedication grounds, executing "fours right" marching in review before the President on the grand stand. THE PRESIDENT. The President, surrounded by a brilliant grouping of the highest officers of the three coordinate branches of the State, the ambassadors and plenipotentiaries or representatives of thirty-six governments, great and small, of the world, and military, naval, and marine officers of general rank, occupied the place of vantage overlooking the scene, receiving the salutes of each unit of organization as it marched by. 48 The Parade. UNISON OF HARMONY AND STEP. After escorting the marines to their position in the line of the parade, the United States Marine Band, under its leader, Lieut. William H. Santelmann, occupied a place opposite to and facing the President's stand, where it rendered patriotic airs during the passing of the troops in review. At the approach of the battalions of marines the baud struck up "Semper Fidelis," a famous composition of Sousa when leader. At the conclusion of the review and immediately preceding the ceremonies the Marine Band played the always applauded "Sherman's March Through Georgia." PARADE REST. The troops left the grounds by executing "fours right," and and so moving according to the official order of march. Ap- proaching east toward Fifteenth street the column changed direction to the north in time to form battalions in columns of fours, side by side, with 5-yard intervals, facing north, and heads resting at the southern border of the dedication grounds. The cavalry and field artillerj' after review, carrying out orders, massed in the rear of the foot troops. In this position the troops remained until the conclusion of the exercises, when each organization withdrew by the most convenient route, avoiding main thoroughfares. THE DEDICATION. THE UNVEILING COMMISSION. Maj. Gen. Grenville M. Dodge, president Society Army of the Tennessee. Hon. Robert Shaw Oliver, Acting Secretary of War. Lieut. Gen. S. B. M. Young, Chief of Staff, U. S. Army. Col. Thomas W. Symons, Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army, in charge of monument and ceremonies. ORDER OF EXERCISES. The dedication of the statue of Gen. W. T. Sherman took place according to the following programme: Ceremonies commenced at 2.30 p. m., Thursday, October 15, 1903. Maj. Gen. Grenville M. Dodge, president of the Society of the Army of the Tennessee, presiding. Prayer by Rev. D. J. Stafford, of Washington, D. C. Reading of brief history and description of the statue by the presiding officer. Unveiling of the statue by William Tecumseh Sherman Thorndike, General Sherman's grandson. (At the moment of the unveiling a general salute was fired by the Fourth Field Battery, U. S. Artillery. The Marine Band played the Star Spangled Banner. ) Address by the President of the United States. (49) 50 The Dedication. Oration by Col. D. B. Henderson, of the Army of the Tennessee. Address by Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Sickles, of the Army of the Potomac. Address by Gen. Charles H. Grosvenor, of the Army of the Cumberland. Address by Gen. Thomas J. Henderson, of the Army of the Ohio. Benediction by Right Rev. Henry Y. Satterlee, Bishop of Washington. CALLED TO ORDER. The presiding officer, Maj. Gen. Grenville M. Dodge, at 2.30 p. m. called the vast assemblage to order. In recognition of his conspicuous sendees in the promotion of the memorial, from its inception in 1891 to its splendid consummation before him, he was received with the most generous greetings. He then announced Rev. D. J. Stafford, of St. Patrick's (R. C.) Church, who in invocation of the favor of the Lord of Hosts upon the ceremonies about to begin, said: THE INVOCATION. Almighty and Everlasting God, Father of all nations, look down upon us and bless us ! Upon this happy day we lift our hearts to Thee in gratitude. We thank Thee for the unparalleled progress of more than an hundred years, by which Thou hast distinguished us among the nations of the earth. We thank Thee for our glorious history, our boundless resources, our riches, our treasures, our great liberty. We thank Thee that in the hour of trial Thou didst raise up able leaders for Thy people — leaders who by courage, ability, and sacrifice saved the nation. Give us the grace to perpetuate the memory of great men, not only in monuments of stone and The Dedication. 5i brass, but still more in our hearts, by the emulation of their example and the imitation of their virtues. By them Thou didst save the Union, the Union one and indissoluble, and by Thy protection — invincible forever. Give us the grace, oh, God ! above all to know Thee and love Thee. INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS. Maj. Gen. Grenville M. Dodge, president of the Society of the Army of the Tennessee, describing the statue and giving a retrospect of its history, said: I will give a brief description of the statue. At the time of the death of General Sherman he was president of the Society of the Army of the Tennessee. That society immediately resolved to erect in Washington a suitable memorial to its great commander, and, with the aid of Congress, has given you this splendid, life-like work of art. Immediately after the great review of all the armies in Wash- ington, General Sherman went to his home in St. Louis. At that time I was in command of that department, and in describ- ing this review to me General Sherman said that he had wit- nessed the march of that magnificent and splendidly equipped Army of the Potomac, and felt a great desire that his army should make as creditable an appearance. After the review of the first day he returned to his command across the Potomac and called around him his commanding officers and told them what he had witnessed, urging upon them the necessity of their making known to their commands the necessity for them to brush up and put forth their best efforts in conduct and marching the next day. As he rode at the head of his col- umn up Pennsylvania avenue, when he reached the rise near the Treasury Department he turned and looked down the Avenue and saw his old army coming, with their old spirit, (53) 54 Introductory Address. energy, and swing, and was satisfied they would do their best; and he believed it was the happiest and most satisfactory moment of his life. The crowd seemed to appreciate his thoughts, and welcomed him with a great ovation. The sculptor, Carl Rohl-Smith, has endeavored to present General Sherman in bronze as he appeared at that moment, and you can all appreciate how ably and satisfactorily he has accom- plished his work. The two allegorical figures represent "War" and "Peace," the effects of which probably no general officer more emphat- ically enforced than General Sherman. The bas-reliefs represent on the north front the ' ' march to the sea," on the east front Sherman at Chattanooga attacking Bragg's right, on the south front the battle of Atlanta on July 22, the greatest battle of the campaign, and on the west front Sherman as many of us saw him, at midnight, walking before the campfire, with hands clasped behind him, in deep thought, while everything around was sleeping. This is so characteristic that all who served under Sherman will appreciate it. He once said to me that we little knew how many anxious hours he passed in pacing in front of his tent in thought and planning while we were quietly sleeping. The medalions represent the army and corps commanders of the Army of the Tennessee who served under Sherman. They are McPherson and Howard, Logan and Blair, Smith and Grier- son, Ransom and Dodge. The four arms of the service, engineers, cavalry, artillery, and infantry, are each represented by a soldier as he appeared in a campaign. The mosaic walk surrounding the monument has in it the names of the principal battles in which General Sherman was engaged. Introductory Address. 55 It was a great misfortune that the sculptor, Carl Rohl-Smith, died with his work only half completed, but it was a very fortu- nate circumstance that his wife, Mrs. Sara Rohl-Smith, who is present to-day, could take up his work where he left it and carry it to so successful a completion, and on behalf of the commission and of the societies of the four great armies here present, and I know of all others who have seen this great work of art, I wish to extend to her our hearty thanks and appre- ciation of the great success she has achieved in the efficient and satisfactory manner in which this national statue has been com- pleted. The commission, through the courtesy of the United States minister, has placed upon the tomb of Carl Rohl-Smith, in Copenhagen, Denmark, at this moment a suitable floral tribute to his memory, and in testimony of its appreciation of his great work." a The following press dispatch appeared in the newspapers of Washington issjued on the afternoon of the ceremonies: "Copenhagen, October 15, 1903. Simultaneously with the unveiling of the equestrian statue of Gen. William T. Sherman at Washing- ton, D. C, to-day, United States Minister Swanson, by direction of the State Depart- ment, placed a wreath, bound with the Danish and American colors, on the tomb of Carl Rohl-Smith, the Danish-American sculptor who designed the monument. "Among those present were .Stephen Sinding, the Danish sculptor who completed Rohl-Smith's work; General Christensen, of Brooklyn, General Sherman's intimate friend, and the United States consul. Mr. Swanson made a brief speech." SHERMAN IN ART. During the remarks of General Dodge, Master William Tecumseh Sherman Thorndike, grandson of General Sherman, who had been standing by his side, descended from the grand stand and, proceeding across the open area in front, took a seat at the base of the northeast angle of the statue. At the conclusion of his address the presiding officer declared, ' ' The statue will now be unveiled. ' ' The cord, to which was appended a weighted bouquet, being passed into his hand, Master Thorndike, by a simple movement of the arm, unloosed the enveloping flags. HONORS. The moment the signal was given, and the national colors parted, the United States Marine Band struck up "The Star Spangled Banner," and the Fourth Field Battery, United States Army, in position about 300 yards southwest of the statue, fired a general's salute of seventeen guns, trumpets sounding three flourishes, drums beating three ruffles, and the assem- blage cheering vociferously. (57) ;-. Doc. 320—58-2. THE STATUE VEILED. S. Dnc. 320—58-2. THE STATUE VEILED. ^ S. Doc. 320—58-2. THE STATUE UNVEILED. S. Dop. 320—58-2. WILLIAM TECUMSEH SHERMAN THORNDIKE, GRANDSON OF GENERAL SHERMAN, WHO PULLED THE UNVEILING CORD. THE UNVEILING. A PANORAMIC VIEW. The illustrations show the various stages of the unveiling: ' No. i. Statue veiled. No. 2. Statue unveiled. No. 3. Bird's-eye view of court. No. 4. William Teeumseh Sherman Thorndike. From the unveiling of the ' ' Equestrian ' ' Master Thorndike stepped to the bronze figure on the northeast, where, throwing open a corner of the enveloping flag, two veterans stepped for- ward and finished the uncovering, folding the flag and placing it at the foot of the figure. The same ceremony was done at each of the three remaining figures, 'going south, west, and north. Master Thorndike, having performed his part in the ceremony with a deliberation worth}- of his great ancestor, took up his hat and bouquet, and, returning to the grand stand, pre- sented the flowers to the President, who, much touched by the neatness of the compliment, expressed his most feeling thanks. When the President left the grand stand to return to the White House he carried the bouquet with him as a souvenir of the event. (59) SHERMAN IN ORATORY. THE PRESIDENT ANNOUNCED. The presiding officer then presented the President of the United States, who was greeted with tumultuous applause, a fanfare of trumpets, and drum ruffles, the troops standing at present and the vast concourse rising. (61) S. Doc. 320, 58-2 5 THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. To-day we meet together to do honor to the memory of one of the great men whom, in the hour of her agony, our nation brought forth for her preservation. The civil war was not only in the importance of the issues at stake and of the out- come the greatest of modern times, but it w r as also, taking into account its duration, the severity of the fighting, and the size of the armies engaged, the greatest since the close of the Napoleonic struggles. Among the generals who rose to high position as leaders of the various armies in the field are many who will be remembered in our history as long as this history itself is remembered. Sheridan, the incarnation of fiery energy and prowess; Thomas, farsighted, cool-headed, whose steadfast courage burned ever highest in the supreme moment of the crisis; McClellan, with his extraordinary gift for organization; Meade, victor in one of the decisive battles of all time; Han- cock, type of the true fighting man among the Regulars; L,ogan, type of the true fighting man among the Volunteers — the names of these and of many others will endure so long as our people hold sacred the memory of the fight for union and for liberty. High among these chiefs rise the figures of Grant and of Grant's great lieutenant, Sherman, whose statue here in the national capital is to-day to be unveiled. It is not necessary here to go over the long roll of Sherman's mighty feats. They are written large throughout the history of the civil war. Our memories would be poor indeed if we did not recall them now, as we look along Pennsylvania avenue and (63) 64 The President"* s Address. think of the great triumphal march which surged down its length when, at the close of the war, the victorious armies of the East and of the West met here in the capital of the nation they had saved. There is a peculiar fitness in commemorating the great deeds of the soldiers who preserved this nation by suitable monu- ments at the national capital. I trust we shall soon have a proper statue of Abraham Lincoln, to whom, more than to an- other one man, this nation owes its salvation. Meanwhile, on behalf of the people of the nation, I wish to congratulate all of you who have been instrumental in securing the erection of this statue to General Sherman. The living can best show their respect for the memory of the great dead by the way in which they take to heart and act upon the lessons taught by the lives which made these dead men great. Our homage to-day to the memory of Sherman comes from the depths of our being. We would be unworthy citizens did we not feel profound gratitude toward him, and those like him and under him, who, when the country called in her dire need, sprang forward with such gallant eagerness to answer that call. Their blood and their toil, their endurance and patriotism, have made us and all who come after us forever their debtors. They left us not merely a reunited country, but a country incalculably greater because of its rich heritage in the deeds which thus left it reunited. As a nation we are the greater, not only for the valor and devotion to duty displayed by the men in blue, who won in the great struggle for the Union, but also for the valor and the loyalty toward what they regarded as right of the men in gray; for this war, thrice fortunate above all other recent wars in its outcome, left to all of us the right of brotherhood alike with valiant victor and valiant vanquished. The Presidents Address. 65 Moreover, our homage must not only find expression on our lips; it must also show itself forth in our deeds. It is a great and glorious thing for a nation to be stirred to present triumph by the splendid memories of triumphs in the past. But it is a shameful thing for a nation if these memories stir it only to empty boastings, to a pride that does not shrink from present abasement, to that self-satisfaction which accepts the high resolve and unbending effort of the father as an excuse for effortless ease or wrongly directed effort in the son. We of the present, if we are true to the past, must show by our lives that we have learned aright the lessons taught hy the men who did the mighty deeds of the past. We must have in us the spirit which made the men of the civil war what they were; the spirit which produced leaders such as Sherman; the spirit which gave to the average soldier the grim tenacity and re- sourcefulness that made the armies of Grant and Sherman as formidable fighting machines as this world has ever seen. We need their ruggedness of body, their keen and vigorous minds, and above all their dominant quality of forceful character. Their lives teach us in our own lives to strive after not the thing which is merely pleasant, but the thing which it is our duty to do. The life of duty, not the life of mere ease or mere pleasure, that is the kind of life which makes the great man as it makes the great nation. We can not afford to lose the virtues which made the men of '61 to '65 great in war. No man is warranted in feeling pride in the deeds of the Army and Navy of the past if he does not back up the Army and the Navy of the present. If we are farsighted in our patriotism there will be no let up in the work of building and of keeping at the highest point of efficiency a navy suited to the part the United States must hereafter play in the world, and of 66 The Presidents Address. making and keeping our small Regular Arm}-, which in the event of a great war can never be anything but the nucleus around which our volunteer armies must form themselves, the best army of its size to be found among the nations. So much for our duties in keeping unstained the honor roll our fathers made in war. It is of even more instant need that we should show their spirit of patriotism in the affairs of peace. The duties of peace are with us always; those of war are but occasional; and with a nation as with a man, the worthiness of life depends upon the way in which the everyday duties are done. The home duties are the vital duties. The nation is nothing but the aggregate of the families within its border; and if the average man is not hard-working, just, and fearless in his dealings with those about him, then our average of public life will in the end be low, for the stream can rise no higher than its source. But in addition we need to remember that a peculiar responsibility rests upon the man in public life. We meet in the capital of the nation, in the city which owes its existence to the fact that it is the seat of the National Government. It is well for us in this place, and at this time, to remember that exactly as there are certain homely qualities the lack of which will prevent the most brilliant man alive from being a useful soldier to his country, so there are certain homely qualities for the lack of which in the public servant no shrewdness or ability can atone. The greatest leaders, whether in war or in peace, must of course show a peculiar quality of genius; but the most redoubtable armies that have ever existed have been redoubt- able because the average soldier, the average officer, possessed to a high degree such comparatively simple qualities as loyalty, courage, and hardihood. And so the most successful govern- ments are those in which the average public servant possesses that variant of loyalty which we call patriotism, together with The President* s Address. 67 common sense and honesty. We can as little afford to tolerate a dishonest man in the public service as a coward in the Army. The murderer takes a single life; the corruptionist in public life, whether he be bribe giver or bribe taker, strikes at the heart of the commonwealth. In every public service, as in ever)' arm}-, there will be wrongdoers, there will occur misdeeds. This can not be avoided; but vigilant watch must be kept, and as soon as discovered the wrongdoing must be stopped and the wrongdoers punished. Remember that in popular government we must rely on the people themselves, alike for the punishment and the reformation. Those upon whom our institutions cast the initial duty of bringing malefactors to the bar of justice must be diligent in its discharge; yet in the last resort the suc- cess of their efforts to purge the public service of corruption must depend upon the attitude of the courts and of the juries drawn from the people. Leadership is of avail only so far as there is wise and resolute public sentiment behind it. In the long run, then, it depends upon us ourselves, upon us the people as a whole, whether this Government is or is not to stand in the future as it has stood in the past; and my faith that it will show no falling off is based upon my faith in the character of our average citizenship. The one supreme duty is to try to keep this average high. To this end it is well to keep alive the memory of those men who are fit to serve as examples of what is loftiest and best in American citizenship. Such a man was General Sherman. To very few in any gen- eration is it given to render such services as he rendered; but each of us in his degree can try to show something of those qualities of character upon which, in their sum, the high worth of Sherman rested — his courage, his kindliness, his clean and simple living, his sturdy good sense, his manliness and tender- ness in the intimate relations of life, and, finally, his inflexible 68 The President's Address. rectitude of soul and his loyalty to all that in this free Republic is hallowed and symbolized by the national flag. The presiding officer next called upon the orator of the dedi- cation, whose widespread soldierly, parliamentary, and forensic fame won salutations loud and long. When the enthusiasm died away he celebrated his part in the proceedings of the day as follows: S. Poc. 320—58-2. ORATION OF GENERAL HENDERSON, OF THE ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. God is a nation maker. A nation! What is it? Or, rather, what is it not? There is not room on the bosom of our generous land to place the pedestals of the monuments we might erect. It takes so many things to make a nation. It takes wealth of soul, wealth of soil, and wealth of character. It takes an army of thinkers, with great, brave leaders. It takes men and women; those who can rest in a grave and those who can rest in bronze. It takes mountain ranges, oceans, and springs. It takes the Washington Monument, Bunker Hill, and the unmarked graves of the Republic. We could not be a great nation without the Declaration of Independence, the Federal Constitution, and the songs of Whittier and Longfellow. Our sighs are part of it; so are our dying groans. Washington and Arnold, Lincoln and Davis, Grant, Sherman, and Sheridan were builders; but so were John Brown and the drummer boy of Shiloh. Where can you place monuments to laughter, to sighs, to the flames of burning thought, and to all the joys and sorrows that follow in the wake of war? Let me see you build monu- ments to the perfumes of our fields and gardens. Where will you place the foundations of the fine sculpture to keep in memory and in marble or bronze the shouts and prayers, the loves, the tears, and the immortal glories of the emancipa- tion proclamation? (69) jo Oration of General Henderson. We can not omit Booth, Guiteau, Czolgosz, and the other horrid, damnable manifestations of national growth. But we can build monuments to our dear immortal dead, and this we are doing; and the nation grows. Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman, in equestrian statue, is before us. With uncovered head he stands where he stood at the grand review. He was followed by the men who had on many a bloody field followed him in the face of death. Hear him, as he looks at the surging line coming from the Capitol: When I reached the Treasury building and looked back the sight was simply magnificent. The column was compact and the glittering muskets looked like a solid mass of steel, moving with the regularity of a penudulum. At this point the great sculptor, Carl Rohl-Smith, caught the inspiration of the moment and fashioned him in bronze for all time. It does not represent Sherman in battle. It is Sherman amid the well-won glories of peace. It is Sherman the peace- maker, receiving the thrilling, rapturous applause of the bronzed peacemakers of a saved republic. Statues come from great deeds, or great events, or great affections. The statues of the world are silent historians. Sherman first drew his sword at the battle of Bull Run, and never sheathed it until the sword of the rebellion was in pieces at his feet. The language of this statue tells what he fought for — peace. To recount his battles is to give a history of the civil war. On this occasion that will be impossible. He never drew his sword without drawing blood r.nd making permanent history. His ' ' March to the sea ' ' is generally regarded as his greatest Oration of General Henderson. yi campaign, but this is an error. It was a brilliant campaign — the world has so rated it — but it did not come up to the genius and grandeur of the campaign immediately following it, when he carried practically the same army from Savannah to North Carolina, an average distance of 450 miles. That was the greatest work of Sherman's life. But let us consider for a moment what President Lincoln said of the Atlanta campaign: Executive Mansion, Washington, I). C, September 3, /S6j. The national thanks are tendered by the President to Maj. Gen. Wil- liam Tucumseh Sherman and the gallant officers and soldiers of his command before Atlanta for the distinguished ability and perseverance displayed in the campaign in Georgia, which, under Divine fav;r, has re- sulted in the capture of Atlanta. The marches, battles, sieges, and other military operations that have signalized the campaign must render it fa- mous in the annals of war and have entitled those who have participated therein to the applause and thanks of the nation. Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States. And later note what Mr. Lincoln said of the " March to the sea" and capture of Savannah: Executive Mansion, - Washington, D. C, December 21 , 1864.. My Dear General Sherman: Many, many thanks for your Christ- mas gift — the capture of Savannah. When you were about leaving At- lanta for the Atlantic coast I was anxious, if not fearful, but, feeling that you were the better judge, and remembering "nothing risked, nothing gained," I did not interfere. Now, the undertaking being a success, the honor is all yours; for I believe none of us went further than to acquiesce, and taking the work of General Thomas into account, as it should be taken, it is indeed a great success. Not only does it afford the obvious and important military advantages, but, in showing to the world that your army could be divided, putting the stronger part to an important new serv- ice, and yet leaving enough to vanquish the old opposing force of the whole, Hood's army, it brings those who sat in darkness to see a great light. But what next? I suppose it will be safer that I leave General Grant and yourself to decide. A. Lincoln. j 2 Oration of General Henderson. FROM SAVANNAH TO GOLDSBORO. This letter of Mr. Lincoln's demonstrates that the march to the sea was the sole conception of General Sherman. The President asked, ' ' What next? ' ' Sherman lost no time in answering. As soon as he could reload his wagons he started from Savannah to attack General Johnston in the Carolinas. Here Sherman ran the risk of a combination between Lee and Johnston's armies — absolutely the only way to save the Confed- erate cause. Sherman, it may be said, violated a well-established principle of war by taking the exterior lines and leaving to Lee and John- ston the interior ones. Sherman had to depend almost entirely upon the country for his provisions. Undoubtedly a concentra- tion would have been ordered by Lee, but by that time he had learned to fear Grant, and he dreaded to run the risk of taking any considerable portion of his own army to send to Johnston. Thus he let slip the only possible chance of saving the Confed- erate cause. On this point General Sherman has said, speak- ing of General Lee: His sphere of action was, however, local. He never rose to the grand problem which involved a continent and future generations. His Virginia was to him the world. Though familiar with the geography of the inte- rior of the great continent, he stood like a stone wall to defend Virginia against the " Huns and Goths " of the North, and he did it like a valiant knight as he was. He stood at the front porch battling with the flames whilst the kitchen and house were burning, sure in the end to consume the whole. Only twice, at Antietam and Gettysburg, did he venture outside on the "offensive defensive." In the first instance he knew personally his antagonist and that a large fraction of his force would be held in reserve; in the last he assumed the bold " offensive," was badly beaten by Meade, and was forced to retreat back to Virginia. As an aggressive sol- dier Lee was not a success, and in war that is the true and proper test. "Nothing succeeds like success." In defending Virginia and Richmond he did all a man could, but to him Virginia seemed the " Confederacy," and he stayed there while the Northern armies at the West were gaining Oratioji of General Henderson. 73 the Mississippi, the Tennessee, the Cumberland, Georgia, South and North Carolina, yea, the Roanoke, after which his military acumen taught him that further tarrying in Richmond was absolute suicide. His son, P. Tecumseh Sherman, under date of November 3, 1902, wrote to me as follows: I told General Dodge that my father had always said that the extreme daring of that march had never been appreciated, and that General Lee had committed a grave error in letting him get through without making a concerted attempt to crush his army. ****** * The responsibilities and risks of that winter march through the Caro- linas, with the possibility of having Lee and Johnston combined appearing any day in his front, were something enormous, and not now understood. In this connection let us note what one of General Sher- man's corps commanders, in his annual address to the Society of the Army of the Tennessee, said in regard to the campaign in the Carolinas. He speaks of it as — that bold movement from Savannah to Goldsboro, which is considered by the best critics as one of the boldest and best-planned campaigns of his- tory — one in which every chance was taken and every opportunity given the enemy to concentrate upon an inferior force. Here is what General Sherman himself said, in a resume of his campaigns: You can not attain great success in war without great risks. I admit we violated many of the old-established rules of war by cutting loose from our base and exposing 60,000 lives. I had faith in the army I commanded. That faith was well founded. Then came the last movement, which I do contend involved more labor and risk than anything which I have done or ever expect to do again. ***** * * So we went to Goldsboro, and then I hastened to see Mr. Lincoln and Grant for the last time. We talked the matter over and agreed perfectly. Grant was moving then. I had been fifty-odd marching days on light rations. My men were shoeless and without pants, and needed clothing and rest. I hurried back to Goldsboro and dispatched everything with as great rapidity as I could, and on the very day I appointed I started in pursuit of Johnston, let him be where he might. 74 Oration of General Henderson. Before commencing the North Carolina campaign General Sherman had planned for a convergence of all of his troops at Goldsboro, N. C. This would give him something over 80,000 men in one army, after General Schofield joined him from Nashville. General Lee having failed to detach any of his Virginia troops to the aid of General Johnston, the latter was soon forced to surrender after some sharp fighting before a junction of Sherman's forces was effected, which, quickly following upon the surrender of Lee, practically terminated the war. General Sherman has said of this North Carolina campaign as follows: When I reached Goldsboro, made junction with Schofield, and moved forward to Raleigh, I was willing to encounter the entire Confederate army; but the Confederate armies — Lee's in Richmond and Johnston's in my front — held the interior lines and could choose the initiative. Few military critics who have treated of the civil war in America have ever comprehended the importance of the movement of my army northward from Savannah to Goldsboro, or of the transfer of Schofield from Nash- ville to cooperate with me ia North Carolina. Th!s march was like the thrust of a sword through the heart of a human body, each mile of which swept aside, all opposition, consumed the very food on which the army depended for life, and demonstrated a power in the National Government which was irresistible. To give some idea of the fighting I quote again from the General: At Rivers Bridge Generals Mower and Giles A. Smith led their heads of column through the swamp, the water being up to their shoulders, crossed over to the pine lands, turned upon the brigade which defended the passage, and routed it in utter disorder. Again, the General says: I honestly believe that the grand march of the western army from Atlanta to Savannah and from Savannah to Raleigh was an important factor in the final result of the thrilling victory at Appomattox and the glorious triumph of the Union cause. Oration of General Henderson. 75 In summing up the Carolina campaign General Sherman says: Thus was concluded one of the longest and most important marches ever made by an organized army in a civilized country. The distance from Savannah to Goldsboro is 425 miles, and the route traversed embraced five large navigable rivers— namely, the Edisto, Broad, Catawba, Pedee, and Cape Fear — at each of which a comparatively small force well handled could have made the passage most difficult, if not impossible. Referring to the combination of forces at Goldsbpro, he says: Our combinations were such that General Schofield entered Goldsboro from Newbern; General Terry, with pontoons laid and a brigade, crossed the Neuse River intrenched, and we whipped Joseph Johnston all the same day. It is interesting to note as an evidence of the power of human endurance that the Fourteenth, Fifteenth, Seventeenth, and Twentieth Army Corps on the march to the sea and thence to the Carolinas marched an average of about 710 miles. I now quote the expressive words of our presiding officer, General Dodge, to show his appreciation of the campaign in the Carolinas: The patience, the firmness, the resolution with which he pursued his diffi- cult campaign against Johnston from Chattanooga to Atlanta constitute one of the finest achievements in history. The boldness of conception, the ingenuity of the plan, the accepting of desperate chances in giving Lee an opportunity to crush him in his campaign from Savannah to Goldsboro will forever give Sherman prestige as a bold, fearless, strategical commander. Upon that campaign alone I am willing to stake Sherman's reputation for all time. I 'have deemed it my duty to go somewhat extensively into the campaign from Savannah to Goldsboro, as Sherman's achievements in this part of the war have never been fully told or fully appreciated. It is difficult even now with the statue of this great military chieftain being unveiled in our nation's capital, in the pres- ence of our nation's Chief Executive, and with so many of our y6 Oration of General Henderson. nation's war-scarred heroes with us, to avoid the telling influ- ence of that heroic, thrilling song, "Marching Through Georgia. ' ' Passing from his great campaigns, let us consider the man, William Tecumseh Sherman. Elbert Hubbard, the art critic, says: "Small men are pro- vincial, mediocre men are cosmopolitan, but great souls are universal." General Sherman's soul was great — was uni- versal. Although a great military genius, his soul was clothed in simplicity. Subordination was the rule of his military life. Here I give his own words, and no one can give a single docu- ment to contradict them: I have never in my life questioned or disobeyed an order; though many and many a time have I risked my life, health, and reputation in obeying orders or even hints, and executing plans and purposes not to my liking. How many of you recall the fact that after General Sherman commanded a department in Kentucky he was sent to com- mand Benton Barracks, at St. Louis? It was simply part of a post. From there he was sent to Paducah. When Grant started up the Tennessee for the Donelson campaign, General Sherman had dropped from the command of an army to that of a post, and later a division. In February, 1862, he wrote to Grant: I should like to hear from you, and will do anything in my power to hurry forward to you reenforcements and supplies, and if I could be of any service would gladly come without making any question of rank with you and General Smith, whose commissions are under the same date. On the same day he wrote again: Command me in any way; I feel anxious about you, as I know the great facilities they (the enemy) have for concentration by means of rivers and railroads, but have faith in you. And this faith of Sherman in Grant, and I may say of Grant in Sherman, never weakened for a single moment, and Oration of General Henderson. Jj they fought like brothers from the beginning to the glorious ending stimulated by the sole motive of saving their country. He was strong in his utterances, we must admit, but it was because he felt so intensely for the safety of his coun- try. Writing on December 21, 1863, from Nashville, he said to Lincoln:. To secure the safety of the Mississippi River I would slay millions. This was not uttered because he was bloodthirsty, for he was not. But he felt that at any cost the country must be saved. Again, writing to General Halleck, he said: Received commission as brigadier-general in Regular Army. Prefer to command the Fifteenth Army Corps, but will accept any command Gen- eral Grant desires. And mark his letter of July 30, 1863, to General Parke: When you see Burnside give him my love, and tell him for me that we are arrayed against all the enemies of law and government— that we fire upon secessionists of the South, the autocrats of the North, and the anarch- ists everywhere. Our Government must govern and not be ruled by an agitator of the hour. He executed all orders given to him, and he expected the execution of all orders given by him. He held deep in his heart the old Army of the Tennes- see, but he loved devotedly, loyally, every officer and every soldier of the whole Union Army. He came of good stock. He tasted poverty in his childhood. His life was full of activity — intense activity. Conscientious, honest work was the rule of his life. His death touched us all gently, heroically, but when he had gone we felt that we had lost William Tecumseh Sher- man. Lost, it is true, but still now and evermore a remain- ing and deathless part of the great civil war. S. Doc. 320, 5S-2 6 78 Oration of General Henderson. He was the truest type of a comrade. To him ' ' com- rade ' ' was a ' ' hoi} 7 name. ' ' He was president of the Society of the Army of the Ten- nessee. How tenderly we loved him! What an interest he took in all the work of the society! He held the respect and love of the Army. He held the respect and love of the people. There was a tenderness about him that endeared him to all. But, more than this, there was a frank, rugged honesty in the man that bound all hearts to him. He was not afraid of battle. Why? Because he was fighting for his country and not for his own glory. Could the living and the dead of the civil war unite in one voice they would say of Sherman: " He was a great man; he was a great soldier; he was a pure patriot." May this statue ever stand in our capital as a monument to American courage; as a monument to military education; as a monument to Americanism, combining the citizen and the soldier; as an inspiration to the ambitious young American; as a proof that the heroes of the Revolution and their deeds will never be forgotten or neglected by their descendants. L,et it ever stand as a peace monument for all of our people, and therefore it must stand as the monument of William Tecumseh Sherman. The historian can not record all of the deeds of Sherman. The sculptor is fettered at his task. The painter's colors can not reveal the whole man. The poet can only sing a little of the story of his life. The story of General Sherman's life is above oratory. It is beyond art. The hearts of his countrymen alone can tell the story. Oration of General Henderson. 79 There is an heroic patriotism in his farewell address to his army. This much, in closing, I must give: How far the operations of this army contributed to the final overthrow of the Confederacy and the peace which now dawns upon us must be judged by others, not by us; but that you have done all that men could do has been admitted by those in authority, and we have a right to join in the uni- versal joy that fills our land because the war is over, and our Government stands vindicated before the world by the joint action of the volunteer armies and navies of the United States. ******* Your general now bids you farewell, with the full belief that, as in war, you have been good soldiers, so in peace you will make good citizens. The presiding officer next presented Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Sickles, representing the Army of the Potomac. S. Pop. 320—58-2. GENERAL SICKLES'S ADDRESS. The Army of the Potomac, which I have the honor to represent here to-day, contributed something to the fame of General Sherman. We gave to Sherman our Hooker, Slocum, and Howard, and the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps, afterwards consolidated into the Twentieth Army Corps, thus creating a tie of kinship between the great armies of the East and West. No warmer appreciation of Sherman's genius and achievements was heard, even in the ranks of the armies he commanded, than was voiced in the Army of the Potomac. It was the task of the Army of the Potomac to defend this capital, and to destroy and capture the superb army of Lee, which so often menaced Washington. It was Sherman's mission, with the armies of the Tennessee, Cumberland, and Ohio, to drain the lifeblood of the Confederacy by the con- quest of Georgia and the Carolinas in his marvelous cam- paign of '64-' 65. Sherman fills a conspicuous page in the history of great commanders. He will always hold high rank in the estimation of Americans as one of our foremost heroes. He is grouped with Sheridan and Thomas among the chief lieutenants of Grant. No matter what military critics may say as to which of these accomplished leaders preeminence is to be given, most of us will agree that in the popular regard Sherman has always stood next to Grant. Sherman's last years were spent in the city of New 7 York, where we were neighbors and friends. Born in Ohio, he was (81) 82 General Sickles' s Address. quickly adopted by our people as one of their own. He died in 1 89 1. His funeral ceremonies in the great metropolis brought together a mourning multitude, such as had never been witnessed in our streets, except in the obsequies of Lin- coln and Grant. Not one of the mourners was more impressed by a profound sense of the national bereavement than Gen. "Joe" Johnston, of the Confederate Army, Sherman's bril- liant adversary in his greatest campaign. We have a statue of Sherman at the entrance to our Central Park in New York, which testifies our admiration of his character as a citizen and of his distinction as a soldier. Sherman might have filled the highest office in the Govern- ment if he had not declared that if nominated President he would not accept, and if elected he would refuse to serve. He left the honors of the political arena to his distinguished brother, whose ambition he would neither assist nor hinder. He refused to stay in Washington as a figurehead in the office of the com- mander of the Army, and established his headquarters in St. Louis, and Sherman was right. He was commander of the Army from March, 1869, to November, 1883, and retired from active service in February of the following year. No one who comes to Washington need be told that we are a martial people. The capital is adorned by many memorials of our great captains. These monuments will remind future gen- erations of the wars that signalized the first century of our national life. They will recall to those who come after us the magnitude and glory of the struggle for the preservation of the Union; the unmeasured - sufferings and sacrifices of our defenders; the vast multitudes that rallied to the flag after Sumter; the armed hosts that vanished like morning mists after the surrender of Lee and the capture of Davis; the sleep- less energy of Stanton, our illustrious War Secretary, who General Sickles' s Address. 83 organized our armies — the victories of Antietam and Gettys- burg, of Vieksburg, Atlanta, and Appomattox, and, above all, our descendants will be forever reminded by these statues of the epoch and name of Lincoln, a name honored by all nations and evermore consecrated in the affections of the American people as the savior of the Republic. The presiding officer then introduced Gen. Charles H. Gros- venor, representing the Army 'of the Cumberland. S. Loe. 320—58-2. GENERAL GROSVENOR'S ADDRESS. Mr. President and Comrades, from the da}- when William Tecumseh Sherman achieved greatness and secured immor- tality as a soldier until the day of his death he stood, in the eyes and estimation of the world, as one of the great figures which emerged from the obscurity of peace into the effulgent glory of war. But when Death, the great destroyer, swept him off the stage of action he became the subject of almost universal eulogy. Comments in criticism, almost universally favorable and complimentary of his character and achievements, were spoken in every language known to the human race, and in our own language eulogy had long ago been exhausted. Turn as you will, study as you may, think as you can, and the world would pronounce you a genius if you, by any result of study or accident of the hour, said something new of Sherman. There was no phase of his character, striking or commonplace, lovable or unbeloved, great or small (if he had a small charac- teristic) that has not been discussed elaborately and minutely. He has been the subject of friendly criticism and of occasional depreciation. The subject of his character and the history of his achievements are exhausted subjects, and yet we come here to-day, representatives of four great army societies and repre- sentatives of a mighty sentiment in the United States, to do honor to the memory of Sherman. It may be well said that nothing that we do here to-day will add to his fame. No expression of opinion that we may make will either add to or (S 5 ) 86 General Grosvenor } s Address. detract from the world's judgment of Sherman. The verdict of impartial history has been written, and judgment has been rendered upon it, and no expression of opinion that can be made at this late day will in the smallest degree modify public judgment. He stands in history as one of the foremost soldiers of the nineteenth century. I do not put him in comparison with any of the soldiers of our civil war. I am not here as the repre- sentative of an army society to institute comparisons in any possible way, or by implication, or by any suggestion that might possibly be made; but what I do say is that, taking the history of other nations and other wars and beginning at the dawn of the nineteenth century and coming down through all the wars and studying the character and achievements of all the soldiers, there is no one character so faultless, no one character so bril- liant, no one character so great in the elements of soldierly greatness, as appertains by common consent to the name and career and genius of William Tecumseh Sherman. He was born in Ohio, in the grand old city of Lancaster, a city that has given birth to many great men whom I might name. He went forth, a young man to the Military Academy, with hope and ambition to do honor to his native city, his native county, and his native State, and to his father and mother and his friends and neighbors, and he achieved the purpose of his ambition — he won out in the great struggle for supremacy. If I should enter upon the task of reviewing Sherman's campaigns and pointing out the genius manifested in this and the excellence comprehended in that and the high qualities developed in all of them, I should be but treading upon oft- trodden ground. Description has been beggared, detail has been exhausted, and eulogy ended. General Grosvenor' s Address. 87 One or two special characteristics may be here properly referred to. He was the first man apparently who appreciated the magnitude of the struggle that we entered upon in 1861. He seemed to understand the situation better than any of his contemporaries. He was in a position to see and know and judge. He had been for a considerable time in the South and understood the bitter determination of the southern people to destroy the Union and set up another government. He knew exactly how completely the great mind of the South was united on this question. He understood how, for more than a genera- tion, the South had been organizing public opinion, preparing for the dread encounter; and he knew that the people of the South were a unit in action, and that they would destroy this Government, and that in doing so, if necessary, they would sacrifice everything they held dear on earth. He knew the character of that people. He knew that when they made the declaration which they did make it meant the expenditure of effort — exactly as it did mean, as it developed — and Sherman stated his opinion. He spoke then as he always spoke all his lifetime — openly, manfully, aboveboard — and he judged and so said, and so sent it abroad, that there ought to be 200,000 men raised as early as the summer of 1861 for the campaign in Kentucky and the Southwest alone; and so startling was his proposition, so unthought of by the great leaders of thought and opinion in the United States, that it was announced with- out qualification, without any hesitation, without a thought that it might be erroneous, that Sherman was crazy. I re- member the circumstances very well when he was stripped of his command of the then Army of the Ohio, with headquarters at Louisville, and the command was turned over to that excel- lent soldier and true patriot, in my judgment, Don Carlos Buell. I remember when the two generals came to Elizabethtown, 88 General Grosvenor* s Address. where the troops to which I belonged were stationed, and I remember, as Sherman passed around and pointed out to Buell this regiment and that regiment, this brigade and that brigade — I remember how the faces of the men and officers bore traces of deep sympathy and commiseration that so promising a soldier as Sherman should have so suddenly lost his mind and become incapable; and he went back to the rear, and Buell took his place. He never complained; he never grumbled; he never deprecated the order. He was a soldier every inch of him, and whatever ambition he may have had, and it was great, and whatever hope of preferment he may have had — and he cer- tainly was buoyed up by it when he entered the service — he never yielded to the usual wail of a disappointed man, but he waited and took the position which would be offered to him in the future, if at all, and soon showed to the world not only that he was the accomplished soldier that he was, but the ac- complished statesman that he was, and that in the face of the predictions of Seward and the three months' enlistments, and all the infinite catalogue of mistakes, that his judgment was without fault — that it was wise and efficient. He very soon acquired the confidence of Grant and Lincoln. They very soon discovered that the circumstantial evidence which pointed in the absurd moment of ill-directed judgment to insanity was the indicia of a clear mind and a just and wise appreciation of the whole situation, and Sherman began to grow — how well and how rapidly, description and comment have been exhausted. The march to the sea and the appearance of Sherman in North Carolina was one of the most brilliant movements in modern warfare, and, compared with the strategy of more recent wars, there is no comparison, and language fails to draw an esti- mate of the difference in comparison. General Grosvenor's Address. 89 I do not know in whose brain the original conception of the march to the sea and the swinging- up the coast toward Virginia had its inception, but it is generally understood to have been originated by Sherman himself; and certainly the plan of its execution, the details of its preparation, and the execution itself, with all its magnificence of strategy, were the work of Sherman, and when he led his victorious army through the streets of Washington and was received with enthusiasm on every hand; when he received the thanks of Congress and the approval of the President, there was no man on this continent, friend or foe, who doubted or belittled the genius of Sherman. Sherman was not a great success in inactivity. He was great when there was something to be done, and he was efficient when he was doing it. His genius could plan campaigns, and his care, gallantry, and dash could execute them, but he did not exactly fit into the groove of peace. He was restless; he was nervous; he wanted to be active. He did not believe that a man at sixty- four years of age was necessarily unfitted for active military duty, and had a great war come with a signifi- cant nation before Sherman died, he would have clamored at the Executive office for a chance to do something. He spoke out boldly against the organization of our Army, and pointed out the inefficiency of our system, and he set an example which , while it may not have been the highest demonstration of obedi- ence to orders and acquiescence in system, was a most sugges- tive movement when the General of the Army practically threw up his office and left Washington because of the incongruity of the system under which he was called upon to serve. No harm could come to the country by reason of it, because the office of General of the Army in time of peace had long ago been understood by intelligent men to hold a figurehead without value. 90 General Grosvenor* s Address. A row began away back in the days of Wilkinson, in the war of 1812, and continued right along down, and if there is anything that the Army of to-day ought to be congratulated upon it is that the theory of Sherman and men who thought like him, a theory that has been in existence in the minds of men for eighty-five years, has at last been adopted and the Con- stitution of the United States has finally been recognized as the supreme law of the land in the matter of the government, con- trol, and command of the United States Army. Hitherto it had been a sort of neck-and-neck race between the President, the constitutional Commander in Chief, and the General of the Army "commanding," a most absurd and incongruous relation. You could not repeal the Constitution by a military order, and somehow it kept standing there, and it was an obstacle some- times to ambition and sometimes to peace and good order. Sometimes its existence created friction. Sometimes it was said that the enforcement of the Constitution was oppressive. Sometimes the Executive failed to assume the full powers and duties conferred by the Constitution, and Sherman pointed out all these incongruities and absurdities, and made perfectly clear to the intelligence of the United States that our system was fundamentally wrong, and it is a matter of high congratu- lation to-day that in the hands of the present Executive the first real enforcement and execution of the Constitution is being found. Thanks to Congress for the change. So it is well that these four military societies, comprising those who remain on earth following the great war, should come here jointly, all as one society, to do honor to the great commander. He commanded an Army of Ohio before the Army of the Tennessee or the Cumberland or the Potomac had an existence. He commanded the Army of the Tennessee immediately following the departure of Grant. He commanded General Grosvenor* s Address. 91 the Army of the Cumberland in connection with the other armies and embracing in the grand column a portion of the Army of the Potomac on the great campaign to Atlanta and the famous march to the sea. His genius is not the property of any of these armies, but all of them. His renown is the common heritage of us all. His fame will go forward to future generations as the fame of a great American soldier, not confined by the limits of any society, but expanding and growing and glorious as the honor of an American soldier ever shall be. The presiding officer presented Gen. Thomas J. Henderson, on behalf of the Army of the Ohio. S. Doc. 320— 58-2. GEN. THOMAS J. HENDERSON'S ADDRESS. It is a great pleasure, as well as a great honor, to me to be called upon by my old and beloved commander, General Scho- field, and by my comrades of the Society of the Army of the Ohio, to stand here to-day, in this august presence, and on this great, historic occasion, and speak a few words in their behalf. And yet in the brief time allowed me in which to speak what can I say worthy of the occasion and worthy of the great sol- dier and great commander of the grand army of the West, in whose honor and to whose memory this beautiful equestrian statue has been erected? Shall I speak of Sherman and of his glorious deeds? It will consume most, if not all, the time I am to occupy on this occasion to even name the great campaigns and the great marches he made, the great battles he fought and the victories he won, and which have made his name and his fame more imperishable and enduring than is the bronze of which this beautiful statue has been formed and fashioned into his own image. The name of Sherman and the memory of his illustrious military service will live forever in the hearts and affections of all who served under his command and of every lover of this proud Republic which his valor, his patriotism, and his great generalship contributed so much to preserve and perpetuate for us and for the generations which are to follow after us. (93) S. Doc. 320, 58-2 7 94 Gen. Thomas J. Henderson 1 s Address. Shall I speak of the grand army of the West, which Sher- man commanded, and of its glorious service? It was a great army, and it would require volumes to tell the story of its great deeds and glorious achievements in defending and maintaining the union of States and in preserving this great Government of the people established by our fathers. The record of its marches, its battles, and its glorious triumphs will ever adorn the brightest pages of our country's history. If the lesson of its bravery, its loyalty and its patriotic devotion to the flag of our country shall be properly impressed upon the minds and hearts of the generations which shall come after us, and be followed by them, then this proud Republic, this might}' nation, will endure to the end of time. And I know this is the earnest wish and desire of all assembled here to-day, and of every survivor of all the great armies which fought to maintain the Union, and for the honor and glory of the free Government bequeathed to us by our patriotic, liberty-loving fathers. In thus referring, as I have done, to the grand arm}- of the West and its illustrious service, I do not wish it to be under- stood that I have either forgotten or underestimated the glori- ous service of that other grand army in the war for the Union — the grand Army of the Potomac. That magnificent army, under the command of McClellau, of Burnside, of Hooker, of Meade, and finally of Grant, the greatest of all our great commanders, was by its position the defender at all times of the national cap- ital, the loss of which at any time might have been the loss of the cause for which we fought. But the Army of the Potomac fought many of the greatest battles of the war and won many of the most glorious victories, culminating in the occupation of Richmond, the Confederate capital, the surrender of Lee's army at Appomattox, and the glorious termination of the war for the Gen. Thomas J. Hendersorts Address. 95 Union, the greatest war ever waged by mankind for freedom and free government. All honor and all glory to the grand Army of the Potomac! It did its work nobly and it did it well. But on this occasion it seems more appropriate to speak of Sherman and of his great army and of their service. And while I neither forget nor underestimate the distinguished service of the grand Army of the Potomac, I do not want that army to forget or under- estimate the equally distinguished service of the grand Army of the West, composed as it was of the Arm>' of the Tennessee, the Army of the Cumberland, and the Army of the Ohio — under command of that great soldier and hero whom we honor to-day, William Tecumseh Sherman. The grand Army of the West in the Atlanta campaign, the greatest campaign, I think, of the war for the Union, if not of all wars, fought its way day b} T day, week by week, and month by month for more than three months, from Buzzard Roost and Tunnel Hill to Atlanta, and on to Jonesboro and L,ovejoy, some portion of the army under fire of the enemy every day and sometimes at night ; and then it took possession of Atlanta and Decatur. It pursued Hood when he recrossed the Chattahoochee with his army, with the purpose of cutting Sherman's communications and cap- turing his supplies, with so much vigor and force that Hood was unable to accomplish his purpose and was driven off into northwestern Alabama. Our corps of this grand army, General Schofield's, was then sent back to support the Fourth Corps, under Stanley, and to help that grand old hero, General Thomas, the "Rock of Chickamauga," take care of Hood and his army; and Schofield and Stanley, with their commands, under General Thomas, when Hood crossed the Tennessee, resisted his advance upon Nashville with great bravery and gallantry; fought the battles of Franklin and Nashville, two of the great and most 96 Gen. Thomas J. Hendersons Address. decisive battles of the war; put Hood's army to rout and sub- stantially destnwed it, and ended the war in the West. In the meantime, Sherman and the rest of the grand Army of the West was making that famous march from Atlanta to the sea and up through the Carolinas, fighting at Bentouville, as I believe, the last battle of the war for the Union. And so, my comrades of the grand Army of the Potomac, the grand Arm}' of the West had prepared the way for your great work, and by their brilliant movements and heroic action made it pos- sible for the Army of the Potomac to occupy Richmond and demand the surrender of Lee's army. And I say, all honor and all glory to the grand Army of the West, and to Sherman, its great commander. Comrades of the grand Army of the West, let me ask you, Do you remember the last review Sherman made of his great Army, at Raleigh, N. C? I remember it well as one of the most interesting events of my life. The' war was well over. There was a sweet sense of peace in the air, as well as in the hearts of the soldiers of the entire Army, and everybody was happy; I know I was happy; and how well I remember Sherman as he reviewed his veteran army, corps by corps and army by army, until the Twentieth and last corps to be reviewed, as I remember, was reviewed by the immortal Grant! What a re- view that was, and when it was over what a shout went up from the vast multitude of officers and men who had come together to witness it ! It was a shout of triumph and of great joy. I never saw Sherman look so tall before as he did when his veteran army was marching by in review. His face was radiant with joy, the joy which comes from the consciousness of duty nobly done and well performed. I never felt in all my life a deeper love of country, nor did I ever have a stronger faith in the future greatness and glory of our country and the Gen. Thomas J. Henderson } s Address. 97 perpetuation of our great free Government than I did when witnessing that review of Sherman's great army. I am proud, if I may be permitted to say so, of the fact that I was an humble soldier of the grand Armj r of the West, and that I served under Sherman. I am proud also that I served in the Army of the Ohio from its organization until the end of its distinguished service. I might have been equally as proud to have served in the Army of the Tennessee or in the Army of the Cumberland, both splendid armies — but no prouder. I am proud also to have served under the command of that great soldier and brave commander, General Schofield, of whom General Sherman said at one time, in speaking of him and his service, "Where he was there was security." He was a great soldier, and the Army of the Ohio has a right to be proud of its service under his command. I am glad to see • him here to-day in such good health, participating in the dedi- cation of this statue to Sherman, whom I know he loved and honored, as we all do so much. God bless him and spare him for many years to come, to enjoy the distinction and the hap- piness he so well deserves. In a notable speech made by General Sherman at the first annual reunion of the Army of the Cumberland he spoke these commendable words: " I claim to be of the Army of the Ohio, of the Army of the Cumberland, of the Army of the Ten- nessee. I care not in which you throw me for fame, my title there is heritage enough for me; but bound together, all in one, the grand Army of the West, 'the commander' is a title of which I am proud indeed;" and having that title, this beautiful statue has been erected and dedicated to his memory; and I trust it will stand here, in the capital of the nation he contributed so much to save, for all time to come to honor and to perpetuate his great name and fame. CONCLUSION. At the close of General Henderson's address, General Dodge stepped forward and in a few well-chosen remarks, in behalf of the Society of the Army of the Tennessee and of the army societies which had united with it in celebration of this occa- sion, thanked the President and distinguished assemblage about him for their presence. He also expressed his appreciation of the excellent arrangements made by Col. Thomas W. Symons, Engineer Corps, U. S. Army, in charge of monument and cere- monies, for the unveiling of the statue and the comfort and con- venience of the guests. He also referred to the merited tribute paid to the veterans of the civil war in the general scheme of decoration. His forceful words, which gave a touch of com- pleteness to the event, were enthusiastically applauded, at the end of which he called upon Right Rev. Henry Y. Satterlee, Bishop (P. E.) of Washington, to pronounce the benediction. BENEDICTION. The God of Peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight. Through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. DEPARTURE OF THE PRESIDENT. As the guests were departing a brilliant gathering of military and naval heroes of the late wars of the United States formed (99) ioo Conclusion. about the President, who received them with every indication of gratification at being thus able to take them by the hand. At the close of this impromptu side scene the President and party left the grand stand for the White House, escorted by the commander and a guard of honor from the Department of the Potomac, Grand Army of the Republic, and a detachment from the Washington Battalion of Minute Men. The United States Marine Band, as a closing number, played the "Thomas Jeffer- son March" (Santelmann). COMPLIMENTED BY THE PRESIDENT. From the moment Colonel Symons gave the signal for the concerted parts of his programme to begin, every movement went forward in perfect harmony. As the President was about to leave the grand stand, he turned to Colonel Symons in order to tender to him a formal expression of his appreciation of the excellent taste and execution of the arrangements of the dedication. The varied experience of this accomplished officer admirably adapted him to the important ceremonial functions which he was called upon to superintend in addition to his engineering duties. Although his assignment dated from May, 1903, he performed six years of important professional services under the General and District governments at Washington, where he was brought in touch with public affairs. At Buffalo he was a member of the board of management of the Pan- American Exposition and took part in the entertainment of officials representing the Government of the United States and ambassadors and plenipotentiaries of the governments of the world. The stands, decorations, seating, and mechanics of the unveil- ing were under the direction of Colonel Symons and carried out Conclusion. 101 by Mr. Frederick D. Oweu, of the office of engineer in charge of public buildings and grounds; photographs of events by Jarvis. COMMITTEE ON RECEPTION. The success of the seating of the vast assemblage was also a subject of universal approbation. The following was the per- sonnel of this committee: Frederick D. Owen, chairman, Phillip Walker, Robert S. Hume, John B. Thompson, Frank B. Smith, William S. Broughton, Henry W. Samson, Newton L. Collamer, Lee R. Martin, Dr. Joseph S. Wall, Dr. J. Breckin- ridge Bayne, Henry O. Hall, Dr. J. H. McCormick, Frank A. Birgfeld, Edward S. Glavis, Albert Ford Ferguson, Herman W. Birgfeld, W. P. Van Wickle, John P. Earnest, Dr. Loren B. T. Johnson, H. P. R. Holt, John K. Stauffer, William L. Browning, Francis F. Gillen, Robt. Preston Shealey, Thomas P. Randolph, John E. Fenrick, William H. Bayly, Wallace D. McLean, William H. Pearce, F. G. Eiker, Leon L. L. French, Joseph C. Hardie, Dr. John L. Wirt, Harry W. Van Dyke, Dr. Frank L. Biscoe, Dr. Charles C. Marbury, Wilbur S. Smith, John S. Smith, Alexander G. Bentley, R. B. Turley, Benjamin R. Rhees, John D. Carmody. REUNIONS. COMMEMORATIVE GAVETIES. The gathering of heroes of the civil war and their friends was one of the most impressive witnessed in Washington since the famous May day of 1865, when the four great armies marched in the grand review before the President of the United States. Among the number were also surviving vet- erans of the Mexican war, in which the subject of commemo- ration was a participant, and their descendants and a splendid array of the victors of the war with Spain. In the personnel of the multitude of heroes were men of the Blue as well as the Gray, in itself a realization of Sherman's celebrated epigram, "War's legitimate object is more perfect peace." All were of common impulse to do honor to one of the Republic's foremost military chieftains and to celebrate more than a half century of the achievements of the national arms on land and sea. It was therefore a gaia week amid reminiscent glories of hard-fought war and resplendent peace. THE SOCIETY OF THE ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. The Arm}- of the Tennessee, which gave to the Union arms in the civil war in the United States its two greatest soldiers and the originator and promoter of the monument unveiled, was in all essential features the host of the occasion. (103) 104 Reunions. The events of the week were ushered in by the members of the society on the evening of October 13, in a body, making a formal call upon General Dodge, their president, and Colonel Cadle, secretary. Officers, 1903-4. President. — Grenville M. Dodge, Iowa. Vice-presidents. — Maj. Wm. Warner, Missouri; Col. James Kilbourne, Ohio; Gen. W. T. Clark, District of Columbia; Col. O. D. Kinsman, District of Columbia; Col. B. H. Peterson, Louisiana; Capt. G. A. Busse, Illinois; Gen. John C. Black, Illinois; Maj. D. W. Reed, Illinois; Mrs. Minnie Sherman Fitch, Pennsylvania; Capt. George Ady, Colorado; Maj. W. R. McComas, Ohio; Maj. George Mason, Illinois; Maj. W. L. B. Jenney, Illinois; Capt. John B. Colton, Missouri; Gen. J. W. Barlow, U. S. Army, Connecticut. Corresponding secretary. — Gen. Andrew Hickenlooper, Cincinnati, Ohio. Recording secretary. — Col. Cornelius Cadle, Cincinnati, Ohio. Treasurer. — Maj. A. M. Van Dyke, Cincinnati, Ohio. This reminiscent society was founded by the officers of that army of the Military Division of the Mississippi, Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman commanding, in camp at Raleigh, N. C, April 14, 1865, on its home march to the capital of the Union which it was so largely instrumental in rescuing from dissolution. In 1866 the first meeting was held after the cessation of hos- tilities, with Gen. John A. Rawlins president until his death in 1869. In that year General Sherman was chosen head of the society, until his death in 1891, when he was succeeded by Gen. G. M. Dodge, who inaugurated the movement which led to the erection of the monument, and who presided over the splendid ceremonial tribute to its unveiling. PREPARING FOR THE CEREMONIES. In order to anticipate a full representation of the members of the society, General Dodge, president, a month preceding the unveiling, sent out a stirring call, impressing upon them the Reunions. 105 importance of attending their meeting in Washington October 15 and 16, "when the statue of our old commander, General Sherman, is to be unveiled." It is to be a national occasion, and the armies of the Potomac, Cum- berland, and Ohio have greatly honored us by holding their reunions in Washington at the same time, so as to take part in the exercises. It is therefore the duty of every member of our society whose health will per- mit to be present. It is the only opportunity that you will ever have to see the four societies of the great armies of the civil war together, and many of the living distinguished soldiers of that war will be present. The President, his Cabinet, and the diplomatic corps will also honor us with their presence, and the preparation for the ceremonies are on a broader scale than ever before. I therefore appeal to you to attend; bring your family and take part in a reunion that no doubt will be eventful and historical. The unanimity of the response to this ' ' assembly ' ' note was best shown in the turn-out of veterans on the avenues of Wash- ington who bore the badge of the Society of the Army of the Tennessee. AN INTERESTING INCIDENT. The regular business of the annual session, which was held on the morning of the unveiling, having been disposed of, a recess was taken for a most interesting incident, in formally receiving as honored guests the three children of their "old commander" — Rev. Thomas Ewing Sherman, Mr. P. Tecum- seh Sherman, and Mrs. Minnie Sherman Fitch. General Dodge, president, expressed a few suitable words of welcome, to which the Reverend Sherman responded, thanking the soci- ety for its work in connection with the monument to his father, and saying that ' ' the members of the society would always be held in grateful remembrance by the Sherman family. ' ' After the transaction of further regular business the society adjourned to meet at 2 p. m. in front of the hotel. At that hour these veterans of many fields formed and marched in a body to the scene of the unveiling. 106 Reunions. THE SOCIETY OF THE ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND. On June 10, 1865, a meeting of officers and enlisted men of the Army of the Cumberland was held at the headquar- ters of the artillery command of the Fourth Army Corps in the vicinity of Nashville, Tenu., to arrange for the adoption of a badge to signalize and perpetuate the history of the Army of the Cumberland. The five-pointed star, with appro- priate emblems, was selected. In response to a call in February, 1868, the Society of the Army of the Cumberland was organized at Cincinnati, Ohio, with Maj. Gen. George H.' Thomas president, and a membership of 353, among whom was Maj. Gen. P. H. Sheridan. In the list of membership since have been three Presidents of the United States — Grant, Garfield, and Harri- son — and four generals of the Arm}- of the United States — Grant, Sherman, Schofield, and Sheridan. The following are the officers of the society, 1903: President. — Gen. H. V. Boynton. Corresponding secretary. — Maj. John Tweedale. Treasurer. — Gen. Frank G. Smith. Recording secretary. — Col. J. W. Steele. Historian.— Col. G. C. Kniffin. Executive committee. — Gen. J. Barnett, chairman; Capt. J. W. Foley, Gen. J. G. Parkhurst, Gen. C. H. Grosvenor, Gen. H. C. Corbin, Gen. S. D. Atkins, Maj. J. M. Farquhar, Private O. A. Somers, and the officers of the society ex officio. Membership, 500. The society, upon invitation of the president of the Soci- ety of the Army of the Tennessee, fixed the time and place of its thirty-first annual reunion coincident with the cere- monies attending the dedication of the monument at Wash- ington City to commemorate the military services of Gen. William T. Sherman. After a business meeting in the earlier part of the day, on Reunions. 107 the evening of Wednesday, October 14, public exercises were held in the First Congregational Church before a large assem- blage of members of the society and an immense represent- ative audience of the civil, military, and naval branches of the Government, other military societies, and unofficial life. The auditorium was handsomely decorated with national colors, flags, and bunting, and conspicuously a portrait of Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas, former commander. The newly elected president, Gen. Henry V. Boynton, presiding, announced the exercises of the occasion in the following order: Overture — National Airs Tobani. Orchestra, W. A. Haley, Conductor. Bugle call, " The Assembly," Bugler John L. Eddy, Second Cavalry. Prayer Rev. S. M. Newman, D. D. Presentation of new president of society, by Gen. J. G. Parkhurst. Remarks by Gen. H. V. Boynton, president of the society. He fervently expressed his surprise, and at the same time his appreciation, of the unexpected honor of election to a place which had been filled successively by men of renown like Thomas, Rosecranz, Sheridan, and Stanley. Selection, " King Dodo" Luders. Orchestra. Oration Gen. Gates P. Thurston. He recalled the dedication of a monument twenty-four years before in this city to Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas, the last commander of the Arm}- of the Cumberland and first president of the society bearing its name; also sixteen years before another memorial to Comrade James A. Garfield, and in May, 1902, the burial, with suitable ceremonies, of Gen. W. S. Rosecranz, com- mander of this arm}-, at Arlington, and gave an analytical view of ' ' The members and rosters of the two armies in the civil 108 Reunions. war," with a view to the correction of palpable errors in the numbers of enlistments and to show the magnitude of the two armies, Federal and Confederate, in the great conflict. As these figures are valuable for the research and care bestowed upon them, they may be inserted for record. The official report of the provost-marshal- general, he said, shows the combined strength of the Federal Armies, deducting absentees: July i, 1S61 183, 000 January 1 , 1862 527, 000 January 1 , 1863 698, 000 January 1, 1864 611, 000 March 31, 1865 657, 000 The ' ' superintendent of special registration ' ' reported to the bureau of conscription of the Confederate war department for six States to January 1, 1864, 566,456 soldiers. The remain- ing five Confederate States, including Tennessee in the same proportion, must have furnished 416,176 soldiers of the total 982,632. The enlistments and conscriptions during the last fifteen months of the war must have increased this to 1,100,000 soldiers. Bass solo, "The Recessional" (rendered during Queen Vic- toria's Jubilee) Kipling. By J. Walter Humphrey. Cornet solo, ' ' Violets " Wright. Reading, "The Advance Guard" (written in the 70's for a reunion of the Army of the James, by John Hay, Secretary of State) , Maj. John Tweedale. March, "Stars and Stripes Forever" Sousa. Orchestra. Bugle call, "The General's March " Remarks Lieut. Gen. S. B. M. Voung. (Not present.) Bugle call, "To the Standard " Remarks Lieut. Gen. John M. Schofield. Reunions. 109 The General said that the Army of the Ohio and the Cum- berland had served together more than any other two great armies of the civil war in the campaign from Chattanooga to Atlanta, and then at Franklin and Nashville, in which one corps of the Army of the Tennessee was also engaged in giving to the Rebellion its death blow in that part of the country. Bugle call, "Reveille." Remarks Maj. Gen. John R. Brooke. Having come from the reunion of the Army of the Potomac, in progress at the same time, he delightfully entertained the large audience with a retrospect of his experiences during the early events of the war, particularly referring to Gettysburg and Vicksburg, which made the country feel on July 4, 1863, as if the country were "one and indivisible," which "to-day we feel is the greatest nation in the world." Bugle call, "Tattoo." Remarks Maj. Gen. Henry C. Corbin. The sentiment of his eloquent remarks was no class of people have greater influence for good than the surviving soldiers of the civil war — being true of the soldiers of the Union as of those of the Confederacy. While the tatto just sounded tells of the time of life, it should not mean rest so much as the time to harvest well the labors of our lives and leaving them for the guidance of those about us, as well as those coming after. While in England he had been presented to the nobility of the mother country. It is now a pleasure to present a distin- guished English soldier to the nobility of America, the sur- vivors of the Armies of the Union. Presenting Sir Ian Hamilton, lieutenant-general of the Eng- lish army, who in well-chosen remarks said, " Tommy Atkins" is all right. His heart is as sound as a bell and beats in warmest S. Doc. 320, 5S-2 S no Reunions. sympathy with his comrades in America. Whoever failed in South Africa, "Tommy Atkins" did not. He had been to Gettysburg and Antietam and had seen the memorial to the heroic dead. It is the greatest privilege to be here to speak of those among the living. The few days I have to spend in America — all too few — I must spend some of them at Chatta- nooga and Chickamauga, where I shall see with my own eyes the scene at least of some of the exploits of this veteran assem- blage. Bugle call, "The Charge." Remarks .'Maj. Gen. James H. Wilson. (Not present.) Bugle call, "To Arms." Remarks Maj. Gen. G. M. Dodge, president of the Society of the Army of the Tennessee and of its com- mittee and commission of congress, which originated, prosecuted, and executed the memorial to be unveiled. He expressed it " as a most gracious act on the part of the Society of the Army of the Cumberland to accept the invitation of the Society of the Army of the Tennessee to hold its annual reunion " so as to participate in the unveiling of the monument to ' ' your once commander and second commander of the Army of the Tennessee." He also wished to extend thanks to the societies of the Armies of the Potomac and of the Ohio for the consideration which they had given to this commemorative event. The veteran general, former commander of the famous Six- teenth Corps, the nearest man, living or dead, to Grant and Sherman, and confidant of Presidents, was eloquently remi- niscent. Having been halted on the Nashville and Decatur Railroad without rations and orders to rebuild it, Sherman replied, " The quicker you build the railroad to Nashville the quicker you will get something to eat." General Thomas, commander of the Army of the Cumberland, gave orders "to Reunions. in give us a free hand and wide sweep. ' ' He repaid the kindness by sending to him from his then Department of Missouri two divisions to assist in his great victories around Nashville. Bugle call, " Boots and Saddles." Remarks Hon. David B. Henderson. The ex-Speaker in his happiest mood kept the vast audience in roars of laughter and rounds of applause. "A lady," he said, ' ' in whom I have implicit confidence and to whom my love is eternal 1}' pledged said to me as I was packing my bag to go to a reunion of comrades, 'David, what in the world do you fellows have to talk about at your army meetings? I should think you would run out!" 'My dear, we don't go to talk; we just go there to meet together and to feel.' ' I feel. You have got to be through the fires of war to understand my simple answer. We went there to look into each other's eyes, to sing the old songs, and to count the vacant chairs." The great audience would not hearken to the five-minute rule, insisting upon more, which the General continued in the same breezy vein. Turning, he shouted, "By Jove, here's old Grosvenor, too. We ought to adjourn for a love feast and take the girls in, too," retiring amid a tempest of laughter and shouts, ' ' Go on ! " Bugle call, "Rally." Remarks Hon. James Rudolph Garfield. Regretted that he could not be called a comrade of the asso- ciation, but had known it from boyhood by "the names of its leaders, its battles, and from following its line of march." "If we carry out the ideas you taught us, we can bring understand- ing and harmony out of existing industrial conditions to-day, as you brought them out of the political condition of '61 to '65." Bugle call. Remarks Maj. Gen. O. O. Howard. ii2 Reunions. Presented an interesting review of his introduction to the Arni5* of the Cumberland when he landed at Brown's farm, on the Tennessee River, near Chattanooga, and of events at Look- out Mountain and associations after. He paid a handsome tribute to General Thomas, its commander, who was his ideal of a soldier, particularly for his championship of paternalism rather than of martinetism in military methods. Bugle call, "The Charge." Remarks Admiral W. S. Schley. " The sense of loyal duty," he said, " which inspired devotion to the country in its imperiled moments from '61 to '65 should inspire all young men and women as worthy of imitation. ' ' The statue to be unveiled to the great chieftain, if it means any one thing more than another, it means the consecration of a life to that sense of duty which knew no fear of death, a life that is all the more dear from the fact that it typifies a standard of worth that is emphasized in the splendid career which his com- rades and countrymen have determined to perpetuate in im- perishable bronze, that it may remain with us always." "America," by the entire audience, with organ accompani- ment by Dr. J. W. Bischoff, followed by "Auld Lang' Syne." Taps Bugler, U. S. Army. March, "American Beaut} - " Haley. Orchestra. (Bugle calls by John L. Eddy, Troop H, Second Cavalry, U. S. A.) Reception committee. — Gen. G. C. Kniffin, chairman; Gen. Joseph C. Breckinridge, Gen. Frank G. Smith, Gen. E. A. Carman, Col. Green Clay Goodloe, Maj. John Tweedale, Maj. John M. Carson, Capt. L. M. Kelley. THE SOCIETY OF THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. The Society of the Army of the Potomac, the largest of these reminiscent organizations, had arranged for its annual reunion for 1903 at Boston, but at the invitation of General Dodge the Reunions. 113 Boston meeting adjourned to assemble at Washington and par- ticipate in the ceremonies of the Sherman statue unveiling. This great society first met in February, but organized in July, 1869, at New York City, Maj. Gen. G. B. McClellan presiding. Gen. P. H. Sheridan was chosen first president. Its officers for 1903 are: President. — Gen. John R. Brooke. Vice-Presidents. — Gen. H. S. Huidekoper, Maj. A. C. Richardson, Gen. George E. Randolph, Gen. George D. Ruggles, Col. Ralph E. Prime, Gen. Thos. O. Seaver, Maj. John Byrne, Gen. Howard L. Porter, Gen. Orland Smith, Maj. C. A. Hopkins, Col. George M. Lane, Gen. Nicholas W. Day, Maj. Charles G. Davis, Gen. Alexander S. Webb, Col. Samuel T. Cushing. Treasurer. — Lieut. Frank S. Halliday. Recording Secretary. — Brevet Col. Horatio C. King. Corresponding Secretary. — Col. William L. Fox. On its rolls are the names of Grant, who was once president of the society; Sickles, Hancock, Newton, Slocum, Howard, Parke, Pleasanton, Humphrey, Burnside, Meade, McClellan, Hooker, McDowell, Hartranft, Franklin, Butterfield, Miles, Gibbon, Sewell. The society was interested in the erection of the statue to Hancock, and has contributed to the statue to McClellan ordered by Congress, also for Washington. On Wednesday evening, October 14, the society held a "camp fire" at the Metropolitan (M. E. ) Church. The interior was beautifully decorated with national colors, and the badges of the corps which constituted the fighting strength of this one of the four great armies of the civil war. The representation of the 2,000 membership was large and distinguished, and with the attendance of other societies and friends the auditorium was filled to overflowing and the enthu- siasm great. A trumpeter of Troop E, Second U. S. Cavalry, opened the proceedings with the reveille call. The chairman, J. D. H4 Reunions. Croissant, made the announcements. Former United States Senator John M. Thurston, orator of the evening, paid eloquent testimony to the services of General Sherman: SHERMAN, the man whom we are to honor to-morrow, was one of the greatest soldiers of modern times. He was not alone a great soldier, he was a great citizen and would have made a conspicuous mark in any field to which he might have been called. When you sit in that stand to-morrow and see the serried ranks pass before you in review, when you see the flags dipped in the presence of that statue of the man who led you to magnificent victory, you may know that there is not a heart there that will not be throbbing in unison with yours at the sight of that figure, wrought in imperishable bronze, of one of the mightiest men in the history of American achievement. The oration framed in sentiment -and words a telling tribute to Sherman and his military career, the heroes who served under him, and the glory of the Union which he aided so forcefully to restore to peace and harmony. Hon. William E. Andrews spoke upon the conduct of the soldiers of the civil war and of the lessons taught to their countrymen by their deeds of sacrifice and courage. Major Viele extolled the men of both armies for the stead- fast American courage that called them forth to fight for the cause the}' each held sacred. "The charge of the First Minne- sota at Gettysburg, "■ he said, "was more heroic than that of the famous Light Brigade at Balaklava. Because of the bravery of the soldiers of that day, the country in this day is the most potent influence on the face of the earth." Gen. G. W. Baird aroused a wild spirit of martial eclat reading his original poem, "Sixty-one." Mrs. John A. Logan added to the pathos of the occasion by recounting many inci- dents relating to the military deeds of her famous husband. As many of his old soldiers were present, their enthusiasm was unbounded. Speeches were also made by Gen. Horatio King, of New York; Gen. T. J. Henderson, of Illinois, and General Howard, relating personal experiences in the great conflict. Re ii)i ions. 115 Music was interspersed throughout the evening by the organist and the Burnside Glee Club, and at times the clear notes of the trumpet sounded various military calls. The concluding number, "America," was sung by the entire assemblage, and the evening closed appropriately with the call of ' ' Taps ' ' on the bugle. The veterans lingered in the aisles after 1 1 o'clock, discussing with their comrades the times of forty years ago, when they were campaigning with Grant in the Wilderness. THE SOCIETV OF THE ARMY OF THE OHIO. The organization of the Society of the Army of the Ohio took place in the sixties, soon after the close of the civil war, by the election of Gen. John M. Schofield president, which office he has held ever since. On its roll of membership appear the names of the late President (Major) McKinley; Gen. J. D. Cox, Secretary of the Interior in the Grant Cabinet; Gen. A. H. Terry, Gen. Thomas J. Henderson, speaker for the society at the ceremonies; General Curtis, hero of Fort Fisher; Stoueman, the cavalry leader, and Gen. Stanley L,. Hartsuff. The following are the officers for 1903: President. — Lieut. Gen. John M. Schofield. First Vice-President. — Gen. Thomas J. Henderson. Vice-President for the District of Columbia. — Capt. George Redway. Treasurer. — Maj. J. F. Stewart. Secretary and Historian. — J. Fraise Richards. Executive Committee. — Capt. A. F. McMillan, chairman; Capt. J. .L- Thornton, Col. John A. Joyce, Capt. Gideon Lyon, Capt. R. A. Ragan, N. N. McCullough, and T. M. Tallmadge. On Wednesday evening, October 14, all the societies united in a call on Lieutenant- General Schofield, the reception being given under the auspices of the Society of the Arm}' of the Ohio. n6 Reunions. A brief programme of music, recitations, and speeches occu- pied the time until the arrival of the guests. The outpouring of veterans and friends and their ladies from all the societies, who arrived escorted by the band of the Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army, was very large. The veteran general was much touched by the warmth of the occasion. LOCAL HOSPITALITY. The local committee of the Society of the Army of the Potomac, rising to the occasion, by invitation, embossed at the top in colors and gold, with crossed cannon and pendant, a shield with a star and crescent bearing "A. P.," surrounded by bannerets with the emblems of the six corps of that army, requested — the presence of yourself and lady at a reception to be given in honor of the vSocieties of the Armies of the Tennessee, the Cumberland, the Ohio, and the Potomac, at Rauscher's, Thursday evening, October the fifteenth, from half-past eight to eleven o'clock. Nelson A. Miles, Lieut. Gen., U. S. A., chairman. Llewellyn G. Estes, Brevet Brigadier-General, U. S. V., secretary. Each member of the different army societies wore a white enamel badge, bearing a likeness of General Sherman in the uniform of his general's rank, and a ribbon inscribed: 37th Reunion Society of the Army of the Potomac Washington, October 15-16, 1903, The Dedication of The Statue to William Tecumseh Sherman. The hall was elaborately decorated with flags, flowers, and foliage in national design. The portraits of six Presidents — Lincoln, Grant, Garfield, Hayes, Harrison, and McKinley — adorned three walls, while on the south was a large picture of Reunions. 117 General Sherman, draped with flags and bunting and banked with flowers. Three United States bands — the Marine Band Orchestra, and engineer and cavalry military bands- — discoursed suitable music. The visitors were met at the door by a committee under the chairmanship of Col. Robert G. Rutherford, U. S. Army, who extended a hearty welcome in the name of the Society of the Army of the Potomac. Arriving at the head of the stairs, a floor committee, of which Brevet Brig. Gen. Van Hartness Bukey, U. S. Volunteers, was the chairman, ushered the guests into the reception rooms. General Sickles occupied a seat and united in the greetings to the guests. The affair was representative of the civil, mili- tary, and naval services and unofficial social life at the capital. A noticeable feature was the large presence of the older men in the various official and unofficial walks of Washington life. Owing to the immense throng and to avoid crowding, the visitors were courteously shown along a second passageway by a committee, Maj. Frank A. Butts, chairman, from which they departed. THE AZTEC SOCIETY OF 1 847. The festivities opened with a grand flourish of valor of former days at the banquet of the Aztec Society on the night of Monday, October 13. This society, originally composed of officers of the United States Army who served in the war with Mexico, was instituted in the City of Mexico in 1847, and has been continued ' ' with a view to cherish the memories and keep alive the traditions that cluster about the names of those officers who took part in the Mexican war. ' ' The toasts responded to were: "The President of the United States," by General Randolph. "The Aztec Club of 1847," h Y General Gibson. n8 Reunions. " The Army of the United States in Mexico and Elsewhere." by General Randolph. "The Navy of the United States in Mexico and Elsewhere," by Admiral Winfield Scott Schley. "The Marine Corps of the United States," by General Elliot, commandant of the Marine Corps. "Gen. Winfield Scott; In Hoc Signo Yinces," by General Wright. "Gen. Zachary Taylor," by General French, formerly lieu- tenant-general, Confederate Army. "Admiral David G. Farragut," by Admiral Casey. "The War with Mexico," by Governor Gorham, of Cali- fornia. "The Drums of the Army of Mexico," by Gen. R. C. Drum, of Bethesda, Md. "The Kearnys of the Army of Mexico," by Gen. John W. Kearny. " The Soldiers of Mexico," by Judge Lander. " Chaplain John McCarthy," by the Rev. W. T. Snyder. "The Press," by Maj. John M. Carson, dean of the Wash- ington Press Gallery. Among those present, in addition to the speakers, were : Dr. John W. Brannan, Dr. William M. Polk, Col. George A. Porterfield, Gen. Robert Murray, Hon. J. J. Martin, Maj. John Biddle Porter, Hon. Francis E. Shober, Gen. Francis E. Pinto, Commodore W. H. Shock, U. S. Navy; Admiral J. C. Watson, U. S. Navy; Capt. J. F. Reynolds Uandis, Messrs. Macrae Syxes, Francis E. Laimbeer, William Stone Abert, J. Kennedy Stour, De Courcey W. Thorn, Frederick May, A. H. Taylor, Lyall Farragut, Charles Porterfield, J. Malcolm Henry, P. Tecumseh Sherman, E. Willoughby Anderson, Reunions. 119 Roberdeau Buchanan, Barry MacNutt, Andrew D. Wilcox, and William M. Sweeny. The Medal of Honor Legion was also largely represented. A BRILLIANT ENDING OF A SUPERB BEGINNING. The closing function in connection with the unveiling of the statue of General Sherman was fittingly celebrated in a joint banquet on the night of the 16th. It was properly the most brilliant of the militar-social events of the Sherman fete week. It was the first time since the close of the civil war when the societies of the four grand armies had met together to do honor to the memory of one of their great chieftains. It was therefore representative in ever}' sense, as most of the great living soldiers who participated in that war were present. It was in every respect impressive and memo- rable. The guests were confined chiefly to the members of the socie- ties and their ladies — in all, about five hundred — there being no building large enough to accommodate more. The invitations were arranged in souvenir form. The decorations were superb. The walls of the banquet halls were lavishly draped with national colors. In the four corners and on the mantels, reflected by large mirrors, were great banks of ferns and palms. The national flags were united by festoons of laurel, galax, and oak leaves, to which were added flowers of every form and line. The master stroke of floral strategy was the four great shields, each bearing the insignia of the society of the army rep- resented, flanked by the standards and badges of its constituent corps d'armee. The symphony of the scene was made additionally pleasing by the soft strains of music from an embowered orchestra. 1 20 Reunions. In the spacious suite of banquet halls covers were laid for the small army of guests. The tables were bounteously decorated, the American Beauty rose adding bouquet as well as rich harmony of color to the subdued table lights. The following menu and order of exercises engaged the attention of the guests: (An embossed wreath upon which was superimposed the badges of the four armies. ) Joint Banquet of the Societies of the Army of the Tennessee, Army of the Ohio, Army of the Cumberland, Army of the Potomac, on the occasion of the dedication of the statue of General Wiuiam Tecumseh Sherman, October 16th, 1903. The Arlington, Washington, D. C. Menu. Blue Points Celery Olives Radishes Salted Almonds Chicken Consomme in Cups Filet of Sole, Tartar Sauce Cucumbers Potatoes Parisienne Lyonnaise of Sweatbreads, Gratin Green Peas Lalla Rookh Punch Philadelphia Squabs, Roasted Chiffonade Salad Ice Cream, Neapolitaine Fancy Cakes Coffee Sauterne Pommery Sec Claret Apollinaris Reunions. 1 2 1 Order of Exercises. Invocation Archbishop John Ireland. ADDRESSES. The Society of the Army of the Potomac Maj. Gen. John R. Brooke, U. S. Army. The Society of the Army of the Cumberland Bvt. Col. John J. McCook, U. S. Volunteers. Sherman Mrs. John A. Logan. The Society of the Army of the Tennessee Rev. Thomas E. Sherman. The Society of the Army of the Ohio Sergt. Maj. John McElroy, U. S. Volunteers. SONGS. 1. America. 2. Battle Hymn of the Republic. 3. Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean. 4. Marching through Georgia. 5. Star-Spangled Banner. 6. Tenting on the Old Camp Ground. Lieut. Gen. J. M. Schofield presiding. At the conclusion of the banquet Lieut. Gen. John M. Scho- field, president of the Society of the Army of the Ohio, presid- ing, announced the order of exercises ready to begin. These were prefaced by an impressive invocation by Arch- bishop John Ireland, of St. Paul, former chaplain of the Fifth Minnesota Volunteers of the Army of the Tennessee. GENERAL BROOKE'S ADDRESS. The presiding officer then announced Maj. Gen. John R. Brooke, U. S. Army, retired, who, speaking in behalf of the Army of the Potomac, gave a thrilling review of its campaigns in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, culminating at Gettysburg. In his peroration he said: Since then we have seen the participants in that great war, with their sons standing side by side with us and our own sons, wearing the same 122 Reunions. uniform, bearing the same colors, united and earnest supporters of one country and one flag — realizing in language the immortal words of our greatest captain, "Let us have peace," now and forever. COLONEL m'Cook'S address. This eloquent introduction was followed by Col. John J. MeCook, representing the Army of the Cumberland, who drew a spirited piece of word painting of the terrible days of battle and campaign, none greater than those in which Sherman was the master genius, whose deeds would continue enshrined in the memory of his countrymen as long as the terrible strug- gles of the civil war were remembered. Concluding, "There are hundreds of thousands to-day willing to give their lives for the protection of the liberties of their country and flag." ' ' The glory of the Republic is in the patriotism of her volunteer soldiers. ' ' MRS. LOGAN'S ADDRESS. The tribute of the evening to the personality of Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman was paid by Mrs. John A. Logan. It was replete with fact and sentiment, referring to the opposition he met on the threshold of the civil war by officers and politicians, overruled by the superior judgment of President Lincoln. She referred to the record made by divi- sions, corps, and armies, and grand divisions successively under Sherman's command. She gave a striking picture of Sher- man and his veterans in the last grand review in Washington in the spring of 1865 past the very spot where now stands his effigy in bronze, and of — their battered and faded flags, worn, ragged, and unkempt uniforms, tell- ing the story of their long weary marches in sunshine and storm, over rugged mountains, through dismal swamps, over roughest roads and burn- ing sands in defense of their country. Reunions. 123 REVEREND SHERMAN'S ADDRESS. The next speaker, Rev. Thomas E. Sherman, of the Roman Catholic Church, son of onr hero, was greeted with tumultuous applause, waving of handkerchiefs, and other outbursts of repressed awaiting. In the course of his remarks he said: You fought for one cause, under one flag, in the one war. [This was greeted with dramatic acclaim, "and under one Sherman! One Sher- man!! One Sherman!!! " shouted a chorus of trembling voices of fast aging battle-scarred veterans.] Yes, he loved you all, the private as well as the officer, because you always were an honor to the flag for which you fought. But there is a greater triumph for you than your conquests in battles, and that is the absolute triumph of the principles you battled to maintain. To-day this country is one, because you have so welded and united us that we are in perfect accord with your principles everywhere * * * and to-night as I stand here after your elegant tribute to my father I can not help once more hoping that you will always conquer by the strength of your principles as you did in the war. The entire address was well chosen and received with tumul- tuous applause, in the midst of which a veteran rose shouting " three cheers for the noble son of a noble sire," which met with a response which made the very edifice quake. major m'eerov's address. Maj. John McElroy spoke in behalf of the Arm}- of the Ohio, giving a retrospect of what the youngest of the four great armies had accomplished, particularly an effective sketch of its participation in the battle of November 30, 1864, when the Army of the Ohio was part of the force detailed to meet Hood's army of Confederate veterans. GENERAL HOWARD'S REMARKS. At the close of the regular order Major-General Howard, as former commander of the Army of the Tennessee, was called upon by the presiding officer, and with great cheering. He 124 Reunions. paid an eloquent tribute to that wonderful army of volunteers which had developed into heroes the native genius of Grant, Sherman, McPherson, and Logan. GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. GENERAL BLACK'S REMARKS. Gen. John C. Black, at the request of the presiding officer, spoke for the Grand Army of the Republic. He said that great body of former volunteer soldiers perpetuates in peace the memories of the war, and keeps green the deeds of officers and men in the world's greatest struggle for the perpetuation of national existence. "MY COUNTRY 'TIS OF THEE." As the grand volume of voices, united in the pathetic chords of the national hymn, died away, so ended the great reunion of the four societies of the Grand Armies under aegis of the Union reunited. SHERMAN: A MEMORIAL SKETCH/ By DkB. Randolph Keim, Civil War Correspondent. To very few in any generation is it given to render such services as he rendered; but each of us in his degree can try to show something of those qualities of character upon which, in their sum, the high worth of Sherman rested — his courage, his kindness, his clean and simple living, his sturdy good sense, his manliness and tenderness in the intimate relations of life, and finally, his inflexible rectitude of soul and his loyalty to all that in this free republic is hallowed and symbolized by the national flag. (Theodore Roosevelt — The President's address at the opening of the dedicatory ceremonies of October /j, 1903.) The great wars of history have produced few heroes of dis- tinctive fame. Of those who have survived the casualties of centuries, some won greatness and others notable mention commensurate with the scope of their achievements. The judgment of historians concurs in naming Alexander, the Macedonian; Hannibal, the Carthagenian; Caesar, the Roman; Frederick, the Prussian, and Napoleon, the Frank, the five greatest military chieftains of ancient and modern times. To a In the preparation of this memorial sketch, in addition to a personal acquaintance with its hero in the field, beginning with the battle of Corinth and the land campaign against Vicksburg, and lasting through life, the "column of direction" is "The memoirs of Gen. William T. Sherman, written by himself;" and the right and left wings of information, official reports and military orders of Gen. William T. Sher- man, 1861-1865, and Congressional report on the conduct of the war, the battle of Shiloh, etc., by the Shiloh commission, with a few infantry sallies from "Personal recollec- tions" and "Transcontinental railways," by Maj. Gen. G. M. Dodge; "Lives," etc., and cavalry dashes from sketchists and magazine contributors. (125) S. Doc. 320, 58-2 9 126 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. this list the chronicles of the world's great events of the nineteenth century shall add Grant and Sherman, the Ameri- cans. The concerted movements of the latter were so intri- cately interwoven with the remarkable triumphs of the former that it is difficult to disassociate them without marring the whole. Had there been no Grant, Sherman would have stood alone, measured by expert military testimony and public opinion. There is no purpose here to draw the parallel. Sherman, in the extent of his marches and character of his battles, resembled Alexander. In the versatility of his characteristics he displayed a striking similarity to Caesar. The family of Sherman from which the subject of this memorial sprang belonged to the best type of the Anglo-Saxon strain in the composite race of the Republic of the United vStates of America. ANCESTRAL SCENES IN OLD ENGLAND. A voyager approaching the western shore of the German Sea between the mouth of the Stour, at Harwich, and of the Thames, at Shoeburyness, rests his vision upon one of the most pictur- esque regions in all England. Its antiquity, too, lies beyond the confines of history. Within recorded time it held great Caesar's legionary outpost of Trinobantes. It was part of the Saxon Kingdom, the battle ground of Alfred the Great against the Danes, the scene of the operations of the Normans, and in modern times known under the political subdivisional name of the county of Essex. On the northeast border of this beautiful stretch of country, on the south bank of the Stour, a few miles inside its mouth, at the time of which we speak lay the village of Dedham, in the parish of that name, in the Colchester division of the Hundred Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 127 of Lexden, 59 miles northeast of London and 7 miles in the same direction from Colchester on the road to Norwich. That the Shermans were among its substantial people in the tradesman class is assured by record of 1610: Edmund Sherman, of this town, clothier (possibly father or relative of the emigrant), gave a schoolhouse opposite the church to be a dwelling house for a writing master, and a number of children are instructed in this charity. The clothing industry must have been the thing, for a chronicle of the time of King Richard II mentions the town as famous for its trade in that line. It would seem from the subsequent history of the place when Samuel Sherman," the Reverend John, his brother, a Cam- bridge graduate, and Captain John, his cousin, sailed out of the Stotir for America, they left an "aching void" which years increased until that mart of the clothing trade almost ceased to have sufficient importance for a place on the maps of the twen- tieth century. FAMILY ANTECEDENTS IN NEW ENGLAND. When the three Sherman kinsmen landed on the shores of North America, but fourteen years after the Plymouth pilgrim pioneers, Samuel, who is mentioned first, was but 19 years of age, two years younger than his brother, the Reverend John. The age of Captain John, the cousin, is not known, but it is not improbable about the same, therefore between 19 and 21 — splendid years for a share in laying the foundation of a great nation in a howling wilderness. Samuel, with whom we have to do, upon landing, married Sarah Mitchell, who arrived on the same ship, and settled at "An armigerous name of Sherman, of London and Devonshire, descended from the Shermans of Yoxley. County Suffolk, is given byCothren as belonging to the Shermans of Lexden, Essex, England, and by the immigrants named transplanted to Stratford, Conn., and Watertown, Mass., in America. 128 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. Stratford, Conn. The other two took root at Watertown, Mass., where the Reverend John preached his first sermon under a tree very soon after arrival. There should be no difficulty in accounting for the remarkable manifestations of the parent stock or descending generations of this particular family in America. Their martial spirit sprang from the exposure of their ancestral land to incessant forays from Romans, Saxons, Danes, and Normans during a period of eleven centuries. In trade they were associated with one of the oldest and foremost guilds of their motherland; in religion, by instinct and practice Puritans apparently of the advanced type — for early in the seventeenth century an inde- pendent congregation had been created in Dedham in defiance of the combined antagonism of state and church, then extreme. The departure of the three Shermans only two years before this event might give credence to the inference that their determination was due as much to restraint of conscience and religion as a desire to get where there was more J ' elbowroom and an opportunity to grow up with the country. It appears from contemporary records the Shermans were in it from the start. A church fight was the dominating factor in deciding upon what particular spot of New World earth the founder, Samuel, should plant the parent tree. Even surpassing the catching of a band of red savages was the management of a white congregation in those days. The Stratford end of the "doctrinal" contest seems to have been the hottest. It certainly gave Governor Winthrop the time of his life. The implacable intolerance of the majority forced Samuel Sherman and his friends to seek permission to purchase land for a new town, which was granted ( 1667 ) at Pootakuke (Great River). Planting began the following year at Pomper- vaug, named after that famous Sagamore. Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 129 In the spring of 167 1 an advance party of fifteen persons led by John Sherman, son of Samuel, pitched their tents on the opening which afterwards became known as Woodbury, in the colony of Connecticut. It is recorded that the ladies of the family passed their first night in the hollow of a walnut tree. As the founder of the race which gave to the American Re- public one of its foremost military heroes, it is interesting to know of Samuel Sherman and his son John that they were the head and front of the new settlement, besides the name of the former being associated with Weathersfield, Stamford, and Stratford, all in Connecticut, where he died before 1684. He had been a member of the court of assistants, or upper house of the general court and supreme judicial tribunal, 1663— 1669. From this fact we find him referred to officially as the ' ' wor- shipful Mr. Sherman." After the founding of the new town he became one of the commissioners for Stratford and Woodbury . He left two sons, Matthew and John, to continue his example as a man and usefulness as a citizen. The name of John Sherman, of the first generation born in America (February 1, 1650) and founder of Woodbury, was as- sociated with the town and colony for forty-four years (1684- 1728) — as justice of the quorum, or associate count}' court; for seventeen sessions as representative of the town; twice speaker of the lower house; town clerk twenty-five years; captain of militia; first judge of probate for Woodbury, from its organiza- tion in 1 7 19 for nine years. HOME BUILDING IN WESTERN WILDS — BIRTH OF WILLIAM TECUMSEH SHERMAN. Passing over a century, four score and six years since the landing of Samuel, we reach the birth, on February 8, 1820, of William Tecumseh Sherman, of the fifth generation 130 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. native to American soil. His father, Charles R. Sherman, of Nor walk, Conn., was a man of liberal education and licensed to the practice of the law. His mother, Mary Hoyt, also of Norwalk, belonged to one of the historic families. Their marriage took place in 18 10. The groom, full of the ambition of youth, leaving his bride, journeyed to the then Far West, where his father had important official interests, prospecting for an opening. This he found at Lancaster, Fairfield County, Ohio, where he established himself in the practice of the law. The westward emigration of this branch of the Shermans was influenced if not due to the territorial claims of the State of Connecticut, based upon the Royal grant of 1631, to a strip "west to the Pacific Ocean." Judge Taylor Sherman, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was named one of the State commissioners on the part of Connecticut to quiet the Indian title and super- intend the survey and subdivision of the lands. On this service he made several trips to the region in litigation, and for his labors and losses received title to two sections of land. In 181 1 the young attorney, now established at Lancaster, returned to his former home, finding a son born during his absence. With wife and child on horseback he toiled back to his chosen field of life's activity, and laid the foundation of a career and a family which became eminent in the prog- ress of years. During the war of 1812 the Ohio frontiers were exposed to all the savagery of English and Indian depredations. It was during these perilous times that Charles R. Sherman, as com- missary, had ample opportunity to become familiar with the courage and cunning of the red chieftain, Tecumseh. Although opposed by the pacific views of his wife, the recurrence of boys She? man: A Memorial Sketch. 131 in the family circle gave the father an opportunity to commend the valor of the brave Shawnee in the naming of his third son. The early border wars produced no finer character, on the standard of military skill of the red man, than shown in Tecumseh, nor did the civil war produce a finer type of the martial genius of the white man than William Tecumseh Sherman. death's awakening — a foster father boyhood and YOUTH. The father of the subject of this sketch was appointed a judge of the supreme court of Ohio in 1821, and eight years after died from labor and exposure incident to the performance of his itinerant duties. The departed left a good name, both in public affairs and the privacy of home and society, but no fortune. The mother, without means and a numerous family, eleven in all, of necessity had to suffer the bitter pang of having the elder members of her flock taken from her and distributed among relatives and friends. William Tecumseh, 9 years of age, an interesting, active boy, was taken by Hon. Thomas Ewing, then a Senator of the United States from Ohio. This worthy man not only cared for his charge in his temporal wants, but placed in his way, as for his own sons, every opportunity of winning for himself a name. How he availed himself of the advantages afforded him, his benefactor lived long enough to realize and applaud. The Lancaster Academy furnished the educational founda- tion of the career of the general of future years. At the age of 14, as rodman on a canal survey, for which he received a silver half dollar a day, he earned his first monev. 132 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. ENTERS WEST POINT AND THE ARMY. [1836-1840.] A chance to advance the interests of his charge now opened. Having received timely notice from Senator Ewing, young Sherman began preparation for admission to the United States Military Academy and received the appointment in the spring of 1S36. After four days and nights of hard coaching he was in Washington, where he passed a week under the eye of his Senatorial protector. The event of his life up to that time was one morning peering through the rough wooden pailings on Pennsylvania avenue at President Andrew Jackson, the hero of New Orleans, taking his "constitutional" up and down the gravel walk in front of the White House. Parting with his powerful patron and pursuing, the usual boat and rail route via Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York, on June 12 the great soldier of the third quarter of the nineteenth century registered himself in the office of the adjutant-general of the United States Military Academy at West Point in the new cadet class of 1836. In the same month four years after he graduated sixth in a class of 43, all that remained of over 100 who had entered. He received his diploma and soon after the commission of second lieutenant in the Third U. S. Artillery with orders to report at Governors Island, New York Harbor, at the expiration of a graduating furlough which he passed among the scenes of his infancy, childhood, and youth at Lancaster and Mansfield, in Ohio. The summing up of Cadet Sherman's academy career is best told by himself after the honors of the world's great game had been nobly won. At the Academy I was not considered a good soldier, for at no time was I selected for any office, but remained a private throughout the whole Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 133 four years. Then, as now, neatness in dress and form, with a strict con- formity to the rules were the qualifications required for office, and I sup- pose I was found not to excel in any of these. In studies I always held a respectable reputation with the professors, and generally ranked among the best, especially in drawing, chemistry, mathematics, and natural phi- losophy. My average demerits per annum were about 150, which reduced my final class standing from four to six. Barely missing the honor of ' ' star ' ' graduate at his alma mater, he moved on up to the constellation of four stars on the field. SERVICE IN NEW YORK, FLORIDA, ALABAMA, .SOUTH CARO- LINA, AND GEORGIA. [1840-1846.] Upon his arrival at Governors Island, Lieutenant Sherman performed his first duty, drilling recruits, who later (October) under his command were detailed as one of four companies for service in Florida. In December, 1837, Gen. Zachary Taylor disastrously de- feated the Seminoles at Okechobee. He was in chief com- mand, with headquarters at Tampa Bay. Lieutenant Sher- man's company — A, Third U. S. Artillery — was stationed at Fort Pierce, Indian River. The quarters of officers and men in those days were log huts, set on high posts and thatched with palmetto leaves, the inter- vals and flanks of the quadrangle being closed with log stock- ades. Here the great lieutenant of the civil war began military service in the field. The Indians at that time were scattered in small parties among the everglades. It was the duty of the Army in small detachments to run them down, secure them, and send them to join the other Seminoles already established in the Indian Ter- ritory, west of the Arkansas. In commenting upon this in 134 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. after life General Sherman expressed the opinion of the wiser policy it would have been to have placed these tribes upon reservations in their native hunting grounds, of no value then nor since to civilization, instead of occupying territory avail- able for a large population skilled in all the arts of industry and accustomed to the environments of civilized life. In November, 1841, Subaltern Sherman received his first promotion to first lieutenant, Company G, Third Artillery, stationed at St. Augustine. With this rank he held his first separate command of a detachment of 20 men at Picolata, on St. Johns River, 18 miles distant. Duty in Florida at that time was attended with much hardships and more or less danger, owing to ambuscades and treachery. In February, 1842, in the transfer of the Third to Gulf posts, he took station at Fort Morgan, Mobile Point, on the bay of that name in Alabama, where he acted as quartermaster and commissary. In the following June the Third received orders for Atlantic posts from Savannah to North Carolina, Lieutenant Sherman's company at Fort Moultrie, Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. Life at this post was purely garrison, diversified with hunting and social intercourse with the families of Charleston and the summer residents of Sullivan Island. In the summer of 1S43, after three years of continuous service, having been granted a furlough of three mouths, he visited his old home, which always held a warm place in his heart, although his brothers and sis- ters, it might almost have been said, had been scattered to the four winds. In November he visited St. Louis, then a town of 40,000 inhabitants, spending a day at the arsenal and Jefferson Bar- racks, which figured in the beginning of his military career in the civil war. Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 135 VISITS SCENES OF LATER TRIUMPHS. In reaching his post he took the route via New Orleans, Mobile, Montgomery, Franklin, Griffin, Lagrange, Macon, and Savannah, many points associated with his movements in 1864, arriving at Charleston two days after Christmas. In the early part of 1844, while assisting the inspector-gen- eral in special work, he spent six weeks at Marietta, Ga. , dur- ing which time he repeatedly visited Kenesaw Mountain, the same ground over which he fought in 1864. In March of the same year, at Bellefonte, Ala., he was occu- pied on the same duty as at Marietta After two months, completing his work, he started back to his post on horseback. In this journey he had an opportunity of studying the strateg- ical positions of Rome, Allatoona, Marietta, Atlanta, Macon, and Augusta, over the very ground of his great Atlanta cam- paign and march to the sea. RECRUITING — MEXICAN WAR. [1846-47.] On May 1, 1846, Lieutenant Sherman was detached from the Third and ordered on recruiting service. Three companies of his regiment were already en route for the seat of war. In the same month he took station at Pittsburg and almost immediately was authorized to open a subrendezvous at Zanes- ville, Ohio, about 36 miles from Lancaster, his home. About the end of the same month (May) news of the battles at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma was received. The lieu- tenant determined that a recruiting office was no place for him. A private letter from an officer friend at the same time informed him that Company F of the Third Artillery, then stationed at Fort McHenry, Baltimore, had orders for California. 136 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. At once Sherman communicated with the Adjutant-General at Washington to consider him an applicant for any active service that might present itself, adding that he would willingly forego his recruiting detail. The following month he received orders assigning him to Company F mentioned. At the same time he was informed from private sources that the company had ahead}- left its former station for Governors Island, New York Harbor, where it was to take passage for California on a naval transport. His orders were received at 8 p. m. By working all night he closed his account current, turned over his cash balance to the citizen physician of the rendezvous, and made up his clothing and property returns, leaving blank receipts with the doctor for his successor to sign and forward in duplicate to the Department and himself. The next morning he took boat to Brownsville, stage to Cumberland, and rail via Baltimore and Philadelphia to New York. That was William T. Sherman at 26; the same as the nation always found him in his larger sphere of activity at 41-45, quick to decide and prompt to act. Arriving at Gov- ernors Island he found the company recruited up to a war foot- ing — 100 privates, 12 noncommissioned officers, 1 ordnance sergeant, and 5 officers. The former U. S. sloop of war Lexington, equipped as a store ship, was anchored abreast Fort Columbus. The officers and men embarked on July 14, 1846. The same day the sloop was towed to sea on her voyage of 10,000 miles around Cape Horn. SAILING AROUND THE HORN. In order to keep the men employed during more than six monotonous months afloat, the company was divided into Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 137 squads, each under a lieutenant by agreement with the naval officers, to serve in watches, doing all the work on deck while the sailors performed all duty aloft. At the same time the men were drilled in the manual of arms. The voyage was without event other than the usual visit of Neptune over the sides with a huge wooden razor and bucket of soap suds for the initiation of greenhorns crossing "The Line." In October the Lexington sighted Staten Island, the first land approaching the cape, but it was fully a month of buffet- ing against adverse winds and heavy seas before the vessel was fairly headed for her port of destination. CALIFORNIA — QUARTERMASTER — COMMISSARY — AID — ADJUTANT-GENERAL. [1847-48.] On January 26, 1847, one hundred and ninety-six days out from New York, the Lexington dropped anchor in the bay of Monterey, Cal. Upon arrival the Californiaus were in insurrection on land and the United States fleet at San Diego. General Kearny, with a regiment of dragoons about 1,000 strong, was at hand from New Mexico with the first overland expedition. Also Captain Fremont with his party of explorers. The country was overrun by guerillas. Lieutenant Sherman, being quartermaster and commissary, had the superintendence of the debarkation of the men and supplies and the arrangements of the camp at the blockhouse overlooking the town. Monterey then consisted of a line of low, white adobe houses backed by a fringe of oak, and a popu- lation of 1,000 Americans, Mexicans, and Indians. So perfect had been the discipline and health aboard, every man landed, carrying his own arms and accouterments, and marched up the hill to camp. 138 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. By a combined movement of the land and sea forces, put ashore for the purpose, the insurgents were surrounded and surrendered at Los Angeles. By seniority of rank, General Kearny had command in chief on shore and Commodore Shubric afloat. Very soon after landing Lieutenant Sherman was relieved of his quartermaster and commissary duties, but General Kearny, appreciating his efficiency, at once appointed him aid. In this capacity he accompanied his chief on the Lexington to Los Angeles. Owing to a dispute about command Captain Fremont was practically in a state of mutiny. The general, determined to put an end to further misunderstanding, directed Sherman to call upon Fremont to notify him of his arrival and of his desire to see him. In his usual tactful way Sherman mollified the explorer, who was fortified by Senatorial influence but not Department documents. The two were not long in reaching the general's headquarters in an amicable frame of mind, where the differences were arranged by Fremont withdrawing from the position he had assumed. General Kearny having determined to return overland to Missouri, an escort of 40 volunteers from the Mormon battalion, whose term of enlistment was about to expire, was recruited. Under command of Lieutenant Sherman this reenlisted com- pany, mounted on mules, with a train of pack animals, marched from Los Angeles to Monterey in fifteen days, averaging over 30 miles a day, beating the Lexington at sea with the general on board by several days. It afforded also an admirable oppor- tunity to study the nature of the country, a variety of informa- tion which proved of great value in the opening of the coast and the vast regions toward the valley of the Missouri to settle- ment and industry. Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 139 About the end of May General Kearny left Monterey on his long overland march to the East, and was succeeded by Col. R. B. Mason, First Dragoons, as chief in command of all the United States forces on shore, with headquarters at Monterey. The post of adjutant-general was tendered to Lieutenant Sher- man and accepted. The new chief was a veteran of large experience and an unflinching disciplinarian. During his long service with him Sherman, in the difficult role of adjutant, enjoyed his unlimited confidence. At this time a controversy broke out over the alcaldeship of the pueblo of Sonoma, where about 50 Americans had settled. One of the rivals claimed an election by the inhabitants, the other, appointment by General Kearny. The new commander did not approve of the elective plan. Sherman was called in to settle the dispute. With one trusted soldier and four horses he started on his mission, being joined on the way by an officer and eight sailors from the frigate Columbus. Ar- riving at the place, he was directed to the domicile where the alcalde was to be found. Having stationed his men, Sherman entered. Two men and two women were seated at a table. Sherman inquired for his man, but was informed he was not there. One of the women, however, by her manner indicated the party. Sher- man, with pistol ready, advanced, remarking: ' ' Ydu are wanted. ' ' "Where?" ' ' At Monterey. ' ' "Why?" "I will explain more at leisure later," said Sherman. The owner of the house, springing toward the door, demanded to know why he came there ' ' to arrest a peaceable citizen in 140 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. his house." Sherman, leveling his pistol, exclaimed: "Get out of my way. ' ' The sailors, hearing the commotion, closed up. The other party, becoming somewhat threatening, especially of speech, the undaunted Sherman exclaimed, "Shut up, or I'll take you, too." The deposed was carried to Monterey, but promising peace was released. The new alcalde entered the office and organized the pueblo. At that time (July, 1847) the chief town on the great bay was Yerba Buena, of which an American naval officer was first alcalde. The place had been surveyed. Lots sold at $16 a plat of 50 varas square (linear, 0.914 yards). Many army and navy officers and clerks purchased, but Sherman, with his usual judgment, declined on account of the natural conditions, which he thought were not suitable. The population consisted of 400 persons, mostly Kanakas, natives of the Sandwich Islands. Every mail, though at long and irregular intervals, brought tidings of marches and victories in old Mexico. In the mean- time, affairs were as peaceful as could be in California. The country which had been taken over by Mexico in 1823 was in the enjoyment of practical independence as early as 1836. After the arrival of the United States forces and the surrender of the insurrectionists there was little to relieve the monotony of existence. This was a condition \W.y suited to a person of Sherman's temperament and ambition. Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 141 DISCOVERY OF GOLD FIRST OVERLAND MAIL. [1848.] In the spring of 1848 an incident occurred which proved to be one of the foremost events of the world's history. At the office of Adjutant-General Sherman two men appeared, both showing the wear of a rugged journey and acting in a manner somewhat suspicious. One of them requested to see the gov- ernor. The adjutant-general naturally inquired their business. The spokesman replied that they had come from Captain Sutter on a special errand and wished to see the governor in person. Thereupon they were presented to the colonel, who also responded to the political call "governor." A few moments later the colonel hailing Sherman into the room directed his attention to a paper spread on his table con- taining yellow particles, apparently metal. "What is it? " said the colonel. " Is it gold? " rejoined the adjutant-general, adding that he had seen gold in upper Geor- gia, meanwhile testing it between his teeth, showing a metallic luster, also its malleability. The colonel handed him the accom- panying letter from Captain Sutter. Adjutant-General Sherman wrote the reply. That was the gold first discovered in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, which gave an impetus to the westward march of empire and civilization unparalleled in the history of any country. Until then quicksilver was the great metallic substance pro- duced in the Sierras of California, the most important mine being the New Almaden, 12 miles south of San Jose. During the same summer of 1848 these mines and the surrounding S. Doc. 320, 58-2 10 142 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. region were visited hy the colonel commanding and Adjutant- General Sherman. The cry of ' ' gold ' ' had set in motion a rush from all direc- tions and among all classes, which was irresistible. Fabulous accounts of discoveries and earnings of $50, $500, and $1,000 a day by the fortunate ones had so completely turned all heads and upturned all business that even soldiers subject to the sternest discipline took the possibility of death for desertion rather than miss the chance of magic wealth. The yellow par- ticles also began to appear at Yerba Buena in the very much magnified channels of trade. The war with Mexico was lost' in the excitement. Even Sherman was sufficiently infected to urge upon his chief the duty of visiting the mines for inspection and report to the Gov- ernment what was going on. The colonel thought so, too. While these wonderful occurrences were occupying atten- tion another event transpired which was the installation of another marvelous transformation. A small, somewhat bowed, gray-eyed, sandy-haired, monosyl- labic individual, known to all white and red men of the plains as Kit Carson, had arrived from Taos in New Mexico via Los Angeles with the first ' ' overland mail. ' ' Sherman was sent by the governor to meet Kit. The hero, taking the mail from a pair of saddlebags, accompanied him to headquarters, where the world-renowned hunter and trapper placed the harmless but portentous budget in Colonel Mason's own hands. This brave man had traveled 2,000 miles through the heart of the far western wilds teeming with savage men and ferocious brutes. Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 143 OFFICIAL HERALD OF GOLD. Toward the end of June, 1848, preparations were complete, and Col. R. B. Mason, military governor of California; William T. Sherman, adjutant-general; four good soldiers, and a negro servant, on good mounts and with plenty of packs, were en route, by the usual traveled trail, for the newly discovered gold mines. They arrived in due time, via Sausalito, San Rafael Mission, Bodega, Sonoma, and the Pata and Sacramento rivers. At that time [says General Sherman in his Memoirs] there was not the sign of a habitation there or thereabouts except the fort and an old adobe house east of the fort, known as the hospital. The fort itself was one of adobe walls, about 20 feet high, rectangular in form, with two-story block- houses at diagonal corners. The entrance was by a large gate, open by day and closed at night, with two iron ship's guns near at hand. The next day, July 5, the party resumed their journey to the spot where the first gold was found, at the Coloma mill, 40 miles above Sutter's fort, on the American Fork of the Sacra- mento River. The secret was out. The sawmill and everything else went down before the mad rush for golden wealth. After a week passed at the diggings proper and new mines, the visit was suddenly terminated by the announcement of the arrival of a ship at Monterey with dispatches from Commodore Shubrick, at Mazatlan, that the war was over and commis- sioners were arranging the terms of peace. This was timely information, as a few days more of the high pressure then on would have found the regiments de- serting en masse; instead, the men were now promised an honorable discharge by a few days' waiting. Colonel Mason, fully realizing the necessity of sending positive information of the "find," directed Sherman to 144 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. prepare a letter to the Adjutant-General at Washington. This document was dated August 17, 1848. At Sherman's suggestion, a "can" of specimens of the metal, to accompany the letter, was purchased at $10 an ounce, the value at the custom-house. A lieutenant was detailed to carry the news, and a bark was chartered to carry him down the coast in time to catch the October steamer to Panama. The officer from New Orleans telegraphed the news to Washington and followed with the report, but not in time to catch the Presi- dent's message at the opening of Congress. The subject, however, was made the theme of a special communication, which electrified the world even beyond the excitement occa- sioned by the news as it had leaked out through other channels. PEACE WITH MEXICO — SHERMAN A BOOMER. [1848-49.] In September, 1848, the official news of the signature of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo the preceding May reached headquarters by courier from La Paz. The troops, as promised, were promptly mustered out, except- ing one company of dragoons at Los Angeles and one company of artillery at Monterey. All business had now ceased and prospecting and digging took precedence of everything else. Men were earning from $40 to $100 a day, averaging $16, with the temptation of better luck at even larger figures. In the intense excitement the new town of San Francisco began to forge ahead until Yerba Buena was lost in the hustle, and Benicia, established as a rival, soon found itself " not in it." The contagion had now so taken hold of everybody that in the autumn of the same year the colonel and adjutant-general made a second trip to Sutter's mines, and also those on the Sherman: A Memorial Sketcli. 145 Stanislaus, called Sonora, just discovered, and presenting the same conditions as at Coloma and Mormon Island. The colonel returned to Monterey, leaving his adjutaut and another officer at Sutter's fort, where they formed a partner- ship in a store at Coloma with a former clerk of the officer referred to. Each of the three put up $500, and in a very short time realized $1,500 on their investment. BOARDS FIRST PANAMA STEAMER — SURVEYOR — CALIFORNIA CONVENTION FIRST MOVE FOR A TRANSCONTINENTAL RAILROAD. [1849.] The arrival at Monterey on February 23, 1849, of the steamer California, the pioneer of the Panama route, was celebrated by a national salute. Adjutant-General Sherman was the first man to board. Among her passengers were Gen. Persifer F. Smith, the commander of the new Division of the Pacific, re- lieving Colonel Mason, and Major Canby, his adjutant-general, to succeed Lieutenant Sherman. The time now seemed opportune to Sherman to leave the Army. His record as an officer and man was of the highest character among the motley population attracted from all parts of the globe. He had received most tempting offers of a busi- ness partnership. With a view to acceptance, he handed his resignation to General Smith, who, however, promptly declined to receive it, stating that he desired him to remain as adjutant- general of the division. The headquarters were transferred to San Francisco. Lieu- tenant Sherman, whose knowledge of affairs was most valu- able, made all the arrangements. He now found himself one of the leading men of the ' ' Coast. ' ' The mail line of steamers via Panama was a permanent institution. A naval and military 146 Sherman: A Memo?'?'aI Sketch. commission from Washington had located the United States navy-yard at Mare Island and the United States militar} T .store- house and arsenal for the army at Benicia. The division head- quarters were established at the same place, as also the depot of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company. Soon after headquarters made another change to Sonpma. Lieutenant Sherman as adjutant-general of the division was relieved, a regular appoint- ment having been made, and became one of the aids. The openings for business employment induced General Smith to encourage several of the better equipped officers to take advan- tage of their opportunities, among others Sherman. This officer, from his knowledge' of the country, its condi- tions, and people, was in particular demand for surveying and the plotting of towns, for one piece of work alone being paid $500 and a number of lots, from the sale of part of which he received another $500. There was no more reliable surveyor in the whole country. In one land transaction he received $3,000, and for a single day's surveying $500 for himself and party. He also ran the line dividing the city of Benicia from the Government reservation, sounded the bay, and staked the channel up to Suisun. His old friend, Captain Sutter, also engaged him to connect the survey of Sacramento to that of Sutterville, 3 miles below. Upon the return of his chief and staff, Sherman sold his instruments and had a general clean up, in which he realized $6,000 in two months and returned to headquarters at Sonoma. During the entire summer of 1849 the inpour of people b} r steamers, sailing vessels, and overland was enormous. The establishment of civil government being in order, the military government issued a proclamation for the election of delegates to a convention" to frame a constitution. When the convention met at Monterey Sherman was sent to watch its proceedings, Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 147 in order to keep his chief advised of the progress of events toward the formation of California into a State for admission to the Union. Another important movement in this magically developing region with which the name of Sherman was associated was his detail by General Smith to Sacramento City to instruct the officers of engineers how to push their surveys of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in order to ascertain the possibility of cross- ing that range by means of a railway. It was generally assumed that such a road could not be built along any of the immigration routes then in use. It was while on this duty that the great national project of a transcontinental railway first received his thoughtful consideration. After his return to San Francisco about Christmas, 1849, a vessel from Oregon brought a package of dispatches with an order from General Smith for Sherman to deliver them in person to Gen. Winfield Scott in New York City. OFF FOR WASHINGTON — MARRIAGE. [1850.] On the 1st day of January, 1850, having paid his passage money, then $600, he hastened to Monterey by land to bid fare- well to old friends. There boarding the steamer, by the end of the same month he had delivered the dispatches as directed and was ordered by General Scott to carry them to Washington and lay them before the Secretary of War. There he found his patron and friend, Mr. Ewing, filling the post of Secretary of the Interior in the Cabinet of President Taylor, and a few days later was presented to the President, 148 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. whom he had never seen, although he had served under him in Florida. The veteran received the young officer of artillery with the greatest kindness, asked him many questions, particularly men- tioning his former chief in California, Colonel Mason, who had spoken of him in the highest terms and would be pleased to do anything for him. Upon his return to Washington from a visit to his mother in Ohio, all the preparatory arrangements having been made, on May 1, 1850, our lieutenant took unto himself a bride — Miss Ellen Bo) T le Ewing, daughter of his patron and friend. The wedding was one of the most notable events of the year in the polite life of the nation's capital. The father of the bride was a member of the official household of the President, who was present with his entire Cabinet, and such men of national fame as Webster, Clay, and Benton. The Wedding took place in the stately mansion, still standing opposite the north facade of the War Department, later owned by Francis P. Blair, sr. After a honeymoon tour of Baltimore, New York, Niagara, and among friends in Ohio, the lieutenant and his bride were back again in Washington by the 1st day of July, just in time to unite in the universal grief caused by the death of the President. CAPTAIN AND COMMISSAR V — TWO SHIPWRECKS. [1850-1S.V5.] The name of W. T. Sherman was on the muster roll as first lieutenant (Light), Company C, Third Artillery, stationed at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, Mo., at which point he was ordered to report for duty. Upon the passage of the bill which increased the personnel Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 149 of the Commissary Department by four captains, Sherman was promoted (September 27, 1850) to one of the places, with orders to take station at St. Louis. During the year of service at this post he displayed his usual solicitude for the interests of the Government by personal inspections of all purchases, especially of beef and the larger articles for the Army. In September, 1852, he was suddenly transferred to New Orleans to relieve a commissary who was under a cloud .for alleged preference shown a contracting firm in which his brother was a partner. Sherman at once put an end to complaints by making all purchases in the open market. About the end of the same year an old friend from St. Louis called at his office with articles of copartnership for the estab- lishment of a bank in California, to be known as Lucas, Turner & Co., Sherman being the latter. The entire affair had been arranged without previous consul- tation . The party was on his way to New York to take steamer for San Francisco to open the branch at that point. The parent house already existed as Lucas & Symonds at St. Louis. The party left the papers and proceeded on his journey. He was almost immediately followed by the principal of the firm, James H. Lucas, with details about the California branch, stating that Sherman's name had been included at the instance of Mr. Turner, who was not willing to remain on the coast, and desired him to take his place. With a tempting income and an interest, he asked for six months' leave to go to San Francisco and look over the ground. All other matters arranged, in February, 1853, he sent his family to Ohio and sailed by the Nicaragua route. The captain of the vessel, losing his reckoning, on April 3 struck a reef 18 miles above the entrance to San Francisco Bay. 150 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. In this perilous position Sherman showed himself as cool afloat — or, rather, asinking — as ashore. He was among the last passengers to leave the ship and the first to start in search of relief. Finding a lumber schooner, a quick sail down the coast soon found him inside the "Golden Gate." But troubles came not singly. The schooner, "getting into the throat of the ' Heads,' " with a strong wind against an ebb tide, shoved her nose under the water and keeled over, rolling Sherman overboard, mingled with the loose cargo of lumber, ropes, and tackle. Being an expert swimmer alone saved him. Striking out for the stern and clambering over- the bottom, he succeeded in perching himself astride the keel, feeling secure as far as sink- ing was concerned, the entire cargo being floatable, but the sensation of drifting out to sea on a racing tide was anything but reassuring. Fortunately for the country the master of a schooner, seeing the accident, cast off a boat and released the "shipwrecked mariner" with the matter-of-fact observation, "This is a nice mess you got yourself into." The "old salt" dumped him ashore at the foot of the bluff below the fort, from whence he footed it up to the Presidio. In this predicament the sentinel surveyed him with much suspicion, but consented to hand his card to the officers within. Their astonishment and mutual surprise ended two shipwrecks in a single day. Without caring for himself, the captain hastened to the office of the steamship company and gave particulars and suggestions. The passengers were rescued from the beach by relief steamers the next morning. Sherman lost his valise, but saved his trunk. Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 151 LEAVES THE ARMY BANKER. [1853-1855.] Captain Sherman found San Francisco much ' ' progressed ' ' since he left it on New Year's day three years before. The city was on the top wave of "wild-cat" speculation, prices were soaring, and enterprises of all kinds booming. The bank of Lucas, Turner & Co. was in full blast, receiving deposits, negotiating bills of exchange, and loaning money at 3 per cent a month. Examination led to an agreement on the part of Sherman to return to St. Louis, confer with Lucas & Symonds, settle upon details, and return permanently. In July he was back in ' ' the States ' ' at St. Louis, where all terms were arranged. Now came the final step. Returning to Lancaster, a family council was held, Mr. Ewiug and Mrs. Sherman being the chief parties to determine. The project received their approval, whereupon he dispatched his resignation to the Adjutant-Gen- eral of the United States Army, to take effect at the end of his six months' leave. Accordingly, on September 6, 1853, William T. Sherman ceased to be an officer in the Army of the United States of America. It could truly be said no officer of 33 years of age had ever left the military service with a better record for courage and efficiency in every sphere of duty. With as little delay as possible, having arranged for his departure on September 20, leaving his eldest child with her grandparents, he took steamer at New York with his wife and infant daughter, reaching San Francisco by the Nicaragua route October 15. All his old-time comrades welcomed him once more in their midst, and old friends in business greeted him as one of them. 152 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. This phase of the life of Sherman is perhaps one of the best proofs of the versatility of his genius and the adamantine firm- ness of his character. He was not long in getting on to the delusive basis of the entire financial and business fabric about him. To use his own expression, he "had to drift along with the rest toward the Niagara theft none foresaw at the time. ' ' Even in this radically different field of action Sherman was a success. By the spring of 1854, barely six months after assuming the navigation of a financial institution in the midst of a sea of trouble, his business showed average deposits of a half million and sales of exchange and shipment of $200,000 bullion per steamer. Although he had an associate, he proposed to take no chances. He signed all bills of exchange, and fortunately insisted upon being consulted on loans and discounts. As a consequence, he seldom lost on poor loans. His skill in financial management was thrillingly illustrated by the experience he, with others, had with Henry Meigs, a bold operator and conspicuous figure in the style of money transactions on ' ' the coast ' ' in those times. Meigs was always a heavy borrower and an ambidex- trous manipulator of debtor and creditor operations. The men on 'change had either great faith in or fear of him. As the climax approached, which Sherman clearly foresaw, Meigs owed the bank of Lucas, Turner & Co. $75,000 to $80,000. He determined to reduce this amount and limit Meigs's operations to $25,000, secured by mortgages. The fearlessness with which Sherman took up the matter, when everyone else backed water, was another experience to adorn a tale, in fact, one with all the curdling features of the wildest romance. In addition to the mortgages he also obtained a substitution of three acceptances of a Hamburg firm for the overplus. In Sherman: A Meihorial Sketch. 153 return Sherman surrendered to Meigs all his former notes, except one, for which he was the indorser. The acceptances matured and were paid in the nick of time, for one balmy morning Mr. Meigs was missing, as discovered afterwards, having taken ' ' French leave " in a sailing vessel for South America. a This was the beginning of a general crash. The bank of Lucas, Turner & Co., through conservative management, practically alone survived the general wreck. Sherman took Meigs's fine dwelling house and other property, upon which he had secured mortgages. On city warrants, properly signed, but fraudulently issued, the bank lost $10,000. A RUSH NOT IN TACTICS MAJOR-GENERAL OF MILITIA. [1855-1857.] A storm was brewing in an unexpected quarter. Intimations were received from the St. Iyouis house during the winter of 1854-55. that the bank of Page, Bacon & Co., New York, was in trouble. This was a surprise, as the California branch had been esteemed the safest on "the coast." The spring of 1855 brought information that the New York house had failed, which naturally started a run on the San Francisco branch. After resisting the pressure for three days, Sherman was appealed to to unite in signing a paper guaranteeing the bank's solvency. Sherman had kept his own bank on a foot- ing safe against all emergencies. Therefore, with his usual a in the antipodal summer of 1871, while on a tour of investigation of the consulates of the United States, the writer was a guest of " Don " Enriques Meigs, again enriched, at his palatial home near Santiago de Chile, and also made a cruise with him in his steamer yacht up the coast. He was a man of large enterprises, having built a rail- road in the Andes at an elevation of over 10,000 feet. He was highly respected in his • new land. He paid much of his San Francisco indebtedness, but repined bitterly over his enforced exile. He left debts, it was said, aggregating over a million. 154 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. conservatism, he refused to cooperate without first personally examining the financial condition of the institution, as such an act would be equivalent to an indorsement. Upon taking this stand one of the partners of the concern became very offensive. Thereupon Sherman withdrew, followed by one of the parties whom he advised to keep out. The firm still in- sisted upon signature without investigation. Others refused. As a consequence the bank the next day closed its doors ' ' for want of coin," a subterfuge for hopeless insolvency which Sherman suspected. A general crash followed, but Sher- man's bank weathered the tempest and naturally now stood in the first rank. It is interesting to know that so strong was he in the confi- dence of the substantial element of the community that cap- italists and others upon being assured upon his simple word of honor their money was safe went away satisfied, notwithstand- ing heavy bets Sherman would close his doors. The next day instead of a run, for which he was fully prepared, large deposits were made and matters went along as smoothly as if the entire financial world around him were enjoying a full tide of prosperity. SHERMAN IN POLITICS. The following year Mr. Sherman found himself unexpectedly drawn into the politics of the city. He had been appointed major-general of the Second Division Militia, which embraced San Francisco. The municipal affairs were not only corrupt, but murder in open day on the public thoroughfares was of con- stant recurrence. The "vigilance committee," organized from excellent motives, had become as dangerous to the peace and security of the community as the crimes which they proposed to suppress. General Wool, now in command of the United Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 155 States forces, had promised arms and ammunition if the gov- ernor would issue a proclamation warning the committee to disperse. In event of refusal, General Sherman proposed to call out the militia and put down the "vigilantes" on the spot. It was also understood that the ' ' law and order ' ' men would cooperate on the call of the sheriff. For some reason General Wool changed his mind, refusing to carry out his promise. Sherman finding himself in command of a small army with- out arms became disgusted and resigned, declaring that he was out of it and in the future would ' ' mind his own business. ' ' The winter of 1855-56 found business more unsettled than ever. The mines were yielding a steady influx of $50,000,000 a year of gold, but every other industry was ignored or at halt. Men of respectability settled their debts by a very liberal bank- rupt' law. The State and city had already in part relieved themselves of their obligations by repudiation. CLOSES IN SAN FRANCISCO — OPENS IN WALL STREET. [1857.] The health of Mr. Sherman was not at its best owing to asthma. Besides, he began to realize that the prime cause for the establishment of the bank had accomplished its purpose. He so reported to the parent house at St. Louis. His sugges- tions met with instant approval, followed by instructions to gradually draw out preparatory to removal to New York. Accordingly, in April, 1857, he issued a public notification that on May 1 the bank would discontinue business and be trans- ferred to New York. All persons having deposits were requested to withdraw their accounts; also on the day named they would be placed in the hands of a banking house with which he had entered into a business agreement to that extent. 156 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. On May 1 the house of Lucas, Turner & Co., which under Sherman's management had weathered the oft-recurring storms of reckless speculation, regularly closed its doors with- out owing a cent and with a name for probity never excelled in ' ' coast ' ' financial operations from that day to this. On the same day Banker Sherman with his family departed for New York amid universal regret. Leaving his family in Ohio, he hastened to make report of his stewardship to the partners in St. Louis, which now bore the firm name James H. Lucas & Co. It was at once determined to institute a branch in New York, with Sherman at its head. Under the partnership title "Lucas, Turner & Co.," he opened his doors at 12 Wall street on July 21, 1857. The wild operations of ' ' the street ' ' were then at their height. A month later the operators were thrown into a panic by the failure of a trust company. Although Sherman had kept aloof, he could not fail to feel the tumble in western stocks, with which he was chiefly con- cerned. His house was not a borrower in New York, but his western correspondents kept him busy looking after their inter- ests. By September the suspension of banks in the city was practically universal, and finally led to a general crash through- out the country. Sherman had so safeguarded every point that his house had not only large cash balances in safe banks, but held other excel- lent assets. Although intimation had come from the St. Louis firm that money was tight, the fact that its head was a million- aire several times over in real estate allayed what otherwise might have aroused anxiety. The surprise, therefore, was all the greater when the newspapers announced that the house Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 157 of James H. Lucas & Co., of St. Louis, had suspended. This intelligence was later in the da)- brought to his attention authoritatively by the firm, together with instructions to ' ' make proper disposition of the affairs of the bank and come to St. Louis, ' ' bringing with him such assets as were available there. When he left New York he had the satisfaction of feeling that no one had lost a dollar by either of the concerns over which he had had charge on either coast. At the request of the senior member of the firm, who had assumed all liabilities and released his partners of all responsi- bility, Mr. Sherman agreed to return to San Francisco and bring matters there to a final settlement. On January 5, 1858, he sailed from New York, and reached his destination on the 28th. Two days later he gave public notice of the dissolution of partnership, and called upon all persons indebted to the late firm of Lucas, Turner & Co. to pay up or their notes would be sold at auction. These, including real estate, amounted to $200,000. By July 3, having reached a satisfactory conclusion of his efforts, he departed, and on the 28th was with his family in Ohio and out of business. The high respect in which he was held by his former partners caused them to make to him flattering offers of assistance to business, but these he declined. ATTORNEY AT EAW. L1859.] His father-in-law, being a large holder of land near Leaven- worth, Kans., made him general manager. Two sous, already established there in the practice of law, offered him a place in the firm. On September 1 Sherman & Ewing announced S. Doc. 320, 58-2 n 158 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. themselves ready for business, the senior member to look after collections and have charge of agencies for houses and lands, while the junior would attend to all business in court. During his military reading Sherman had ' ' booked up ' ' 011 Blackstone, Kent, Sharkie, and other authors. Thinking it best to take out a "license,'' he made application, which was granted on the ground of "general intelligence." The firm had their share of what was going, but Sherman's most paying single case, and more in line with his military training, was in superintending the repair of the military road at Fort Riley, about 136 miles west of Fort Leavenworth. This was his second association with a road route toward the Pacific, first in the Sierra Nevada Range and now on the eastern border of the Great Plains, which would be the initial point in the heart of the continent. On January i, 1859, Daniel McCook was admitted to the firm, which took the name of Sherman, Ewing & McCook. Their business continued to grow, but the resources of their surroundings were not sufficiently great to compensate for their time and labors. Therefore Sherman undertook the opening of a farm on a large tract belonging to his father-in-law on Indian Creek, 40 miles west of Lea ven worth, for the benefit of a grandnephew and niece who arrived in the spring. As a farmer Sherman achieved the same success he had already won as a ranger in Florida, a garrison officer, adjudicator of military accounts in South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama, a commissary at St. Louis and New Orleans, a banker and pro- moter in California, a broker on Wall street, and a lawyer at Leavenworth. During the winter he had built a farmhouse and barn and had broken and fenced 100 acres of land. All the young couple had to do was to go to work. Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 159 SUPERINTENDENT OF A MILITARY COLLEGE. [1859-60.] But life in this sphere evidently was not congenial. On June ii, 1859, Sherman, longing once more for army sendee, wrote to the War Department at Washington, inquiring as to a vacancy among the army paymasters, or anything else in that line. He received a prompt reply, inclosing a printed cir- cular of a military college about to be organized in Louisiana, and advising him to apply. He at once communicated with the governor. In the meantime, having closed up his affairs at Leavenworth, he returned to Lancaster. In midsummer he received a response announcing his election as superintendent of the proposed ' ' seminary of learning, ' ' and inviting him to come on as soon as practicable, as it was proposed to open the institution on January 1 following. Accordingly, leaving his family at Lancaster, the superin- tendent-elect, after a conference at Baton Rouge with the governor, proceeded to Alexandria, in Rapides Parish, on the Red River, the site of the new institution. With his usual faculty of organization, the superintendent went about getting the preliminaries under way. The estate comprised 400 acres of fine land and several large new buildings partly completed. Imagine one of the two LTniou military leaders of the civil war superintending four rustic carpenters throwing together mess- tables, benches, blackboards, bricks, etc., of rough material for a proposed military academy in the later seceding State of Louisiana. On August 2 the board of supervisors formally selected the academic staff, William T. Sherman heading the list as "superintendent and professor of engineering, etc." It is not necessary to go into particulars further than to say 160 She nn an: A Memorial Sketch. that through the energy of the superintendent the Louisiana "Seminary of Learning and Military Academy" opened on time, New Year's Day of i860, one of the most portentous years in the history of the nation of American Commonwealths. The institution, among other sources of principal and income, had been made the recipient of a grant by Congress of a " cer- tain township of public lands " to be sold by the State of Loui- siana and dedicated to the use of a " seminary of learning." To the extent of this chief bulk of its principal it was the bene- ficiary of the liberality of the National Government. The superintendent had his hands fuh with purchasing mat- tresses, books, and all the necessary furniture and equipment of the place, keeping the money accounts, directing the steward as to the purchase and issue of provender, instructing the pro- fessors as to the curriculum, and ordering the cadets as to their duties, studies, and military exercises. The first term brought together 73 cadets, representing the best families of Louisiana and other States of the South. In the performance of his duties the superintendent found it necessary to spend some time at Baton Rouge during the ses- sion of the legislature in order to secure additional legislation for the advancement of the interests of the college. Under a bill approved March 7, i860, the "seminary" was created a State arsenal (central ), with \V. T. Sherman as superintendent. AN EMBARRASSING SITUATION. [I860.] At this time matters began to show signs of "unpleasant- ness," if not acrimony, in the South against the North. Super- intendent Sherman's brother was a candidate for Speaker of the House of Representatives at Washington against Bocock, of Virginia. In the South, generally, the Republican candi- date was denounced as an abolitionist, and as a consequence Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 161 aroused some suspicion that the superintendent of a Louisiana State institution might be "tarred" with the same stick. Therefore widespread was the agitation of the propriety of his continuance in his place. To the credit of Sherman's marvelous tact, in the midst of these embarrassing surroundings he had become widely known for his manly character and was esteemed by those with whom he had business relations. His greatest danger lay among members of the legislature, many of whom he had never met and whose judgment was based upon the wildest tales of hear- say and prejudice. The matter finally and fortunately culminated at the dinner table of the governor, where a large party of State officials and legislators was gathered. On this subject the superintendent himself speaks in giving an account of this interesting and pregnant incident. After some spirited side discussion, in which the relation between the superintendent and the candidate for Speaker was under consideration, the governor, in the kindest terms, address- ing the former, said: Colonel Sherman, you can readily understand that with your brother, the Abolitionist candidate for Speaker, some of our people wonder that you should be here at the head of an important State institution. Now, you are at my table and I assure you of my confidence. Won't you speak your mind freely on this question of slavery that so agitates the land ? You are under my roof, and whatever you say you have my protection. It was a history-making moment. Addressing his remarks to the author of the inquiry: Governor Moore, you mistake in calling my brother, John Sherman, an Abolitionist. We have been separated since childhood, and it is possible we may differ in general sentiment, but I deny that, he is considered at home an Abolitionist, and although he prefers the free institutions under which he lives to those of slavery which prevail here, he would not of himself take from you by law or force any property whatever, even slaves. 1 62 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. These manly utterances led to a further request from the governor to give his guests his own views of slavery as he saw it around him and throughout the South. To which Colonel Sherman replied: That the people of Louisiana were hardly responsible for slavery, as they had inherited it. That domestic slaves, employed by families, were better treated than any slaves on earth, but in the case of field hands treatment depended on the temper and disposition of master and overseer. " Were I a citizen of Louisiana," he continued, " and a member of the legislature, I would deem it wise to bring the legal condition of the slaves more near the status of human beings under all Christian and civilized governments." His words met with the closest attention and evidently approval, for at their height one of his auditors, bringing his fist down upon the table, shouted, " By God, he is right ! " The discussion was prolonged, but no one was in the dark about the position of the superintendent of the ' ' seminary of learning" on the question of slavery. The institution now went along swimmingly, and wound up the academic year on the last days of July with a grand ball. The professors and cadets separated with the best of feeling and an understanding that they would reassemble on the ist day of the following November. The summer was passed by the superintendent in the purchase of uniforms, clothing, text- books, and other requisites, in New York, a trip to Washing- ton to secure 200 muskets and equipments complete for the use of the academy, and a sojourn during the remainder of his ' ' vacation ' ' with his family. Upon his return to his post, leaving his family in Ohio to await the completion of the building designed for his use, he threw his whole energy into his work, apparently oblivious of the impending storm. Upon the opening of the term of 1860-61, 130 cadets reported, another tribute to the confidence and efficiency of the Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 163 superintendent. Among them were two sons of Major Beaure- gard, a few months later conspicuous for his command of the batteries against Fort Sumter in the first overt act of insurrec- tion against the Union. Although the country was in the agony of a relentless national campaign, distinctively drawn on sectional lines, Superintendent Sherman went on in his usual routine, attend- ing to his own business. The only incident out of the ordinary course was a notification sent to him on the day of the election that it would be advisable to vote for Bell and Everett, which he openly declined to do. The fateful day came and Abraham Lincoln was elected. The announcement, says Sherman, fell among the people of the South like a bolt out of a clear sky. Secession was openly and heatedly discussed, but no one ever approached him offen- sively to ascertain his views nor ever tried to persuade him against his convictions. His opinion "that secession was treason — was war " was well known; also that "the North and West would never permit the Mississippi River and particularly its outlet to the sea to pass out of their control." ' The annual message of President Buchanan, among other doctrines promulgated, that the General Government had no constitutional power to ' ' coerce a State ' ' was naturally fol- lowed without further to-do by the secession of South Carolina, which opened the ball. STANDS BOLDLY FOR THE FLAG. [1861.] In January, 1861, Sherman witnessed in helpless indigna- tion, under orders recognized from the two United States Sena- tors from Louisiana, the seizure of the United States forts at 164 Sherman: A Me?norial Sketch. the mouth of the Mississippi and Lake Pontchartrain and the United States arsenal. The forts were without garrisons, but the arsenal was held by a guard of 40 United States soldiers under a captain who might have put up a stiff defense. In commenting on this affair, Colonel Sherman insisted that it was the officer's duty to have defended the post to the death, but — up to that time [said he] the national authorities at Washington had shown such pusillanimity that the officers of the Army knew not what to do. The arms were scattered, 2,000 muskets, 300 jager rifles, and a large amount of cartridges and ammunition being consigned to the State central arsenal, where, as superintendent (as he said in after years), he was ordered to receipt for them, thereby being made the receiver of stolen goods and these the property of the United States. The events which now followed in rapid succession were not unexpected; therefore he adapted his course to the inevitable by anticipation. The State of Louisiana seceded early in 1861. After the seizure of the arsenal and before the severance of the State from the Federal Union, Superintendent Sherman sent a public communication to the governor indicating his perfect under- standing of the quasi-military position he occupied under the laws of the State, a position he accepted when Louisiana was a member of the Union and when the motto over the main door of "this seminary" read "By the liberality of the General Government of the United States, the Union — esto perpetua." Recent events [he added] foreshadow a great change, and it becomes all men to choose. If Louisiana withdraw from the Federal Union, I pre- fer to maintain my allegiance to the Constitution as long as a fragment of it survives, and my longer stay here would be wrong in every sense of the word. Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 165 DEPARTS WITH HONOR. He further asked, in event of the secession of the State, an agent be sent to take charge of its arms and ammunition. Also to be relieved as superintendent — for on no earthh- account will I do any act or think any thought hostile to or in defiance of the old Government of the United vStates. At the same time he sent the governor a private letter explanatory of his views, which he had made known to his friends, setting forth with greater emphasis and detail his position, giving his opinion that " if this people can not execute a form of government like the present, a worse one will result." To the last moment he had a thought of the best interests of the institution, apart from the unfortunate supervening polit- ical conditions, modestly asserting: In time some gentleman will turn up better qualified than I am to carry on the seminary to its ultimate point of success. On the day following, in a length)' letter to the president of the board of supervisors, he announced the closing up of his business with the institution and that he had written the gov- ernor officially and unofficially, and boldly asserted — with my opinions of the claimed right of secession, of the seizure of public forts, arsenals, etc., and the ignominious capture of a United States garri- son stationed in your midst as a guard to the arsenal and for the protection of your own people, it would be highly improper for me longer to remain. With this matters were closed to the satisfaction of all con- cerned. About five days later Colonel Sherman received a reply "with the deepest regret," giving directions as to turning over arms, funds, etc., and closing: You can not regret more than I do the necessity which deprives us of vour services, and you will bear with you the respect, confidence, and admiration of all who have been associated with vou. 1 66 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. On February i Colonel Sherman, with an evident sense of relief, replied: Now that I can not 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. He also offered to cooperate in placing matters on a safe and secure basis. The president of the board, in a letter of January 28, went so far as to say in a postscript: Governor Moore desires me to express his profound regret that the State is about to lose one whom we all fondly hoped had cast his destinies for weal or woe among us, and that he is sensible that we lose thereby an officer whom it will be difficult if not impossible to replace. On February 14, the board of supervisors passed resolutions of thanks for the ' ' able and efficient ' ' manner in which he had conducted the affairs of the institution and accepted his resig- nation with ' ' assurances of high personal regard ' ' and ' ' sincere regret at the occurrence of causes that render it necessary to part with so esteemed and valued a friend as well as colaborer in the cause of education." The academic board on April 1 also passed a resolution of regret which strikes even nearer the man, in words: They can not fail to appreciate the manliness of character which has always marked the actions of Colonel Sherman. While he is endeared to many of them as a friend, they consider it their high pleasure to tender to him in this resolution their regret on his separation and their sincere wish for his future welfare. In a fiscal point of view the sacrifice, calculated in coin, was great, but the devotion to principle was beyond coin or calcu- lation. The revenue of the position aggregated $4,500 — as professor, $2,500; superintendent, $1,000; treasurer, $500; su- perintendent of the arsenal, $500. During the secession of the seven cotton States, and at the time of the inauguration of the President and Vice-President Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 167 of the so-called "Confederate States of America," February 18, Colonel Sherman was in New Orleans closing up his financial affairs. In his Memoirs he recounts an amusing experience at the tea table in a hotel in that city. Colonel Bragg, who won fame in the Mexican war, was speaking of General Beaure- gard's promotion, when Mrs. Bragg remarked to Colonel Sherman: "You know that my husband is not a favorite with the new President." The name of Lincoln being uppermost in his thoughts, Sherman replied that he was not aware that Colonel Bragg had ever met Mr. Lincoln, whereupon the lofty dame gave the retort: "I did not mean your President, but our President." The surrender by General Twiggs of his entire command in the Department of Texas, with all the military stores, to State troops was the first great event which impressed upon Sher- man a keen sense of the expanding seriousness of the drama about to commence. In New Orleans business seemed to be undisturbed. Ships and steamboats were engaged in their usual commercial opera- tions. The only marked difference was the Pelican flag, instead of the Stars and Stripes, waving over the national, State and municipal buildings. On the levee every flag on earth was visible except that of the free nation which it was proposed to destroy. On the 25th day of February; 1861, Wieeiam T. Sherman, again a citizen of leisure, took his departure from these scenes, proceeding to his home at Lancaster, thus closing the fourth stage of his already remarkable career. On his way north he kept his eyes about him. He found the people of the South defiant and organized for armed resistance to an imagined encroachment upon their rights as States and individuals in 1 68 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. the matter of slavery. In Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, through which he passed, he was alarmed at the utter failure to realize the magnitude or even the premonitory indications of the conflict so near at hand. PRESIDENT OF A STREET RAILROAD — FOREBODINGS MET WITH DERISION. At his home he found letters from his brother to come to Washington; also from his friend Major Turner, of St. Louis, tendering him the presidency of the Fifth Street Railroad, of that city. To this letter he made immediate answer, accepting the proffer, and departed for Washington, it being early in March. The Republican President had been inaugurated. Represent- ative John Sherman had been appointed to the United States Senate in place of Salmon P. Chase, who had been nominated to the portfolio of the Treasury. The observant Sherman was quick to notice that the same apathy met in the West existed in Washington. It is quite apparent at this period had there been men of Sherman's foresight, promptness, and action at the helm of political and military affairs there would have been little if any war. The very indifference to the situation, so palpable, encouraged by cumulative degrees the temerity of the southern chiefs. To make rebellion more flagrant, Senators and Representatives in Congress took particular pains to bandy threats of secession under the very noses of their northern colleagues as valedictories upon the floor prior to their departure to unite with the gov- ernment and congress of the Confederacy at Montgomery, Ala. A climax to Colonel Sherman's amazement transpired in a call with his brother upon the President. The colonel gives the narrative himself: i Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 169 "Mr. President," Senator Sherman speaking, "this is my brother, Colonel Sherman, who is jnst up from Louisiana. He may give you some information you want." "Aha," responded the President, "how are they getting along down there?" ' ' I think they are preparing for war. "O, well," retorted the President, "I guess we will manage to keep house." To use Colonel Sherman's own words, "I was silenced, said no more, and soon left." On his way to the Capitol the Colonel, pointing out to his brother the appalling danger to the Union, perorated, using his own words: You have got things in a hell of a fix, and you may get them out as best you can. I am going to St. Louis and shall have no more to do with it. At Lancaster he found letters from his St. Louis friends. He saw the storm; he had sounded the warning; he had been treated almost with derision. Much as his heart ached for his country, he felt that he could live if the Union could not. Col. William T. Sherman was elected president of the Fifth Street Railroad, of St. Louis, Mo., on March 27, 1861, and took charge on the 1st day of the month following. Thus we find Sherman, surrounded by the alarms of war, practically rejected in the profession of arms for the protection of his country and entering with his accustomed energy into the peaceful duties of running a street railroad in a city then of wavering loyalty. Nearly all the talk was secession and war. A rebel camp (Jackson ) had been formed. To resist the swelling sentiment were six companies at the United States Arsenal. The German portion of the population, faithful to the Gov- ernment of their adoption, proffered their services almost en 170 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. masse and were organized into four regiments of "Home Guards." The affairs of the Unionists were represented by Montgomery Blair in the Cabinet at Washington and by Frank P. Blair, his brother, and others in St. Louis. Colonel Sher- man, who closely watched every movement, spent what time he had from his railroad duties at the arsenal, being constantly in touch with the officers in charge. He found them making every preparation for defense of the place and even forming for offense. The bombardment and surrender of Fort Sumter April 12-14 was the first note of real war. The border States, except Kentucky and Missouri, followed in the secession move- ment of their cotton neighbors. CIVIL OFFICE DECLINED — TENDERS HIS SERVICES. On April 6 Postmaster-General Blair tendered Colonel Sher- man the chief clerkship of the Department of War, with the promise of promotion to Assistant Secretary as soon as Con- gress met, to which the Colonel wired back, "I can not accept," following that laconic reply with an explanatory let- ter. The Cabinet took umbrage at his plainness of speech, particularly in wishing ' ' the Administration all success in its almost impossible task of governing this distracted and anar- chical country." The ire thus aroused even went so far among some members as to cause them to insinuate Sherman, "too, would prove false to the county. " The estimate of Sherman as an interpreter of events was not so at St. L,ouis. Immediately after the capture of Sumter Gen. Frank P. Blair sent for him, desiring a conference. Hastening to com- ply, Mr. Blair intimated that the Government being mistrust- ful of the position of the general commanding that military department, he was authorized to make him a tender of the Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 171 post, with the rank of brigadier-general. The colonel, evi- dently nettled over his previous treatment, replied: I once offered my services and they were rejected. I have since made business engagements in St. Louis and therefore must respectful^' decline the offer. The refusal was a surprise, as men of prominence were clam- oring for places for which they were notoriously unfit. Here was a man eminently qualified who spurned the offer. The en- tire management of Government interests with every promise of freedom of action and support failed to move him, not even the covert threat that if he did not accept the command would be given to another, who proved to be Capt. Nathaniel L,yon, his army friend in charge at the arsenal. This refusal again set the tongue of suspicion in motion. His attitude was ques- tioned. The loyalty of his written utterances in the very hot- bed of disloyalty and secession in Louisiana needed no further patent of fealty to the Union. That there should be no mistake on that point, on May 8, 1 861, he addressed the Secretary of War, in part and to the point: I hold myself now, as always, prepared to serve my country in the ca- pacity for which I was trained. I will not enroll for three months, but will for three years, as an officer can then prepare his command and do good service. Should my services be needed the records of the War De- partment will enable you to designate the station in which I can render most service. On the day after, at the arsenal, he witnessed four regiments of "Home Guards" receiving cartridges, and L,yon, a man of "vehement purpose and determined action," bestirring himself preparatory to a decisive step. On the day following the " Dutch," as the " Home Guards " were derisivety called, moved on "Camp Jackson," capturing it in its entirety, nipping in the bud the secession movement in Missouri. 172 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. A few days later he was again urged to come to Washington. His substantial friends, Lucas, Turner, and others in St. Louis, urged him to comply. This time he found a radically changed state of affairs. The Government was waking up to the situation. The President had authorized the organization of ten new regiments of regu- lar infantry, and by proclamation had called for 75,000 State volunteers. COLONEL THIRTEENTH U. S. INFANTRY. On the 14th of May, 1861, Colonel Sherman received notice of his appointment as colonel of the Thirteenth U. S. Infantry. 'After taking the oath he received orders to report to Lieutenant- Generai Scott, then in chief command in Washington. He had applied for permission to go to Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, to raise and organize his regiment. The lieutenant-colonel, however, being competent for that duty, General Scott pre- ferred to have him at headquarters, and therefore assigned him, June 20, to inspection duty. Under these orders the colonel directed his family to return to Lancaster and "trust to the fate of war." He also resigned his railroad presidency and began anew the career for which by genius and training he was so conspicuously fitted. A large body of volunteers from the Northern and Western States had reached the national capital, relieving it from immediate danger of an attack. These forces were mobilized in two divisions, one garrisoning the city, the other occupying the chain of forts and intrench- meuts being constructed in a semicircle on the Virginia hills from above Georgetown to Alexandria, about 12 miles below. Another large force of three months' volunteers had been raised in Pennsylvania under Major-Generals Patterson and Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 173 Keim. The former was advanced toward Williamsport, at which point it crossed the Potomac on the first days of July. The other was encamped at Chambersburg, near the Pennsyl- vania border. While this force was on the march Colonel Sherman visited his brother John, who was acting as aid on General Patterson's staff. The tendency everywhere was to make light of the contest and its probable duration, regarding it as a sort of a bluff game in which a bold stand by the Gov- ernment would force the South to a compromise. These were two positions at complete variance to the views of Sherman. On July 4 Congress met in extra session. The Sherman brothers returned to Washington. The military career of John terminated by taking his seat in the Senate, and that of Wil- liam was resumed, preparing for the movements which culmi- nated at Bull Run. The message of President Lincoln, recognizing civil war upon the country, and declaring all thought of compromise at an end, also calling for volunteers and money for the reestab- lishment of national authority and regaining possession of public property, was a just cause for self-gratulation with Sherman, and these propositions were in accord with his utter- ances ever since his arrival at the north from Louisiana. His inspection duty with General Scott lasted ten days. During that time he shared in the common annoyance and embarrassment of the universal clamor of the press and people, "On to Richmond." These shouters failed to understand what it required to mobilize and equip a motley mass of men in all sorts of uniforms with every caliber weapon. To this General Sherman in after years made mention of the addi- tional interference in matters, details, and discipline. Although advanced in years, being upward of 70, General S. Doc. 320, 58-2 12 174 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. Scott's complete command of the situation, his skill in plan- ning, and his vigor and determination were sustained by the views of Sherman. BRIGADIER-GENERAL — BULL RUN. On May 17, 1861, Colonel Sherman was advanced to briga- dier-general of volunteers and assigned to command of a brigade in the Department of Northeastern Virginia and the defenses of Washington, upon which duty he served from July 15 to August 28 of the same year. On June 30, in the organization of General McDowell's army, he was assigned to the command of Gen. David Hunter's bri- gade, that officer having been transferred to the command of the Second Division. This brigade was composed of the Thirteenth (Quinby), Sixty-ninth (Irish) (Corcoran), and Seventy-ninth (Highland) (Cameron) New York and the Second (Peck) Wisconsin Regi- ments of Volunteers, and Ay res battery, Company E, Third U. S. Artillery. These regiments he took into the field. The Twenty-ninth (Bennett) New York was left as guard at the fort (Corcoran). The brigade (Third) of the First Division (Tyler) occupied Fort Corcoran and defenses opposite George- town, D. C. By July 4 two bodies of the enemy were in the field. One, in front of Washington, at Manassas Junction, advanced toward Fairfax Court House, from which point might be seen the Cap- itol. The other, at Winchester, advanced toward Martinsburg and Harpers Ferry. The former held its position. The latter receded before Patterson's advance to Martinsburg and the line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Against the best military judgment, in deference to the clamor referred to, a general advance was ordered by McDowell Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 175 from the defenses of Washington and Patterson from Martins- burg. On July 15 the entire army of five divisions began to move, converging toward Centerville. On the 1 8th a reconnoissance to Blackburn's Ford across Bull Run, without orders from General McDowell, discovered the enemy in position. The movement having been checked by the enemy's artillery, Sherman received orders to support the advance. He was soon, however, directed to fall back to Cen- terville, where he remained in camp 19th and 20th. These tactical operations finally resulted in the battle of Bull Run of July 2 1 . In the general movement Sherman's brigade got in motion at 2 a. m. of that day, third in column of the First Division, and deployed in line on the right of the Warrenton road, in which position he remained until 10 a. m., his battery meantime opening on the enemy without effect, being out of range. At noon, having received orders to assist Hunter, Sherman moved his entire force across Bull Run, pressing toward the point where the Union troops were at that time victorious. In get- ting into position his brigade passed Hunter's division and fol- lowed Heintzelman's command along the road to Manassas Junction, crossing a small stream and ascending to the summit, where the battle was raging. In this movement he encountered a body of the enemy retreating, which he engaged and pursued toward Sudly Springs, where they made another stand. In the movement his Wis- consin regiment, uniformed in gray, being mistaken for the enemy, caused much confusion. After this each of his regi- ments went into action successively, to be in turn forced back by a superior force now concentrated in position on the summit of a hill. 1 76 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. In the panic which unnecessarily struck the Union troops, Sherman, having re-formed his regiments, found his brigade alone on the field, except Sykes's regulars, who were in square to resist cavalry. Unable to bring his men again into action owing to heavy losses and practical desertion by the rest of the army, at 3 p. m. he withdrew by the same ford (Blackburn's), having several times formed in square, which, however, broke "along with the crowd, disorganized, but not very much scared." Having received orders to retreat to Centerville, he moved to that point, where it was proposed to make a stand, but there received further orders from his division commander (Tyler) in person to continue to the Potomac, in doing which he experienced great difficult}' in maintaining his organization. The larger part of his brigade, however, returned to their old camp, where Sherman himself arrived the next day. He at once stationed strong guards at the Aqueduct and ferries to put a stop to his men crossing into the city. After this, having restored order, he began regular garrison duty, with drills and other disciplining routine. In the battle he had lost 1 1 1 men killed, including Lieutenant-Colonel Haggerty, of the Sixty- ninth, 205 wounded, including Colonel Cameron, of the Seventy- ninth, mortally, and 293 missing. He was in the thickest of the fight for two hours, his chief loss being where Rickett's battery was destroyed. The general of after years often recalled the affair at Black- burns Ford as the first time he had seen cannon ball strike men and fully realized the power and destructive force of artillery. Of this first pitched battle between the two armies Sherman said: It was the best planned and worst fought of any during the civil war. A fine organization of excellent material and plenty of courage, but no Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 177 cohesion, little discipline, and no respect for authority, all of which were the very foundation of successful war. Both armies were fairly defeated without knowing it. Whichever had stood, the other would have run. A VISIT BY PRESIDENT LINCOLN. The substantial services rendered by Sherman in every post of duty in which he had been placed had won for him a strong hold in the esteem of his superiors, as was especially manifested a few days (July 26th ) after the late disaster by a visit from President Lincoln and Secretary Seward. The President, driving up, recognized him. The General inquired whether he intended to visit his camps, to which he replied: Yes; we heard that you had gotten over the big scare, so we thought we would come over and see the "boys." As the distinguished party approached the ' ' assembly ' ' sounded, the regiments quickly formed, presented, and were ordered at parade rest. The President made an earnest speech from his carriage, referring to ' ' the Bull Run affair, pointing out their duty to their country and of brighter days to come." The men setting up a cheer, the President interposed: Don't cheer, boys. I confess I rather like it myself, but General Sher- man says it is not military, and I guess we had better defer to his opinion. The President in turn visited each regiment of the brigade and made a speech with excellent effect. In leaving he compli- mented its commander upon the order, cleanliness, and discipline of his command, remarking particularly, which Secretary Seward reiterated, the visit "was the first bright moment he had experi- enced since the battle. ' ' While at the fort a characteristic incident occurred. An officer, approaching the carriage, said to the President: " I have a cause of grievance. General Sherman threatened to shoot me." 178 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. ' ' Threatened to shoot you? ' ' echoed the President, in apparent surprise. " Yes; he threatened to shoot me." Giving the officer a sort of a commiserating gaze, but in an aside, the President, so as to be heard, answered: "Well, if I were you and General Sherman threatened to shoot, I would not trust him, for I believe he would do it." The men laughed heartily and the officer skulked away. The threat was made by Sherman, pistol in hand, when the officer was determined to abandon his post at a time when the example of officers was essential to restore confidence among the men. With two new regiments assigned to him, Sherman began the erection of two additional forts beyond Corcoran and daily trained his men in the evolutions of the line, which in fact were new to him and which he was obliged himself to learn from books. In his own words: I was convinced that there was a long, hard war ahead and had made up my mind to begin at the beginning and prepare for it. The first official report by Sherman of his first battle was dated at Headquarters, Third Brigade, First Division, Fort Cor- coran, Va., July 25, 1 861. TRANSFERRED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND. On August 28, at the request of Gen. Robert Anderson, his old-time captain at Fort Moultrie, S. C, Sherman was trans- ferred to the Department of the Cumberland and assigned to the command of troops in front of Louisville, Ky. General Anderson, in conversation with Sherman, said that a crisis was reached in Kentucky, and if backed by the Government that State would take open sides with the Union, adding that he had been offered command of the Department of Kentucky, which included Tennessee, and was authorized to select out of Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 179 the new brigadiers four of his own choice. He desired him (Sherman) to be his chief support, George H. Thomas, D. C. Buell, and A. E. Burnside to be the other three. While this conversation was going on, the President called at General Anderson's quarters. Some doubt was expressed as to Thomas, who was a Virginian, but Sherman, who had met him in Pat- terson's army, strongly espoused his side, whereupon the Presi- dent promised to accept him. In the assignment of the general officers of the volunteer service, Brig. Gen. W. T. Sherman and George H. Thomas, the former the senior, were formally ordered to the Department of the Cumberland, Brig. Gen. Robert Anderson, commanding. A few days after Sherman turned his brigade on the Potomac over to Brig. Gen. Fitz-John Porter and departed at once for his new and future theater of action in the West, arriving in the beginning of September at Cincinnati en route, where he met General Anderson and others in conference. At the time of Sherman's appearance on the scene of action in Kentucky there were two Union camps of rendezvous — one at Dick Robin- son, south of the Kentucky River, south of Nicholasville; the other at Jeffersonville, on the Indiana side of the Ohio River, opposite Louisville. The legislature was in session at Frank- fort prepared to act as soon as General Anderson, commanding the department, gave the word. The State was threatened by invasion by two forces from the direction of Nashville and Cumberland Gap. Owing to insufficient strength to meet this hostile movement, Sherman was hurriedly dispatched to Indianapolis and Spring- field, to confer with the governors, and to St. Louis, on the same errand to General Fremont, then in command in Missouri. He was not long, however, in discovering that all available troops from the States named were being pushed east to join General i8o • Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. McClellan, and those in Missouri were claimed necessary to look after pending movements, after which ' ' attention would be given down the Mississippi." In the general's words, " No one seemed to think of the inter- vening link covered by Kentucky." Failing to obtain help in this direction, a dispatch from Gen- eral Anderson hurried him back to Louisville, as matters were pressing. In response he departed, sad and anxious, the same day. The legislature, forced to act in advance of the prearranged plan, determined to remain" in the Union. The military part of the programme was inadmissible, owing to lack of force neces- sary to make an advance reasonably assuring of success. One column of the enemy had crossed into Kentucky, mov- ing as far as Bowling Green, which was fortified, with a division advanced toward Louisville. Another took position at Somerset, and still another, on September 7, was in position at Columbus. To offset these movements, General Grant from Cairo occu- pied Paducah on September 6, and General Sherman was ordered to collect what troops he could and occupy Muldraughs Hill, on the railroad, a former camp of instruction, back of Elizabethtown, in advance of the enemy, as that was the stra- tegic point of their movement against Louisville. With his usual celerity Sherman in a single night crossed the Ohio with the Jeffersonville force (Rousseau's Legion, 1,000 strong), and by daybreak had reached Lebanon Junction, 26 miles from Louisville, whence he marched part of his men to Muldraughs Hill by fording Salt River, the railroad bridge having been burned. He had also a small body of Louisville home guards. Reenforced by two regiments, he advanced his entire camp to the summit of the hill without awaiting the completion of the bridge. Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. ISI The enemy had not yet crossed Green River, but were still fortifying Bowling Green as a base for a systematic advance to regain Kentucky. By October i Sherman had massed a division of two bri- gades, with which he proposed to move against the enemy. IN COMMAND OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND. On October 5 he was summoned to Louisville by General Anderson, who was threatened with a mental and physical col- lapse. On October 8 that officer relinquished authority, which act, by virtue of seniority, and against his wish, placed General Sherman in command' of the Department of the Cumberland. In his earliest communications with the War Department Sherman renewed his desire to remain in a subordinate posi- tion and received assurances that General Buell would shortly arrive from California and be sent to relieve him. The raising of troops in Kentucky was slow, as the young men favored the South and the elders desired to remain neutral. Being obliged to operate on divergent lines as the part of prudence, Sherman concentrated his forces at his two camps — Dick Robinson and Elizabethtown (Muldraugh's Hill) — with G. H. Thomas in command of the former and A. McD. McCook of the latter, with an advance at Nolin Creek, 52 miles from Louisville toward the enemy's position at Bowling Green. At one time a concentrated movement toward Frankfort between Sherman's two camps was actually in motion, but was checked by strategic skill. The national authorities at this critical moment in the cen- tral zone of operations were so engrossed with Fremont's affairs in Missouri and General McClellan's at Washington that the real key to the situation in Kentucky was held in abeyance. About the middle of October General Sherman received 1 82 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. word from the Secretary of War (Simon Cameron), then at St. Louis unraveling matters in that department, that he would visit him on his way back to Washington. As a result of the first part of this programme General Fremont was relieved by General Hunter, and later he by General Halleck. After the usual preliminaries of such a meeting, which took place at a hotel in Louisville, the Secretary of War remarked: "Now, General Sherman, tell us of your troubles." The General declining, owing to so many persons being present, the Secretary continued: "The}' are all friends. All members of my family. You may speak your mind freely and without restraint. ' ' Whereupon the General locked the door against intrusion and proceeded. He explained in his customary terse and forceful way the intricacies of the Kentucky situation — troops raised in the neighboring States on the north were sent east and west, leaving his strength powerless for invasion and a temptation to the enemy, who, if he wished, might march to Louisville — to which the Secretary replied: "You astonish me! Our informants, the Kentucky Senators and Representatives, claim that they have in Kentucky plenty of men; all they want are arms and money." To which Sherman responded: "That is not true. The young men are arming in open day and going to the rebel camps, with good horses and weapons. And as to arms, General Anderson was promised, in Washington, 40,000 of the best Springfield muskets. Instead he received 12,000 Belgian muskets, which the governors of Ohio and Pennsylvania had refused, but which were adjudged good enough for Kentucky. The colonels raising regiments in this State scorned to receive them. ' ' Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 183 This statement was confirmed by several influential Ken- tuekians present, who added that "no man who owned a slave or a mule in Kentucky could be trusted." The Secretary, alarmed at this exhibit, asked the adjutant- general (Thomas) wrth him whether there were any unassigned troops. He mentioned Negley's Pennsylvania brigade at Pitts- burg and other regiments en route for St. L,ouis. These were ordered to Sherman on the spot and others were promised, coupled with a remark that more time and assistance would be given to affairs in Kentucky. THE "INSANE" INCIDENT. Then, pointing to a map of the United States, Sherman described what it meant to subdue the South. McClellan on the left had a frontage of 100 miles, Fremont on the right about the same, whereas he in the center was responsible for 300 miles from Big Sandy to Paducah; McClellan had 100,000, Fremont 60,000, while he had but 18,000 men. The General then pointed out that he should have for defense 60,000 and for offense 200,000 before his task was finished. "Great God," exclaimed the Secretary, "where are they to come from?" Sherman replied that there were plenty of men in the North and Northwest ready, who had in fact proffered their services, but were refused as not needed. The entire proceeding was friendly, Sherman feeling that he had convinced the Secretary ' ' that a great war was before us, in fact upon us." The Secretary directed the adjutant-general to make notes, ' ' so that the request may be attended to on reaching Wash- ington." 184 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. The Secretary was called upon by Union citizens, and the next day departed, accompanied by Sherman as far as Frank- fort, the former proceeding to Washington and the latter to his camp. By October 22 Negley's brigade and a Minnesota and Indiana regiment arrived and were disposed. But no other troops were received prior to Sherman's departure from Kentucky. On arriving at Washington the Secretary called upon the Adjutant-General to submit the memoranda taken during his tour, in which he referred to General Sherman's "insane request for 2oq,ooo men." This observation, finding its way into print, was spread broad- cast. Before the publication had come to Sherman's attention he had sent to the Adjutant- General, at Washington, a clear and comprehensive statement of his available force, the arrival of the troops promised, and the establishment of an advanced guard toward Loudon, which was threatened. He repeated his explanations respecting operations, adding: You know my views; that this great center of our field is too weak, far too weak, and I have begged and implored till I dare not say more. The Kentucky legislature has provided money for the organization of Kentucky volunteers, and I have endeavored to cooperate with them to hasten the formation of the corps, but have no arms or clothing. He closed this communication: I again repeat that our force here is out all proportion to the impor- tance of the position. Our defeat would be disastrous to the nation, and to expect new men who never bore arms to do miracles is not right. In the meantime the story of "insanity." based solely upon his demand for 200,000 men for operations in the central zone, filled the newspapers East and West. In the General's own words, after all was over: My position was simply intolerable, and it is probable I resented the cruel insinuation with language of intense feeling. [I] received no orders, no reenforcements, not a word of encouragement or relief. Slier man: A Memorial SketcJi. 185 General McClellan, having been made commander in chief of all the armies in the field, called for a report of conditions in the Department of the Cumberland, which was transmitted by Sherman November 4, covering in detail the position of his troops, the plans, as far as known, of the enemy, and the requirements of the situation better than anyone knew it then, and with marvelous accuracy, as the best military critics and the world now concede. He closed: I am told that my estimate of troops needed for this line — 200,000— has been construed to my prejudice, and therefore leave that for the future. This is the great center on which our enemies can concentrate whatever force is not employed elsewhere. Having his troops well in hand for an}- contingency, on November 6, in response to a telegram to report daily the situ- ation to the Adjutant-General, he showed that the country was full of spies, and forwarded samples of captured letters, closing with unfeigned sarcasm: Do not conclude, as before, that I exaggerate the facts. They are as stated, and the future looks as dark as possible. It would be better if some man of sanguine mind were here, for I am forced to order according to my convictions." INSPECTION DUTY COMMAND AT BENTON BARRACKS. [1S61-6-2.] Maj. Gen. D. C. Buell relieved General Sherman of the command of the Department of the Cumberland on November 15, the latter having been transferred to the Department of the Mis- souri, with orders to report in person to Maj or- General Halleck at St. Louis. a After the war Gen. Thomas J. Wood, then in command of the district of Vicksburg. prepared a public statement of the interview with the Secretary of War, at I,ouisville, which led to the "insanity " incident. General Sherman refers to it in his Memoirs: " I did not then deem it necessary to renew a matter which had been swept into ob- livion by the war itself, but as it is evidence by an eye-witness it is worthy of inser- tion." This statement shows the keen insight of Sherman at that time. 1 86 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. In speaking of himself at this time the General said: I could not hide from myself that many of the officers and soldiers sub- sequently under my command looked at me askance and with suspicion. On November 23 he was placed on inspection duty, with orders to visit the camps at Sedalia, Mo., and to take command in a certain contingency, which transpired. The newspapers, harping upon his "insanity," paralyzed his efforts. In his own words: " In spite of myself, they tortured from me some words and acts of imprudence. ' ' On November 28 he received a dispatch: Mrs. Sherman is here. You will therefore return to this city and report the condition of the troops you have examined. The arrival of Mrs. Sherman, almost distracted; her husband's recall from the Sedalia command, and their return to Lancaster; the General on twenty days' leave, notwithstanding the scarcity of general officers, not only increased the intensity, but seemed confirmatory of the ' ' insanity ' ' stories put in circulation and sedulously kept up. As said the General after, with naive irony: So Mrs. Sherman and I returned to Lancaster, where I was born, and where I supposed I was better known and appreciated. On December 18 General Halleck, in a letter to Sherman at his home, stamped the lie on these canards in these specific terms: The newspaper attacks are certainly shameless and scandalous. Your movement of the troops was not countermanded by me because I thought it was an unwise one in itself, but because I was not then ready for it. I intended to concentrate my forces on that line, but I wished the move- ment delayed until I could determine upon a better position.' After receiving Colonel McPherson's report I made precisely the location you had ordered. Upon General Sherman's return he was placed in temporary charge of a camp of instruction (December 23, 1861-February 14, 1862) of 15,000 men at the post of Benton Barracks. Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 187 Here he gave his personal attention to matters, so that when an order came to move a regiment or detachment he did so imme- diately. As a further evidence of General Halleck's confidence, he was assigned to a command in western Kentucky second only in importance in the department, adding in a letter to General Ewing, " I have the fullest confidence in him." THE MOVEMENT WHICH BROKE THE BACK OF THE REBELLION. During midwinter of 186 1-2, in one of their conversations on the proposed plans of operations, General Halleck, calling Sherman's attention to a map on the table before them, said: " Here is the line; how will you break it? " "Physically," replied Sherman, " by a perpendicular. " "Where is the perpendicular?" ' ' The line of the Tennessee River. ' ' General Halleck, taking a pencil and suiting the action to the word, said: " There is the line; we must break it." The capture of Forts Henry and Donelson by Grant, which followed, was the strategic feature of that first movement origi- nally suggested by Grant from Cairo. General Halleck's plan, following up this first line through Columbus and Bowling Green, crossing the river at Henry and Donelson, was to push on to the second, between Memphis and Charleston. Opposition having intervened at Nashville, Sherman now appeared as an actor on the scene. AT PADUCAH, KV. [FEBRIARV 17-MARl'H 10, 1862.] Upon the movement of General Grant from Paducah up the Tennessee River on February i, 1862, and capture of Fort Henry on the 6th but before the fall of Donelson, General Sherman received orders to repair immediately to Paducah and 1 88 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. assume command of that post. He left the same day. Upon his arrival he received orders from General Halleck ' ' send General Grant everything you can spare from Paducah and Smithland." The next day news flashed to the country that Fort Donelson with a garrison of 12,000 men had surrendered to Grant. The main body of the enemy fell back on Nashville, Island No. 10, and the line of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. ' ' INSANITY ' ' CHANGED FRONT. The extent of the struggle now fairly on, according to the original conceptions of General Sherman, by this time began to penetrate the perceptions of his detractors. By the end of February, after civil war had been progressing cumulatively for ten months, scarcely making a beginning of success and certainly without the end in sight, the military forces of the United States in the Mississippi Valley alone had assumed a form of organization in four grand armies in the field, the Army of the Ohio, Buell, in Kentucky; of the Ten- nessee, Grant at Forts Henry and Donelson, winner of the first substantial victories; of the Mississippi, Pope, and Southwestern Missouri, Curtis, which as a whole were commanded by General Halleck from St. Louis, Mo. In the handling of these troops on the ground, General Sherman, who but three months before had been rated "insane," was stationed at Paducah "to expedite and facilitate the important operations in progress up the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers." By February 16 the Army of the Tennessee had scored two of the greatest and most decisive victories yet achieved by the national Arms. The enemy was forced out of his fortified camp at Bowling Green, retreating, pursued through Nashville. Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 189 The movements which followed Donelson, and had their culmination at Shiloh, were begun by General Grant sending one of his divisions to Clarksville, 50 miles above Donelson toward Nashville, which he a week later joined in person in order to be in immediate touch with his advance. General Halleck, at St. Louis, ' ' must have felt that his armies were getting away from him," as he began sending dispatches to Sherman, at Paducah, to be forwarded to Grant at the front. These related to movements up the Tennessee River, the destruction of railroad bridges and the railroad, particularly at Corinth, Jackson and Humboldt, thus severing connection between the Mississippi and the Tennessee. Having accom- plished these objects Grant returned to Danville and moved upon Paris. The next day some of these orders were counter- manded from St. Louis, and two days later still to Grant through Sherman, " Why do you not obey my orders and report strength and position of your command? " As General Sherman puts it — Halleck was evidently working himself into a passion, but he was too far from the seat of war to make due allowance for the actual state of facts. General Grant had done so much that General Halleck should have been patient. FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN GRANT AND SHERMAN BEGUN. From this moment the careers of the two foremost captains of the civil war, Grant and Sherman, became inseparably interwoven, in the progression of events which elicited from their country and countrymen their highest confidence and admiration. At Paducah Sherman was a tower of strength to the officers and men at the front, laying the lines of one of the most des- perate and effective battles of the war. He was sending boats with dispatches and troops in all directions. S. Doc. 320, 58-2 13 190 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. It was evident from, the restricted field of operations of the two hostile armies that a clash was not far distant. Out of the new troops arriving at Paducah Sherman took his usual precaution of mobilizing a division for himself for emergencies, particularly when ordered into the field, which had been promised him by Halleck, who now began to fully comprehend the greatness of the man and soldier. COMMANDS A DIVISION. [1862.] On March 9 Sherman was assigned to command the First Division of the Army of the Tennessee till April 4, when it became the Fifth Division, and subsequently again the First Division of the same army. On March 10 he received his expected order and promptly embarked his division of four brigades of infantry, three bat- teries of artillery, and two battalions and two detachments of cavalry, landing it a few miles above Fort Henry to await the rendezvous of the Army. He reached Savannah on the 14th. From this point he was ordered by General Smith to proceed up the river to the extreme advance landing at some point near Eastport, and from there make an attempt to break the Memphis and Charleston Railroad in the vicinity of Burnsville, Miss. In passing Pittsburg Landing, a village on high ground on the left bank of the Tennessee River, on his advance movement, he learned that a regiment of the enemy's cavalry had been stationed there, as it was the usual landing place for the people about Cornith, about 22 miles distant in a southwesterly direc- tion. He recommended the establishment of a strong post at that point and proceeded up the stream as ordered. At East- port and Chickasaw he found the enemy in some force. Upon this discovery he dropped back a few miles, landing his division Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 191 at the mouth of Yellow Creek, and struck for Burnsville, on the railroad which he proposed to destroy. The incessant rains and swollen streams preventing the pro- jected movements of his cavalry, he again embarked and dropped down to Pittsburg Lauding to renew the movement from there, where he arrived March 14, finding Hurlbut's division present, but not landed. Reporting these facts to his immediate com- mander, C. F. Smith, he received instructions to land his divi- sion and that of Hurlbut and make a lodgment on the railroad. On March 16 Sherman, having part of his men ashore, made a reconnoissance 11 miles on the Corinth road to Monterey, or Pea Ridge, where he found the enemy in force, but who decamped upon his approach. Col. J. B. McPherson, of Gen- eral Halleck's staff, another of the future commanders of the Army of the Tennessee, accompanied this movement. Return- ing to the river, having chosen the site for his camp, he disem- barked his division. At Monterey Sherman learned that trains were concentrat- ing masses of troops from all directions at Corinth. He at once detected in this the purpose of the enemy to bring on a battle in that vicinity. Accordingly, on the 18th, Hurlbut's division was advanced 1% miles, to the crossing of the Corinth and Hamburg and Savannah roads. On the 19th Sherman, with his whole division, took post 2j^ miles inland from the landing, in the extreme advance, covering the roads to Purdy and Corinth and a junction on the Hamburg road near Lick Creek Ford, where another joined the Hamburg road. The grounds selected for his camps lay just behind a stream called Shiloh Branch — McDowell's brigade on the right, with his right on Owl Creek, at the bridge where the Hamburg and Purdy road crossed the creek; Buckland's brigade next in line 192 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. to the left, with his left at Shiloh Church; Hildebrand's brigade to the left of the church; Stuart's brigade, detached from others, to the extreme left of the line, at the point where the Savannah and Hamburg and the Purdy and Hamburg roads united just before the}' crossed Lick Creek. The camps of Sherman and Prentiss formed the front line (about 2]/D 7, 1862.] The part of Sherman, in which he figured so conspieuonsly as the tactician in the maneuvres leading up to the clash and the fighter in the stubborn onset of contending Americans, may be briefly outlined. It was about 7 a. m. when Sherman descried the glistening bayonets of heavy masses of infantry on the left beyond the point at which he was fired upon. He was now convinced of the design to press a general engagement. At the opening of the battle Sherman's division occupied position. First Brigade. — Colonel McDowell on the extreme right, guarding the bridge on the Purdy road over Owl Creek. Second Brigade. — Colonel Stuart on the extreme left, guard- ing the ford over Lick Creek. Third Brigade. — Colonel Hildebrand on the left of the Cor- inth road, its right resting on Shiloh Meeting House. Fourth Brigade. — Colonel Buckland on the right of the Cor- inth road, its left resting on the Shiloh Meeting House. Taylor's battery in position at Shiloh Meeting House and Waterhouse's battery on a ridge to the left, with a front fire over the open ground between Mungen's (Fifty-seventh Ohio) and Appier's (Fifty-third Ohio) regiments. The cavalry of the division (Dickey's — Fourth Illinois), on account of the heavy musketry fire, occupied a large open field to the left under cover near Shiloh Meeting House, and was moved accord- ing to circumstances from 8 a. m. Sunday until 4 p. m. Mon- day, when it was brought into requisition for pursuit. S. Doc. 320—o8-2. BATTLE OF SHILOH, TENN. The positions of the troops under Brig. Gen. W. T. Sherman at its beginning and close. Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 195 THE BATTLE. The lines of Sherman, supported by McClernand's division, were well posted to meet the brunt of the two days' work at Shiloh. The battle was opened by a battery of the enemy in the woods on Sherman's right front throwing shells into his camp. Simultaneously the masses of infantry advanced directly upon his division front, the Third ( Hildebrand's) and Fourth (Buckland's) Brigades becoming engaged at 7.30 a. m. This force, strengthened by Raith's brigade of the First Division, held its position until 10 a. m. The importance of Shiloh Meeting House as the key to suc- cess led Sherman to make the most desperate efforts to main- tain his position. At 10 a. m. the enemy, by the yielding of the supporting division on Sherman's flank (Prentiss's division), was enabled to bring his artillery in the rear of Sherman's left, which necessitated a change of position to a new line lying on the Purdy and Hamburg road. During this movement both bri- o-ades, becoming disorganized, withdrew to Hamburg and Savannah road, parts only of regiments remaining in line. From his position Sherman saw other masses directing their movements with the evident intention of passing his own left flank and falling upon the divisions of McClernand and Prentiss (the latter giving way at his second position at9a.n1.), whose lines paralleled the Tennessee River, 2 miles distant. Sher- man's left, turned by the giving way of Prentiss, made the enemy's movement severely felt. The enemy's infantry and artillery soon opened along the whole line, and the battle became general. By half past 10 the enemy was making a furious attack on McClernand's whole front, to meet which, being hard pressed, 196 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. Sherman quickly moved McDowell's brigade directly against the left flank of the enemy, which was forced back. He then directed his men to avail themselves of ever)- cover — logs, stumps, and trees — and hold their ground at every cost. This they did for four hours of as vicious musketry fire as had ever been delivered between two lines of battle. In this desperate strait the ultimate success was due largely to the perfect accord which existed between Sherman and McClernand in the struggle to maintain this line. It was impossible to bring up reenforcements, owing to the furious fire which swept every part of the field around them. At 3 p. m. General Grant visited Sherman in this position. At 4 p. m. Hurlbut's line was driven back to the river. In the meantime Gen. Lew Wallace was making the best of his way with reenforcements from Crumps Landing. In cooperation with this Sherman and McClernand shifted to a new line, having their right cover a bridge by which Wallace was obliged to approach. A charge of the enemy's cavalry in an effort to thwart this maneuver was splendidly repulsed by the Twenty-ninth Illi- nois Volunteers and Fifth Ohio Battery, which had come for- ward and held the enemy in check for some time. Taylor's battery in position, with a flank fire on the enemy's column which was crowding McClernand, checked the advance, when McClernand's division, charging in return, drove the enemy back into the ravine on front and right. Sherman had now a clear field of 200 yards on his front, where he succeeded in holding the enemy during the rest of the day. By 2 p. m., in Sherman's own words, his "division was very much mixed," Buckland's brigade being the only one left intact as to organization. Colonel Hildebrand was on the field, but his brigade was not. McDowell had been injured and gone Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 197 to the rear, his three regiments not being in line. The Thir- teenth Missouri (Wright) reported to Sherman on the field and fought bravely, retaining its formation as part of his line Sunday night and to the end on Monday. Fragments of many regiments and companies fell into his division and acted with it during the rest of the battle. Generals Grant and Buell visited Sherman at his bivouac during the night. From them this hero of the bloody day learned the situation of affairs on other parts of the field. The men, in excellent spirits and eager to renew the conflict, lay on their arms with only such rations as could be brought to them from the neighboring camps. At dawn on the second day (Monday) Sherman received General Grant's order to assume the offensive and recapture his original camps. He also mentioned that General Buell had reached the banks of the Tennessee, opposite Pittsburg Land- ing, and was ferrying his troops over. Having gathered his forces well in hand during the night, Sherman awaited the advance on the main Corinth road of Wallace's division of Grant's army, which early on the night of the first day had arrived from Crumps Landing, on the Tennessee, advancing by Snake Creek. At 10 a. m., hearing a heavy cannonade, which he construed to indicate the advance of Wallace on his right flank, Sherman in person led the head of his column toward McClernand's right and formed line of battle facing south, with Buckland's brigade directly across the ridge and Stuart's on its right in the woods. In this formation they advanced under a withering fire of musketry and artillery. At the same time three guns of Company A, Chicago Light Artillery, advanced by hand, and, firing, did effective execution. On reaching a point where the Corinth road crossed the line 198 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. for McClernand's camp Sherman was joined by part of General Buell's Kentucky forces. Willich's regiment advanced and entered the thicket in front in grand style. The enemy had rallied at this point under cover, which led to twenty minutes of the severest musketry fire, as Sherman afterwards said he had ' ' ever heard. ' ' This grove of water oaks, 500 }'ards east of Shiloh Meeting House, had now become the scene of the struggle, as Sherman had foreseen in the beginning, which would decide the mastery of the national or the rebel forces in Kentucky and Tennessee and possibly in that part of the Mississippi Valley lying south of the mouth of the Ohio to Baton Rouge. The enemy could be seen massing his lines to the south. McClernand calling for artillery, Sherman sent him Wood's three guns, which had done such excellent work in the earlier part of the day and which again drove the enemy back in disorder. At the same moment dispatching one of his aids to hurry up the two 24-pounder howitzers of McAllister's battery, Sherman brought them into position and began to play on the enemy's ranks at the very timely instant of the crisis of attack. It was now 2 p. m. The enemy had one battery close by Shiloh Meeting House and another near the Hamburg road pouring grape and canister upon Sherman's column advancing to the copse of water oaks. One regiment, almost decimated, had been driven back. An active brigade (Rousseau's) of McCook's division was now deployed, and advancing splendidly entered the dreaded wood abreast of the Second and Fourth Brigades of Sherman's division, together sweeping everything before them. Under his personal direction the 24-pounders had silenced the enemy's guns on the left and later those at Shiloh Meeting House. Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 199 At 4 p. m. Sherman and his fighters had the glorious satis- faction of occupying their original front line and of seeing the enemy in full retreat. He directed all his brigades to at once resume their old camps." Several times during the action his supply of ammunition became exhausted, notwithstanding General Grant's constant forwarding of supplies. At a critical pass Sherman urged his regiments to stand fast, although out of cartridges. After the battle he specially com- mended the Fortieth Illinois and Thirteenth Missouri "for holding their positions under heavy fire, notwithstanding their cartridge boxes were empty." With bayonets fixed these a The following is an outline of the part taken by each of Sherman's brigades: The First (McDowell's) Brigade, at first alarm, Sunday morning, each regiment formed on its color line. About 8 a. m. it advanced to the brow of the hill overlooking Shiloh Branch and joined the right of Buckland's brigade. At 10 a. m. it was ordered to retire to Purdy road, moving to the left to connect with Buckland's brigade near the crossroads Finding a Confederate force interposed, it engaged and drove back the enemy moving into Crescent field. It continued its movement until it connected with McClernand at 11.30 a. m. At 12 m. the brigade was attacked on the right flank and engaged until 1.30 p. m. with severe loss. At 2.30 p. m. it retired to the lauding and later formed behind Hurlbut. The Second (Stuart's) Brigade took warning from its pickets of the approach of the enemy about 8 a m., and instantly formed on regimental color lines, but being exposed to artillery fire (Chalmers), at 10 a. m. moved to the left. A part of this brigade attacked by Jackson, retired from the field. Stuart in person, with two regi- ments resisted the attacks of Chalmers until 2 p. m., when, running out of ammuni- tion he was compelled to fall back to the landing, reforming at the log house, where part of this brigade was engaged in resisting Chalmers's attack on Sunday night. Stuart, its commander, wounded on Sunday, was succeeded by Col. T. Kilby Smith, who fought on the right next to Lew. Wallace all day Monday. The Third (Hildebrand's) Brigade formed at 7 a. m. to meet the enemy, two of the regiments in advance of their camps in the valley of Shiloh Branch. The brigade was attacked in front by Cleburne's and Wood's brigades. This attack falling on the exposed flanks of one of the regiments, in an effort to change front it fell back disor- ganized Part of this brigade, reenforced by Raith's brigade of the First Division, held its position for some time and then also fell back disorganized and was not in line again as regiments. Eight companies of the Fifty-third Ohio, which reformed at the landing on Monday, advanced with Marsh's command in McClernand's corps. The Fourth (Buckland's) Brigade from about 7 a. m. having withstood the attacks ot Cleburne, Anderson, and Johnson until 10 a. m., threatened on the right flank, under orders fell back to the Purdv road. In doing so it was disorganized and scattered, but fought in fragments until reorganized, and participated in the 4.30 p. m. affair. On Monday the brigade, reunited with Stuart's brigade, formed Sherman's line which advanced to the right of McClernand's camps, thence southwesterly to Shiloh Meeting House, where the brigade occupied its old camp at 4 P- ni- 200 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. brave men were prepared for a hand-to-hand encounter should the enemy invite that mode of fighting. In commenting upon the battle and giving personal credit, the general reported that McCook's division from Kentucky drove back the eneni}^ along Corinth road, which was the center of the part of the field where Beauregard commanded in person, supported by Bragg's, Polk's, and Breckinridge's divisions. General Albert Sidney Johnston, to whom Sherman in one of his earlier opinions referred as a "real" general, and who was in chief command, was killed at 2.30 p. m. on the first day on the Union left by a minie ball severing the main artery of the calf of the leg. The valorous deeds of Sherman's men is the more remark- able when it is remembered that the regiments were perfectly new, many having received their muskets at Paducah and none having ever before been under fire. These facts demonstrated the magnetic power of Sherman. The regiments of his division in action and which suffered losses were: Infantry: Illinois, Fortieth, Fifty-fifth; Iowa, Sixth; Ohio, Forty-sixth, Forty-eighth, Fifty-third, Fifty-fourth, Fifty- seventh, Seventieth, Seventy-first, and Seventy-seventh. Artillery: Taylor's, Behr's, and Waterhouse's batteries. Cavalry: Fourth Illinois. His losses were: Killed — officers, 16; men, 309. Wounded — officers, 52; men, 1,225. Missing — officers, 7; men, 292. Total, 1 , 90 1 . Total force of Sherman's (5) division (April 6-7), 8,580. In the entire battle the national loss was: Officers and men killed, 1.754; wounded, 8,408; prisoners, 2,885; total, 13,047, of which number General Buell's army lost 2,103, leaving Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 201 Grant's loss 10,944, which General Sherman regarded the proper proportion of fighting by each army. The enemy captured 8 of Sherman's 18 guns in action on Sunday, and Sherman captured the same number on Monday. The entire loss of the enemy was 10,699. Of the national forces the strength of Grant's five divisions engaged was 39,830 men. The enemy had 43,968, with the momentum of attack until 2.30 p. m. Sunday, when General Johnston was killed. SELF-VINDICATION. In after years General Sherman frequently stated that he had made up his mind in the first battle to demonstrate to his countrymen how far the infamous stories of ' ' insanity ' ' were true. He regarded his part in the battle of Shiloh, named after his camp, in the thickest of the fray as his answer to the allegation. He also added: By this time the good people North had begun to have their eyes opened and to give us in the field more faitli and support. The men utterly exhausted by the time of the regaining of their camp, the division was unable to follow the retreating enemy, who could be seen in dense masses getting out of reach in the greatest confusion. The men of the North held their ground. It was the first real test of determination under fire. The prestige was won. From this point it became a game of grand war. The armies were of equal bravery; victory resolved itself into skill and generalship. Next day after the battle (April 8), in a reconnoissance of cavalry and two brigades of infantry on the Corinth road, the deserted camps which were destroyed showed a very large force 202 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. engaged; also the guns taken in the battle were found broken up and abandoned, 280 Confederate wounded were captured and 50 of our own recovered. General Sherman referred in after life to the criticisms on this battle, which seemed "to be sustained by hasty reports of officers at the steamboat landing." He mentions, however, specifically seeing General Grant on the field at 10 a. m. on the first day, when he was desperately engaged, but had checked the assault of the enemy and was holding his ground, which gave his commanding officer great satisfaction, as matters were not so favorable on the left. The spot upon which stood Sherman, surrounded by his unconquerable men of the Army of the Tennessee in defense of the American Union, gave name to the first and fiercest of the decisive battles of the civil war in America. THE POSSIBILITIES OF SHIEOH. This success wisely utilized might have determined the strug- gle in that western field of operations, then and there. The enemy was forced to evacuate Columbus, his last stronghold in Kentucky. From his new position at Island No. 10, in the Mississippi River, after a land and gunboat attack, he was driven with the loss of a large part of his force. The open way down that great artery of national life was inviting to a further successful move. General Halleck, still in command as chief from St. Louis, transferred the army cooper- ating with the flotilla from the Mississippi to the Tennessee. The flotilla, which in cooperation with the Army of the Mis- sissippi had performed such wonders at Island No. 10 unsup- ported by a land force, found itself held up by the ponderous batteries of Fort Pillow, which defended the city of Memphis Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 203 50 miles below, necessitating an intricate concert of movements overland. The capture of Memphis, then entirely feasible, by the same force which reduced Island No. 10 would have opened the way to the flotilla of Foote to shake hands across the bows of the fleet of Farragut at Vicksburg. After Shiloh, in order to be prepared for the offensive at any moment, Sherman consolidated his division of four brigades into three. First, Gen. Morgan L. Smith; second, Col. J. A. McDowell; third, Brig. Gen. J. \Y. Denver. MAJOR-GENERAL OF VOLUNTEERS — A NEW SHUFFLE. T1862.] In recognition of his heroic conduct at Shiloh Sherman was promoted to the three-starred badge of rank, as major-general of volunteers. About the same time the commander in chief for the first time appeared on the scene of action, took command of all the armies and "reorganized," Grant, the captor of Henry and Donelson and commander at Shiloh, "second in command," ' ' with no defined duty or authority. ' ' Employing Sherman's words: For more than a month he thus remained without any apparent authority, frequently visiting me and others and rarely complaining, but I could see that he felt deeply the indignity of the insult heaped upon him. In this new shuffle with his division of the old army of the Tennessee Sherman fell in the right wing under Gen. George H. Thomas, with whom he had always acted in perfect har- mony, having been classmates and having served together in the old army and in California. It should be mentioned in this arrangement Gen. Thomas W. Sherman, having the same initials, inverted, of our hero, vS. Doc. 320, 58-2 14 204 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. without even remote family relationship, yet which often came great confusion, was assigned to the same wing. During these delays the enemy found ample time for reorganization, accumu- lation of supplies, and generally getting away, in defeat, with all the advantages gained by the Union victories on the Ten- nessee and the Mississippi. SHERMAN AT CORINTH. The enemy had concentrated at Corinth, 22 miles distant. The national forces at the end of April were concentrated between Snake Creek on the right and the Tennessee River at Hamburg on the left, 100,000 strong, now up to one-half the full strength of that "insane request" of Sherman only six short months before. In the movement on Corinth which now began Sherman held the position of honor on the extreme right of the right wing. On May 19, within 2 miles of its northern entrenchments, Sherman drew the first blood of the enemy. On the 27th he received orders from Halleck ' ' to send a force the next day to drive the rebels from the house in the front on the Corinth road; to drive in their pickets as far as possible, and to make a strong demonstration on Corinth itself. ' ' Sher- man not only carried the position with a sweep, but pursued to the crest of a ridge, from which he could overlook the enemy's works and hear the drum rolls and the bugle calls inside. Generals Grant and Thomas, anticipating something brilliant, accompanied him to witness the affair. In this action Sherman requested the assistance of Generals Veatch and John A. Logan, respectively from Hurlbut's and McClernaud's divisions. It was the bringing of these two soldiers to the front under the immediate eye of Grant and Sherman. Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 205 On the 29th the whistling of locomotives and tremendous explosions suggested something unusual. Sherman, ever upon the alert, received orders to advance his division and " feel the enemy," if still on his front. Hastily pressing forward he found the parapets vacant and pushed ' ' straight for the aban- doned town."- He at once sent one of his brigades in pursuit, which was, however, barred from further rapid movement at Tuscumbia River bridge, 4 miles, which was burned. He found the woods full of deserters, but instead of encumbering himself with them as prisoners extended the fatherly advice "to go home and stay there." The movement on Corinth was the last of General Halleck'.'. strategy. In the latest reorganization he went East and Grant remained West. The possession of Corinth formed an excellent base, being at the junction of the Mobile and Ohio and Memphis and Charles- ton railroads and the focal point of wagon roads leading into Mississippi and other objective points of any strategical move- ments in an extensive surrounding area. By way of comment after, Sherman expressed the opinion — Had Halleck held his force as a unit he could have gone to Mobile or Vicksburg, and by one move have solved the whole Mississippi problem. This was left for Grant and Sherman, and at a vast and useless outlay of blood and treasure. But again, as at Shiloh and Island No. 10, no sooner was Corinth taken and ' ' the real opportunity opened to this really grand army" than it was again scattered. Pope was called East and his army (Mississippi) broken up. Thomas was reassigned to his old division in the Army of the Ohio, and, with Buell in command, moved to Chattanooga, while Halleck, with his reduced force, remained at Corinth. 206 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. HOW SHERMAN SAVED GRANT TO THE COUNTRY. About this time, during a visit of Sherman to Halleck's headquarters, the latter casually referred to the intended de- parture the next morning of General Grant on thirty daws' leave, alleging that to him the cause was not known. Sherman readily surmised it. Hastening to General Grant's camp on the Monterey road, he was surprised to find him located in an obscure wood, occupying, with his staff, five small tents, with camp chests and equipage piled around, and Grant himself in the midst, seated on a camp stool, assorting letters. " General," said Sherman, having dismounted, " is it true you are going away? "Yes," replied Grant, going on with his assorting. "And may I ask the reason?" persisted this faithful friend. "Sherman, you know. You know that I am in the way here. I have stood it as long as I can. I can endure it no longer." ' ' Where are you going?" "To St. Louis." "Have you any business there?" " Not a bit." This tried comrade in arms begged him in most earnest terms " not to quit," illustrating his case by his own, adding: ' ' Before the battle of Shiloh I was cast down by a mere newspaper assertion of being crazy; that single battle gave me new life, and now I am in high feather." Grant was silent for some moments, but, consciously impressed, at length gave utterance to his resolve: "Sherman, I promise to wait, or not to go without seeing you again." Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 207 What an ante-climax in the career of the two greatest soldiers of the civil war! A few days later, Sherman having received orders to occupy Chewalla, 14 miles northwest of Corinth, to repair and protect the railroad and reconnoiter to Grand Junction, 50 miles beyond, Grant formally accepted his advice in a letter of June 6, to which Sherman on the same day from his camp made this characteristic response: I am rejoiced at your conclusion to remain, for you could not be quiet at home for a week when armies were moving, and rest could not relieve your mind of the gnawing sensation that injustice had been done you. The mistake of withdrawing the Army of the Mississippi from its victorious career at Island No. 10 was not expiated by the strategic effect of the successful Corinth operations in com- pelling the enemy's evacuation of the formidable defenses of Fort Pillow (June 1 ), the important city of Memphis (June 7), and destruction of the enemy's gunboats now wedged between Memphis on the north and Vicksburg on the south. About two weeks previously (May 24) Farragut had taken New Orleans and advanced his fleet as far north as that strong- hold on the banks of the great river. In the language of Sherman — It now looks as if the river has been captured. [* * *] It was a fatal mistake, however, that halted General Halleck at Corinth and led him to disperse and scatter the best materials for a fighting army that up to that date had been assembled in the West. During the last half of June and first half of July Sherman had his now famous division stretched between Grand Junction, Lagrange, Moscow, and Lafayette, along the boundary between Tennessee and Mississippi, engaged in the task of railroad repair instead of thrashing the enemy. He found some diver- sion, however, in fighting cavalry ' ' to save the railroad, and also planters to save their negroes and fences." The latter were bent upon raising corn, even between the hostile lines of the 2o8 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. opposing armies, as the only means of keeping their friends in the field. It was small business for one of the greatest military heroes of the century, but he uttered not a word of objection. IN COMMAND OF THE DISTRICT OF MEMPHIS. About the middle of July, at Moscow, Sherman received a dispatch from Halleck communicating information of the defeat of McClellau by Lee, announcing, as he had been summoned to Washington, his command would be transferred to General Grant, who would come from Memphis to Corinth, and Sher- man should go into Memphis to take command of the district of that name. It was while Sherman was in camp (June 23) at Lafayette that General Grant, accompanied by his staff and a small escort, halted on his way from Memphis to Corinth, having been assigned to the command of the district of West Tennessee. Up to this time Sherman had received orders direct from Halleck. In the new combinations he fell under command of Grant, in which relation he stood until the end of the war. General Sherman: entered Memphis on July 2 1 with his own and Hurlbut's divisions. The victorious army which General Halleck had assembled was now on the defensive. The reorganized enemy was prepared to assume an offensive attitude against Nashville and Louisville, which had forced Buell back to the Ohio at the latter city. With the reeuforce- ments brought by Van Dorn and Price from west of the Missis sippi and a large body of cavalry centered at Holly Springs, the enemy was in condition to act. To meet this force and divert its strategic purposes General Grant had about 50,000 men. With these he inaugurated a series of concerted movements, the first contact being at Iuka, Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 209 where, after some desperate fighting, victory declared for the national forces. At the end of September Sherman with about 6,000 men still occupied Memphis. With his entire force Grant held a front of 150 miles, guarded 200 miles of railroad, and as much of the Mississippi River. The army under Van Dorn with 40,000 men was free to strike as he pleased. Sherman, who had greatly strengthened Memphis as a measure of precaution, moved out under orders to threaten the enemy's stores, especially at Holly Springs. On October 1 General Grant, who occupied a central point at Jackson, Tenn., with a small reserve, felt assured of an attack on Bolivar or Corinth. The next day Van Dorn with his entire army was before Corinth, which was held by Rosecraus with 20,000 men, and made a fierce attempt, his attacking column at one time having carried part of the defenses. On the 3d, how- ever, his rout was complete, with a loss of 6,000 men. On the 5th Ord again defeated the fleeing enemy at the Hatchie cross- ing to the south. The delay in this movement, for which, how- ever, General Ord was not responsible, caused great indignation on the part of General Grant. It saved Van Dorn his army from complete destruction or disintegration, but led to the appointment of Ljeutenaut-General Pemberton in his place. Grant placed under Sherman's command a number of new regiments. Out of these he organized the new brigades, which he officered by men who had come under his own eye for skill and experience in the field and battle, and found himself at the head of a really formidable body of veterans. THE RULER OF A CITY. The remarkable range of genius and application with which Sherman was endowed now takes a novel departure in his new attitude as the ruler of a city. 210 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. Under instructions he took post, as we have seen, at Memphis. With his fifth division he occupied Fort Pickering near by, with Hurlbut's division a few miles below on the banks of the Mississippi. For the next five months (July to December 3, 1862) his efforts were directed to bringing order out of chaos in the affairs of the community about him. He reopened stores, churches, schools, theaters, and all else in the even-day lives of the people, and restored the mayor and municipal functions. An insight into the breadth of Sherman's methods is set forth in his official declarations. Two days after his occupation of the city, in reply to a peti- tion of physicians asking a modification of an order of his predecessor permitting the departure south of all persons sub- ject to the conscription laws of the Southern Confederacy, he wrote : It is now sunset, and all who have not availed themselves of General Hovey's authority and who remain in Memphis are supposed to be loyal and true men. I can not allow the personal convenience of even a large class of ladies to influence me in my determination to make Memphis a safe place of operations of an army, and all people who are unfriendly should forthwith prepare to depart in such direction as I may hereafter indicate. Concluding with a burst of irony: Surgeons should not reside within the limits of an army which they regard as hostile. The situation would be too delicate. The next day in his refreshing manner of not making many words nor of mincing those which he emplo3 T ed, he dealt with the press in a serio-comic vein: It is well [wrote he to an editor of prominence] to come to an under- standing at once with the press, as well as the people of Memnhis, which I am ordered to command, which means to control for the interest, wel- fare, and glory of the whole Government of the United States. Sherman; A Memorial Sketch. 211 Referring to a sketch intended to be complimentary, but full of errors, he wrote: I want no more, as I don't desire my biography to be written till I am dead. It is enough for the world to know that I live, and as a soldier bound to obey the orders of my superiors, the laws of my country, and to venerate its constitution; and where discretion is given me I shall exercise it wisely and account to my superior. After a highly regaling epistolary presentation of the duties of editors, based upon a most comical retrospect of the ignor- ance of facts shown respecting his own career, he naively continues: I will attend to the judge, mayor, board of aldermen, and policemen in good time. * * * Use your influence to establish system, order, and government. If I find the press of Memphis actuated by high principles and a sole devotion to their country I will be their best friend, but if I find them abusive personally, they had better look out, for I regard such persons as greater enemies to their country than the men who, from mistaken sense of State pride, have taken up muskets and fight us as hard as we care about. Three days later to the mayor whom he restored: I have the most unbounded respect for the civil law, courts, and authority. I am glad to find in Memphis a mayor and municipal author- ity not onty in existence but in the coexercise of important functions, and I shall endeavor to restore one or more civil tribunals for the arbitration of contracts and punishment of crime, which the military will have neither time nor inclination to interfere with. On these points, elaborating succinctly, he shows in a nut- shell his mastery of municipal administration. This phase of his management and expansion of city government is more broadly presented in his letter of instructions of August 7 to the assistant quartermaster at Memphis on the subject of con- fiscation and taking possession of and applying the proceeds of property vacated by disloyal persons; also his answers to certain questions propounded by the agent conducting this business. 212 Slier man: A Memorial Sketch. THE COTTON QUESTION. On August 1 1 he sent a long communication to the Secre- tary of the Treasury, who had invited "his discussion of the cotton question." This, as all know who were there, was one of the most difficult subjects with which department and dis- trict commanders in the L,ower Mississippi and Gulf fields of military movements had to contend. In the opportunity officially opened, Sherman began opera- tions by stating (Salmon P. Chase was then Secretary), " I will write plainly and slowly, because I know you have no time to listen to trifles." The entire document shows not onl) T the scope of a great soldier, but of a public economist, and is a valuable contribution not only to the literature of the war, but on the politico-military phases of it. We are simply dealing in epigrams from the general mass. He was being pursued by a cloud of speculators up to all the tricks of the trade. The business had been taken from the military and turned over to an agent of the Treasury. There is not a garrison in Tennessee [he wrote] where a man can go beyond the sight of the flagstaff without being shot or captured. It so happened that the people had cotton. They did not and could not dream that we would pay money for it. But commercial enterprise soon discovered that 10 cents would buy a pound of cotton behind our Army, that 4 cents would take it to Boston, where they could receive for it 30 cents in gold. When here they discovered that salt, bacon, powder, firearms, percus- sion'caps, etc., were worth as much as gold, and, strange to say, this traffic was not only permitted, but encouraged. Before we, in the interior, could know it, thousands of barrels of salt and millions of dollars of money had been disbursed. I doubt not Bragg's army at Tupelo, and Van Dorn's at Vicksburg, received enough salt to make bacon, without which they could not have moved their armies in mass. From 10,000 to 20,000 fresh arms and cartridges have been gotten, I am satisfied. As soon as I got to Memphis I ordered, as to my own command, that gold, silver, and Treasury notes were contraband of war. Every gold dollar spent for cotton is sent to the seaboard to be Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 213 exchanged for bank notes or Confederate scrip, which will buy goods here. I required cotton to be paid for in notes by an obligation to pay at the end of the war or by a deposit of the price in the hands of a trustee, viz, the United States quartermaster. Under these rules cotton is being obtained and yet the enemy receives no aid or comfort. I may not appreciate the foreign aspect of the question. [Apparently, from his views expressed, he understood it thoroughly.] The Southern people know this full well, and will only accept the alliance of England in order to get arms and ammunition in exchange for their cotton, as the South knows that in Old England her slaves and slavery will receive no more encouragement than in New England. On September 4 he informed the Assistant Adjutant-General at Washington that he had modified his first instructions about cotton as ordered, adding: Trade in cotton is now free, but in all else I endeavor so to control that the enemy shall receive no contraband goods or any aid or comfort. During the same mouth, in reply to persistent complaints, he concludes: I know, moreover, in some instances here our soldiers are complained of; I also know that they have been insulted by sneering remarks. * People who use such language must seek redress through some one else, for I will not tolerate insults to our country or cause. MEMPHIS AS A MILITARY BASE. In the midst of these harassing duties Sherman had brought his city up to the position of one of the most important depots of supplies on the great river, especially, situated as it was, near the seat of present and prospective operations. Fort Pickering had been strengthened and made defensible by a minimum garrison. Things by November began to again look aggressive with Sherman. Abput the middle of that month General Grant, from L,agrange, whence he was operating south toward Jack- son and Vicksburg, dispatched: "Meet me at Columbus, Ky. If 3^011 have a good map, bring it." At that famous meeting, the two officers being closeted alone, Grant explained that he 214 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. proposed to move against Pemberton, then intrenched on a line behind the Tallahatchie River, below Holly Springs. As a con- certed movement he wished Sherman, leaving a proper garri- son at Memphis, to form a junction with him at that point. Sherman suggested a contributory expedition from Helena, Ark., toward Grenada, Miss., to threaten Pemberton's rear, which was accepted. The Sherman movement got under way in nine days, com- mand reorganized and equipped, Memphis provided for, and all secure in his rear, and was in communication with Grant at Holly Springs eight days (December 2) later. Pemberton, compelled by these strategic moves to let go his Tallahatchie line with all its costly defenses, re-formed on the Yalabusha, near Grenada. At Oxford, Sherman, with his entire command, reported to Grant. THE RIVER CAMPAIGN AGAINST VICKSBURG. [18(52-63.] At this point the two commanders had another of their "con- fidential talks," and as a result on December 3 Sherman was assigned to the command of the right wing of the Army of the Tennessee. The possession of the Mississippi was the posses- sion of the heart not only of the continent but of the territory and trade of the United States. The capture of Vicksburg, the stronghold of the lower river, was therefore an imperative necessity. He was to return to Memphis, organize his forces, and, in cooperation with Admiral Porter's fleet, descend the river to make a lodgment up the Yazoo, and capture Vicksburg by surprise from the rear while the garrison was small. Meanwhile Grant from Oxford would handle Pemberton, keeping him away from Vicksburg or pursue him if he retreated. Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 215 For his task Sherman had about 33,000 men— 21,000 his own and 12,000 part of Curtis's men— west of the Mississippi all of which Grant authorized him ' ' to organize in his own way." On December 22 the entire imposing procession of transports and convoys, several gunboats in the lead, others distributed through the column, and several forming a rear guard, steamed to Friars Point as the place of rendezvous, and thence four days after ascended the Yazoo a distance of 1 3 miles to a position within striking distance of the forts on Walnut Hills, which encircled the landward side of the city as far as Haines Bluff. These forts were manned by an estimated force of 15,000 men. By noon of the 29th, the time set for assault, a combination of natural obstacles— fogs, rains, and floods— added to the strength of the position, and a stronger garrison than was supposed ren- dered all efforts fruitless. Prudence, decidedly the better part of valor under these conditions, dictated withdrawal, which was accomplished with ease on the night of New Year's Day of 1863. The reverberations of the guns of Grant, for which Sherman had listened night and day from Yazoo City, did not materialize. From the time of leaving Memphis he had had no word from his chief. It was evident from the rapid movement of trains, indicated by the whistles of locomotives entering the city, and the new men manning the batteries that something not counted in their plans at Oxford had transpired. But one course was l e f t _p r ompt withdrawal before a superior force. The losses sustained in this attack were 127 killed, 930 wounded, and 743 prisoners, mostly on the 29th. The enemy's loss, fighting from behind breastworks, was slight. 216 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. COMMAND OF THE SECOND CORPS, ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI. [1863.] At the same time General McClernaud appeared with special orders assigning him to the command of the expeditionary forces on the Mississippi. Sherman, ever actuated by the most exalted patriotism, accepted the unexpected and ex- plained what had been done. From this source he first learned that Van Dorn had captured Grant's stores at Holly Springs nine days before (December 20), and compelled Grant to fall back, which accounted for the sudden and suspected reenforcements of the defenses of Vicksburg. Grant had sent word to Sher- man of the mishap, which, however, did not reach him until after his attempt. Under the McClernand order, January 5, 1863, Sherman assumed command of the second of the two corps of the Army of the Mississippi. The assignment of McClernand to the command of this army was by confidential order of the War Department of October 21, 1862, indorsed by President Lincoln. This transfer of command possessed sufficient material to set aflame another batch of fabrications of "failure," "repulse," "bungling," etc. The best military critics then and since pronounce the handling of the movement skillful and the ground impreg- nable. In Sherman's own words: Although in all official reports I assumed the whole responsibility, I have ever felt that had General Morgan promptly and skillfully sustained the lead of Frank Blair's brigade we should have broken the rebel line and effected a lodgment in the hills behind Vicksburg; [adding] but had we succeeded, we might have been in a worse trap when Pemberton's whole force was released. The new commander was for "cutting his way to the sea," to which Sherman sardonically replied, "but the modus operandi of it was not so clear." Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 217 ARKANSAS POST. The audacious dashes of the enemy from Arkansas Post upon steamboats plying up and down the river without convoys sug- gested to Sherman the advantage of destroying that trouble- some position. To this his new chief assented. The morale of the men of Sherman's expedition, owing to the masterly control of the complications at Chickasaw Bluffs, was unaffected. On January 8, but ten days after the withdrawal from the rear of Vicksburg, the entire force, men and boats, was at the mouth of the river, the next day within striking distance of Fort Hindman. Sherman quickly disembarking his troops moved up so close "to the fort that at 4 a. m.," as he notes, ' ' the bugler in the rebel camp sounded as pretty a reveille as I have ever listened to." The gunboats having opened the attack, Sherman assaulted across an open field under a brisk fire of sharpshooters. It was not long before a white flag appeared on the parapets in his front. The fort was taken, together with 150 dead and 4,791 prisoners, and dismantled. The loss to Shermen's corps was 519 all told. On Januar}^ 13, 1863, having accomplished its purpose, the expedition, in a heavy snow storm, fell down the Arkansas River to Napoleon, at its mouth. FORGING AHEAD. The relations of General Sherman to military events were now assuming their natural proportions. The panic at Bull Run, disasters on York Peninsula, and varying turn of affairs later in the East, might have resulted in disruption or equally fatal compromise but for the successes of Forts Henry and Donelson, the decisive field of Shiloh, capture of Island No. 10, 1/ 218 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. triumphs at Iuka and Corinth, and occupation of Memphis in the West. Sherman, the "rock of Shiloh," the "ruler of a city," had now reached a place in military movements from which his greatness as a soldier and military statesman had every opportunity of development. General Grant appreciated him at his full worth and on every occasion sought the benefit of his judgment, moral aggressiveness, physical courage, and indefatigable personal exertion and sacrifice. COMMAND OF THE FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS. [1862-63.] Under orders from Washington, December 18, 1862, he was assigned to command of the Fifteenth Army Corps, Arm}' of the Tennessee, which he assumed on January 12, 1863. On January 18, 1863, while moored in front of Napoleon, General Grant joined the fleet and land force. He had con- trol over General McClernand's expeditionary incident by rea- son of his general command of the Army of the Tennessee. On the 2 1 st this entire force proceeded to Milliken's Bend. During his participation in the attack on Arkansas Post, Sherman received, information of another shake up in the Western armies by a War Department order (December 18, 1862) grouping them into five corps d'armees, four of which should constitute the Army of the Tennessee under Grant, the command of the Fifteenth Corps in the field being assigned to Sherman. Before leaving Napoleon on the 18th, General Grant ordered the corps of Sherman (Fifteenth) and McClernand (Thir- teenth) to return to the movement against Yickburg, with instructions to disembark on the west bank of the river and resume work on the canal across the peninsula opposite Vicks- burg, begun the summer before, with the purpose of opening a Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 219 way for gunboats and transports below without encountering the shore batteries of the city. McPherson's corps (Seven- teenth) was ordered from Memphis to Lake Providence, 60 miles above. General Grant in person took command of the general movement. The canal project, which occupied January and February, was not a success, owing to the deluge of waters, which flooded the swollen rivers and bayous threatening to engulf everything in its path. The entire army was forced to seek high ground and the levees, abreast of which the steamboats lay ready to take the men aboard should the levees be swept away. Early in February two gunboats successfully tested the feasi- bility of running the batteries at the city by the main channel of the river. OPERATIONS ABOVE VICKSBURG. Sherman's force operating, or rather digging, on the pro- posed canal opposite Yicksburg furnished a detail of 500 men daily. His headquarters, in the midst of the rushing waters, were entirely surrounded, with access to the levee only by means of a foot walk on posts. By March the waters had reached a point which not only imperiled the army but threat- ened to wipe it out. On the 16th of that month Sherman received orders from Grant to reconnoiter certain bayous, to determine the feasibility of getting to the east bank of the Yazoo River at a point from which an army could act advan- tageously against Yicksburg. In pursuance of this preliminary, he placed at his disposal every facility of steamboats and troops. Admiral Porter in person led the floating part of the reconnoissance. After slow progress, Porter found himself entangled in an over- hanging forest and beset by a severe attack of infantry and S. Doc. 320, 5S-2 15 220 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. artillery. By means of a tissue dispatch concealed in a plug of tobacco, intrusted to a reliable ' ' contraband, ' ' Sherman received information of the fleet's extremity. The needed succor was immediately hurried forward, Sherman himself paddling about in a canoe, giving orders and getting his forces together. The night was dark. When he again disembarked, having made but 2^ of the 4 miles necessary, he pushed through the cane- break, only keeping his way by the dim light of candles dis- tributed through his wet and toiling column, until it reached the open. There was not a horse in the command. General, officers, and men were struggling forward together in water often more than hip deep. The drummer boys carried their drums on their heads and the men their belts and cartridge boxes around their necks. In the words of Sherman, "the soldiers generally were glad to have their general and field officers afoot, but we gave them a fair specimen of marching, accomplishing about 21 miles by noon." The admiral's guns were sounding fierce and rapidly. The forest and underbrush were thick with guerrillas. It was evident that the enemy pro- posed to defend Vicksburg to the last extremity. An officer, advancing in great haste, explained the situation of the fleet. Offering Sherman his solitary animal, the gen- eral mounted, and, bareback, dashed up the levee with an alacrity which must have astonished even the quadruped itself by its expedited powers of locomotion. As he passed, the sailors coming out of their ironclads cheered lustily. His own men, imitating this example of dash and daring of their general, swept across the cotton field in full view of the beleaguered flotilla and in the face and flank of a rattling fire. The admiral was on deck, sheltered by a shield made of a section of a smoke- stack. In Sherman's words, "I doubt if he ever was more glad to meet a friend than he was to see me. ' ' Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 221 Having almost reached its destination, the fleet encountered a body of sharpshooters sheltered by the dense forest on the banks. Under such conditions it was impossible to handle the cumbersome boats in the narrow channel. The opposing force thus suddenly developed had been hurried by forced marches from Haynes Bluff up the Sunflower t6 the Rolling Fork in anticipation of this movement. Under cover of this force obstructions were thrown in the channel to prevent advance. At the moment of Sherman's timely appearance 400 of the enemy with axes were passing below the flotilla, intend- ing in the same manner to hew trees and cut off its retreat. This was the force which had been struck and hurled back. The movement showed the vigilance and determination of the defenders of Vicksburg. When the general arrived the only recourse of the admiral was ' ' to get his boats out of the scrape. ' ' Had not Sherman at that moment relieved him, it was his purpose to blow them up and escape with his men through the swamps. The flotilla now withdrew to the mouth of the Yazoo and the troops to their camp at Youngs Point, reaching there on the 27th. The disappointment of Grant was great, but not more so than of Sherman, who had done all that human endurance could plan and pursue. Grant regarded the attempt in the same light. This was but one of repeated efforts to secure a footing from which to operate against Vicksburg from above. OPERATIONS BELOW VICKSBURG. In the beginning of April Sherman's corps was enlarged to three divisions — Steel's, Blair's, and Tuttle's. By this time in the contest of muscle versus the Father of Waters it was decided that human ingenuity, skill, and toil could not divert 222 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. the mad waters from the channel of their own choosing nor get access to the east bank in the rear of Yicksburg by any of the passes. The headquarters of Grant were at Millikens Bend and his arm}- strung from Sherman's position opposite Yicksburg to McPherson's camp, at Lake Providence— 60 miles. In their repeated conferences Sherman always favored the inland movement of the earl}' winter, the weight of which his chief always conceded, but did not feel safe in readopting — for reasons other than military [being unwilling] to take any course which would look like a step backward, [Grant] then concluded on the river movement below Vicksburg, as it would appear like connecting with Gen- eral Banks, who at the same time was besieging Port Hudson from the direction of New Orleans. NIPS A CONSPIRACY. On the first days of April at general headquarters a powerful intrigue against General Grant, in which newspaper clamor, politics, and hue and cry generally were important factors, was under discussion. Sherman promptly declared his adherence to his chief, as did practically all the officers of his arm v. A week later Sherman, from his camp near Yicksburg, addressed a communication to Adjutant-General Rawlins sug- gesting to General Grant to call upon his corps commanders for their opinions. He pointed to the Army of the Tennessee, now far in advance of any of the grand armies of the United States. In his usual terse and comprehensive style he gave his ' ' opinions ' ' as an example to others. He proposed to estab- lish a force at Little Rock, Ark.; to fortify Yazoo Pass, Cold- water, and Tallahatchie; to open the road back to Memphis, Tenn.; to secure Grenada, Miss.; to patrol the swamp road to Helena, Ark., by cavalry; to make the line of the Yalobusha Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 223 the base of operations to points where the railroads crossed the Big Black, one above Canton and the other below; the fall of Vicksburg being the inevitable result. As a cooperating force 10,000 men, and boats to float and transport them to any point desired, was to be maintained in their vicinity, always near enough at hand to act with the •army when known to be near Vicksburg, Haynes Bluff, or Yazoo City. With the same clearness he demonstrated the facilities afforded by certain water routes to supply the army operating against Jackson or the Big Black bridge, both vulnerable. He regarded the occupation of northern Mississippi as imperative in order to prevent planters, under protection of the enemy, from making crops. To these "opinions" he added that he ' ' did not wish an answer. " " Whatever plan of action he [Grant] may adopt will receive from me the same zealous cooperation and energetic support as though conceived by myself." This letter was construed by some as a "protest," which, however, Sherman emphatically denied, observing, "We never had a council of war at any time during the Vicksburg cam- paign." We "often met casually, regardless of rank, and gos- siped of things in general, as officers do and should." As Sherman said, "the letter speaks for itself," and simply showed his "opinions at that stage of the game." It "was meant to induce General Grant to call upon General McCler- nand for a similar expression of opinion." It is not known that anything further came of Sherman's well-meant stroke of finesse. He said later that Grant told him after the war — if we had possessed in December, 1S62, the experience of marching and maintaining an army without an}- regular base, he would have gone on 224 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. from Oxford as he at first contemplated, and would not have turned back on account of the destruction of his depot at Holly Springs. Sherman always disclaimed an)- disposition at any time to criticise the strategy of his chief, but did think — that he lost an opportunity, as he might have captured Vicksburg from Oxford in January, as was done from Bruinsburg in July. On April 20 Sherman received orders to bring up the rear of a general movement to the south of Vicksburg. A few nights before 7 ironclads, led by Admiral Porter in person, 3 transports, and 10 barges ran the batteries. Sherman, anticipating a scene — had 4 yawl boats hauled across the swamp to the reach of the river below the city, manned by soldiers, ready to pick up any of the disabled wrecks floating by. From his own yawl Sherman, in the thickest, mentions the scene as- — truly sublime. The batteries belched forth a constant flash of light and iron. The burning houses on shore brought the entire fleet out in weird relief, affording an excellent target for the guns on shore. As the Admiral, on his flag boat, the Benton, passed, Sher- man boarded, exchanged a few words, and pulled back to the bank. The running of the batteries for supply transportation was now the thing. A few more successful attempts gave suffi- cient boats and stores below to cross and proceed as soon as Grant was ready to give the command "Advance!" On May 1 Sherman found the roads clear of troops. At the head of his corps, he brought up the rear of the army at Youngs Point, prepared to take the lead in the operations which eventuated in the fall of the stronghold of the lower Mississippi. Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 225 SHERMAN MAKES A FEINT, GRANT A MOVE. While awaiting the opportunity of a clear road to close up the column of movement to the south of Yicksburg, Sherman received a communication from Grant informing him of his intention to cross to the east side of, the Mississippi and attack Grand Gulf about the end of April, and thought that he " could put in time usefully by making a ' feint ' on Haynes Bluff, but did not like to order it, because it might be reported at the North that he had again been repulsed, etc. ' ' Sherman replied that he ' ' would undertake the ' feint ' 1 regardless of public clamor at a distance. ' ' He made the ' ' feint ' ' with but ten small regiments of the Fifteenth, with brilliant success and results, affecting favorably the entire general plan of oper- ations. It was afterwards learned Pemberton in Vicksburg, hearing of the movement through spies, detached a large part of his strength intended to oppose the landing of Grant at Grand Gulf and Port Gibson, and by a forced march of 60 miles transferred it to meet the operations mentioned. As a result Grant found but a minor force antagonizing his crossing at Bruinsburg and afterwards at Port Gibson and Grand Gulf. THE CAMPAIGN IN THE REAR OF VICKSBURG. [MAY-JULY, 1863.] The waters had now so far receded that the canals were useless and the roads fair. Sherman joined the main army at Hard Times May 6, crossed to the Vicksburg side of the Mississippi, and moved forward to Hankinsons Ferry, 18 miles, the next day. The battle of Port Gibson, the first of the pro- gressive series up to the defenses of the city, was fought on the nth. 226 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. At Auburn the Fifteenth overtook Grant in person, who accompanied the corps to Jackson, reaching there on the 14th. McPherson, having fought the battle of Raymond, formed a junction at that point, where Sherman had engaged the enemy just outside the town, capturing three full batteries of artillery, a number of prisoners, and hurling the opposing force north on the Clinton road. Grant, having obtained important information through in- tercepted dispatches, quietly informed Sherman "he would have to be smart" in order to thwart the proposed junction of Pemberton's forces from Vicksburg and Johnston's from the interior. McPherson was hastened- back on the morning of the 15th to join the rest of the army. Sherman, after de- stroying the railroad, arsenal, foundry, factories, and other establishments which might be used for hostile purposes, was to follow. The next day, regarding a battle imminent, he received orders to push to the support of the main column what troops he could spare, and to finish and hasten up with the rest. The celebrated battle and victory of Champion Hills on the same day, under the immediate command of Grant, in which a division of Sherman's corps participated, was the result. The enemy fleeing in great disorder toward the city, Sher- man with his entire force came up at the Big Black bridge. The river was "swimming deep," and a body of the enemy intrenched on the other side. On all fours he reached the river brink, and from behind a corncrib had a deliberate view of the works across the stream. Ordering forward a section of a bat- tery by hand from behind his improvised shelter, a few well- directed shells speedily brought the entire body of defenders down to the bank. A rubber boat belonging to his train ferried them over prisoners in his hands. Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 227 A pontoon bridge having been thrown across the river, during the night the entire army passed over by the light of enormous fires of pitch pine. Grant and SHERMAN, seated on a log, watched the movement, which Sherman described as a "weird scene of war. The next day, at 10 a. m., the head of his column occupied a position which gave him control of the peninsula between the Yazoo and Big Black. The day following a detachment of his cavalry made a dash at Haynes Bluff, "scooping" all the ene- my's guns, a magazine full of ammunition, and a hospital full of sick and wounded. Thus was fully triumphant the several hard knocks he had experience in aiming at the possession, in the primary move- ments, of this very ground. Renewing his march by General Grant's personal order, Sherman advanced by the "grave- yard ' ' road, which entered the city near a cemetery. At the same time, the rest of the army not being up, he took, with part of his force, the Jackson road, on the heels of the enemy's skir- mishers, making their best efforts to get within their parapets ahead of what was for a while a neck-and-neck sprint for possession. ATTEMPTS TO STORM THE CITY UNSUCCESSFUL. As he approached Sherman deployed forward, but the works were found almost impregnable by nature, well advan- taged by art, and determinedly garrisoned by man. Instead of further demonstration, without orders he sagaciously worked his way to the right, down the ridge to Haynes Bluff, in order to connect with the fleet in the Mississippi, which proved a master stroke of strategic vantage in the interest of the assaults and long seige which followed. When the entire army was planted upon its beleaguering 228 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. lines, Sherman occupied the right of investment, McPherson the center, and McClernand the left, which covered about three-fourths of the hinterland front of the fortifications. On the natural supposition of the terror and demoralization of the enemy within the circumvallations, a general assault was essayed almost immediately, in which Sherman's men reached the top of the parapet, but could not cross. He held his ground, however, up to the ditch. Under cover of the night he withdrew sufficiently to counter trench within 50 yards of the enemy. The attempt was renewed two days later (20th). Sherman in person reconuoitered his front and determined the form of attack. From his point of observation, 200 yards from the enemy's works, he could witness and control the storming lines of his heroes. The assault, lasting two hours, was "fierce and bloody," but the defenders, covered by their parapets which had the advantage of overlooking elevation, held their position. At this point the wounded drummer boy, Orion P. Howe, in the height of battle, handed Sherman a slip of paper from one of his officers asking a hurried supply of cartridges, "caliber 54." This incident was the subject of official report and of ' ' song and story. ' ' During the thickest of the assault, having left his horse in a ravine, General Grant came up on foot. Sherman pointed out the strength of the works. The assault had been repulsed along the line of the entire army. While conversing, an orderly handed Grant a message. Having read it he passed it to Sherman. It was from General McClernand, that "his troops had captured the rebel parapet on his front," that "the flag of the Union waived over the stronghold of Vicksburg," and urged "orders to Sherman and McPherson to press their attacks else the enemy should Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 229 concentrate on him." Grant in his imperturbable way quietly retorted, " I don't believe a word of it." Whereupon Sherman reasoned that the message was official and could not be ignored, at the same time offering "to renew the assault at once with new men." Grant instantly started for McClernand's front with the parting instruction, "If you do not receive orders to the contrary by 3 p. m. try it again." Sherman, having promptly advanced new troops, at the limit hour hearing heavy firing on his left and "no orders to the contrary," repeated the attempt, which was "equally unsuccessful and bloody." The result to McPherson was similarly unfortunate in the loss of most valuable officers and men. In Sherman's words: General McClernand, instead of taking any single point of the rebel main parapet, had only taken one or two small outlying lunettes open at the rear where his men were at the mercy of the rebels behind their main parapet, and most of them w ere actually captured. This affair, and a published congratulatory order to his troops, claiming they had made a lodgment in Vicksburg but lost it, owing to Sherman and McPherson not performing their parts in the general plan of attack, all of which Sherman declared "simply untrue," led to General McClernand's removal from his command of the Thirteenth Corps. THE CITY BESIEGED. The natural strength of the position and determination of the garrison of upward of 30,000 trained men made it evident that Vicksburg was not to be taken by assault. It might be said here that Sherman, after visiting Stebastopol the celebrated Russian stronghold in the Crimea, pronounced "Vicksburg the more difficult of the two." 230 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. The siege now began. The city was completely invested. Sherman's corps lay on the right, with one of his divisions on the west bank of the river opposite the city, to prevent escape in that direction. The Yazoo River, which Sherman had fought over so hard, was, as originally contemplated, the base of sup- plies. His headquarters were on his center, close up to the works, and those of Grant very near by. During these events the enemy, having recovered from his haste in getting out of the way of Sherman at Jackson, was organizing a force on the Big Black, which had to be watched, its purpose being well understood as a demonstration in the rear in hope of enabling the garrison of Vicksburg to extricate itself from the clutches of Grant. SHERMAN DEFENDS THE BESIEGING ARMY FROM THE REAR. [JUNE-JULY, 1863.] To meet this menace an improvised army of observation com- posed of one division detailed from each corps in the trenches, making a force of 30,000 to 40,000 men, was assigned to Sher- man, who took an intrenched position on the west bank of the Big Black, while the enemy in plain view occupied works on the east. The enemy showing no disposition to cross, and Sherman having no orders to attack, these two forces remained in the same relative position from June 20 to July 4. On July 3 Grant wired Sherman that negotiations for surrender were in progress. Therefore to be prepared ' ' at a moment's notice to cross the Big Black" and "go for Joe Johnston." The General had high regard for the military genius of his antagonist, which was shared by Grant, who said "Johnston was about the only general on that side whom he feared." Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 231 On the 4th, the birthday of the Republic, Vicksburg sur- rendered. The event was celebrated by Sherman at once ' ' going for Joe Johnston. ' ' COMMANDS AN EXPEDITION AGAINST JACKSON. [JULY, 1863.] For this purpose on Jul}' 6 he was placed in command of an expeditionary army composed of the Ninth, Thirteenth, and Fifteenth Corps. During the next two days he pressed the enemy out of his defenses on the river and concentrated at Bol- ton. The news of the surrender, however, had preceded him, for which reason, without even a parting argument of shot and steel, the enemy beat a hurried retreat to Jackson, where he turned from behind strong intrenchments. Sherman closed with him on July n. After a siege of six days Johnston again "pulled out," pursued for 11 miles. Owing to the intense heat of a Mississippi midsummer sun and fearing fatalities to his command, which he reported, Grant ordered his return to his old camp on the Big Black. On July 22 he resumed command of the Fifteenth Corps. Port Hudson surrendered four days after Vicksburg, as a natural result of that triumph. THE MISSISSIPPI CONTROLLED " UNVEXED TO THE SEA." Thus ended in complete success the most important strategic feature of the civil war, the control of the Mississippi River, as President Lincoln declared, "unvexed to the sea." The losses of Sherman's corps all told during the immediate operations around the city were, May 19, about 200; 22d, 600; and after, between July 11-16, less than 1,000. 232 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. In commenting upon this remarkable campaign General Sher- man in his Memoirs records — The campaign of Vicksburg in conception and execution belongs exclu- sively to General Grant, not only in the great whole, but in the one thou- sand details. * * * No commanding general in an}- army ever gave more of his personal attention to details or wrote so many of his own orders, reports, and letters as General Grant. In reward for these achievements Grant was promoted to major-general and Sherman and McPherson to brigadier-gen- eral in the Regular Army. SHERMAN'S VIEWS SOUGHT ON RECONSTRUCTION. A transformation had taken place not in the marches and sieges of war. While in his camp on Big Black about the last of August Sherman received an unofficial letter from General Halleck suggesting that the ' ' question of recon- struction in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas will soon come up for decision of the Government," and requested him to "consult with Grant, McPherson, and others of cool, good judgment, and write fully your views, as I may wish to use them with the President," but "not officially." From camp on September 17 he replied, in a letter bristling with foresight, philosophy, politics, judgment, and clothed in his most incisive style. The letter answers no purpose forty years after. When written if carried into effect as events progressed many complications and anomalous conditions might have been avoided. This letter, indicative of the greatness of a master mind, which is given in the General's Memoirs for the first time, makes instructive reading for the students of that era and phase of United States history. President Lincoln was so taken with it that he instructed General Halleck to secure its author's consent for publica- tion, which, however, was declined, "not wishing to be Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 233 drawn into a newspaper controversy." The President, how- ever, often recalled it approvingly. In another letter, written on the same day, to General Rawlins, on the staff of General Grant, also inclosing the above for perusal by General Grant and to be forwarded to General Halleck, Sherman adverted to a point or two per- sonal to himself which are worth repeating. After calling attention to Professor Mahon's letter, inclosed, passing "a very marked encomium upon the campaign of Vicksburg," which "the General (Grant) might keep if he values such a testimonial," and disclaiming writing to General Halleck since the Chickasaw affair, except to thank him for the kind manner of transmitting his appointment of brigadier-general, he continues: I know that in Washington I am incomprehensible, because at the out- set I would not go it blind and rush headlong into a war unprepared and with an utter ignorance of its extent and purpose. I was then construed unsound, and now that I insist on war pure and simple, with no admixture of civil compromises, I am supposed to be vindictive. You remember what Polonius said to his son, Laertes: "Bew r are of entrance to a quarrel; but, being in, bear it that the opposed may beware of thee." What is true of a single man is equally true of a nation. The Army of the Tennessee had done its full share of war up to date and was resting on its honors in and about Vicks- burg. The defensive battle of Gettysburg had hurled back the tide of invasion. But troubles thickened as the autumn months rolled up in the central zone of the thousand miles of front between the Mississippi and the Potomac. General Grant was on a visit of conference with Banks at New Or- leans. Sherman was making himself and his corps of four divisions (Osterhaus, M. L. Smith, Tuttle, and Ewing ) com- fortable along the west bank of the Big Black, about 20 miles east of Yieksburg, with his eye on four brigades of rebel cavalry, which in turn were eying him. 234 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. A HURRY ORDER. This sylvan scene of a sudden was disturbed by the startling intelligence that Bragg, reen forced from Virginia, had fallen on Rosecrans at Chickamauga, had defeated and run him into Chattanooga, where he was in danger of finding himself short of rations. Coming so soon after the decisive successes at Vicks- burg and Gettysburg, in the language of Sherman, "the whole country seemed paralyzed and the authorities at Wash- ington were thoroughly stampeded." Troops were hurried from all directions to Rosecrans's relief. Sherman received orders (September 22) from Grant, at Vicksburg, to send one of his divisions into the city, which he did the same day. On the following day Sherman himself was summoned. Grant, showing the dispatches he had received from Halleck, gave him orders to leave one of his divisions on the Big Black, and with the rest of his corps prepare to follow at once. On the 28th two divisions of the corps, with Sherman in the lead, were embarked and reached Memphis October 12. At that point the overtaxed lines of Rosecrans's supply necessitated a movement by Sherman (who had received special orders to that effect), who marched east from Memphis, repairing the railroad from Corinth as far 'as Decatur, Ala.^ from which point he was to report to Rosecrans by letter. To Sherman, at Corinth, on the 16th, Grant announced his arrival at Memphis (October 14), with orders to proceed to Cairo and report by telegraph. The same day he received a dispatch from Halleck, at Wash- ington, relating to supplies for Rosecrans, and if not in strength sufficient to reach Athens he will at all events ' ' have assisted greatly by drawing away any part of the enemy's forces," leaving all matters "to his judgment as circumstances may arise." Sherman: A Mcmoriat Sketcli. 235 At Iuka Sherman received orders by special messenger from Grant to drop all repairs of railroads and proceed as rapidly as possible to Chattanooga. At Eastport, while crossing the Tennessee and pressing toward Florence, Sherman was apprised of the assignment of General Grant ' ' to the command of the Military Division of the Mississippi, comprising the Departments of the Ohio, Cum- berland, and Tennessee, with authority to change them as he deemed most practicable ; " " any changes to be made on his request by telegram." COMMANDS THE DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. [OCTOBEB li>, 1S6S-MARCH 12, 1864.] Under General Orders, No. 2, Military Division of the Mis- sissippi, Louisville, Ky., October 19, 1S63, Sherman was assigned to command of the Department and Army of the Ten- nessee, which he assumed on October 19. The army of that name now comprised the Fifteenth Corps (Blair), moving toward Chattanooga; Sixteenth (Hurlbut), at Memphis, and Seventeenth (McPherson), at Vicksburg. About the middle of October, near Tuscumbia, he received a message from Grant "to drop all work on the railroad, cross the Tennessee, and hurry eastward with all possible dispatch towards Bridgeport until he met further orders." At Iuka, having issued all orders necessary for his Depart- ment, including giving McPherson full power in Mississippi and Hurlbut in west Tennessee during his absence, and having ordered the assembling of a force of about 8,000 men out of the Sixteenth Corps, to be commanded by Gen. G. M. Dodge, with orders to follow as far as Athens for further instructions, he continued to Florence, arriving November 1, and twelve days later arrived at Bridgeport in advance of his column, which was, however, near by, approaching by several roads. S. Doc. 320, 58-2 16 236 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. As an illustration of his methods and his appreciation of the services of his officers it may be mentioned, during his forced march with his corps (fifteenth) from Memphis to Decatur, at Corinth, Sherman found General Dodge in command, to whom he had an open letter from General Grant. General Dodge being ill he sat by his bedside and read the letter, which directed him to take two divisions from his command and accompany Sherman. "Now, are you well enough to do what General Grant suggests?" "Yes." " All right ; I will give you plenty of time. You can bring up the rear. I will issue the orders. ' ' This was their first meeting. The two divisions were organ- ized into a corps. The services rendered by this officer form a conspicuous feature in the movements which led up to the vic- tory of Chattanooga and the success of the campaigns against Atlanta. AT CHATTANOOGA. [18(53-64.] At Chattanooga Sherman received word from Grant to "come to Chattanooga at once in person," leaving his troops to follow as rapidly as possible. As he left the boat the General found one of Grant's private horses to carry him to Chattanooga, where he arrived Novem- ber 15. He was most cordially welcomed by Grant, Thomas, and others, each of whom fully appreciated his herculean efforts to bring them succor. After surveying the scene the next morning from the parapet of one of the defenses, with Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge held by the enemy's batteries and a line of sentinels not 1,000 yards distant in full sight, Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 237 " Why," said Sherman, addressing Grant, who accompanied him, " }'ou are besieged." "Yes," he responded, quite undisturbed; "it is too true;" then explaining the situation, which was far worse than Sherman had expected. The only recourse to instill new fire, in Grant's opinion, was for Sherman to take the initiative in an attack at the earliest moment on the enemy's position. In his personal inspection Grant had discovered that the opposing lines from Lookout Mountain to Chattanooga were not fortified on the northern acclivity of Missionary Ridge. He therefore directed Sherman to lay a new pontoon bridge over the river by night, cross, and attack on the right flank on that part of the ridge abutting on Chattanooga Creek near the tunnel. To better understand the work ahead, he proposed an examination of the ground. At a distance of 4 miles from a hill Grant and Sherman, accompanied by Thomas and several other officers, could take in the prospect they sought. Sher- man, to be better satisfied, leaving the party, attended by an officer, crept to the fringe of timber on the river bank at the point for the new bridge. Here he concealed himself for some time, having plain sight of the enemy's pickets, "almost hearing their words. ' ' The prospecting party having returned to Chattanooga, in in order to act promptly, upon which alone depended success. Sherman set out to instruct his divisions in person. Missing the steamboat he obtained a rough boat manned by four soldiers, in which he floated down the stream by night, often taking a hand himself with the oars. By daylight he reached Bridgeport, his destination. Putting one division in motion toward Tren- ton, with the purpose of making the enemy think his objective was to turn his left, the other three pursued the main road. 238 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. FORTY ROUNDS IN THE CARTRIDGE BOX AND TWENTY IN THE POCKET. It was during this inarch that the badge of Sherman's Fif- teenth Corps had its origin. On the route an Irishman of the Fifteenth, having joined a camp fire of a party of the Twelfth, in the exchange of words Pat noticed everything marked with a star (the badge of the Twelfth Corps). Not having had time in the duty of a soldier of the "bloody Fifteenth" to learn of such new-fangled notions, he was naturally much nonplussed, but finally settled himself in the opinion that the Twelfth had a good many brigadiers. At length one of the men inquired to what corps Pat belonged. He replied with decided emphasis, "The Fifteenth, to be sure." "What is your badge?" asked the musket bearer of the Twelfth. Much perplexed, Pat retorted: "The devil wid your badge! Forty rounds in the cartridge box and twenty in the pocket, that's the badge for ye." General Logan, then in command of the Fifteenth, hearing of the incident, adopted Pat's "cartridge box" and legend "forty rounds" as the insignia of the Fifteenth. AGAIN ON THE OFFENSIVE. General Sherman and his Corps had marched about 275 miles from Memphis over fearful roads, but notwithstanding the exhausted condition of his men and animals, owing to the extremity of the situation, General Grant ordered him into action the next day, November 21, although but one division had come up. Seeing the situation, the attack was postponed for two days, by which time, by the most extraordinary efforts, Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. 239 he succeeded in posting three divisions behind the hills oppo- site the mouth of Chattanooga Creek prepared to open the decisive battle of Chattanooga. He dispatched a brigade under cover of the hills to North Chattanooga Creek to man the boats for the pontoon bridge, and at midnight dropped to a point above South Chattanooga Creek, where he landed two regi- ments. This advance force moved quietly down the creek, capturing the entire enemy's river picket save one man. This important advantage gained, he moved the entire brigade below the mouth of the creek, where he disembarked, his boats return- ing for the rest of the command. By daylight (24th) he had 8,000 men on the east bank of the river where, he threw up rifle trenches as a tete-de-pont. During the same day he placed his pontoons over Chattanooga Creek, which formed a connection with two regiments left on the north side. Sherman says of this remarkable piece of work, "I doubt if the history of war can show a bridge of that extent, 1,350 feet long, laid so noise- lessly and well in so short a time." By noon pontoons were in position and his entire three divisions, men, horses, and artil- lery, safely over without a blow. MISSIONARY RIDGE. At 1 p. m. he advanced from the river in three columns in echelon, the column of direction following the Chattanooga Creek, the center in columns doubled on the center at one bri- gade interval right and rear, and the right in column at the same distance to the right rear, prepared to deploy to right to face if need be an enemy in that direction. A line of skirmish- ers with strong supports was thrown out along the front. A drizzling rain was falling. The clouds hung low, com- pletely covering the movement from the enemy. He soon found himself in force at the foothills, his skirmishers creeping 240 Sherman: A Memorial Sketch. up the steep acclivity. By 3 p. m. he had gained without loss or the knowledge of the enemy the point desired. A brigade from each division now pushed to the top of the hill. Not until then was the movement even suspected, and then too late, for the troops were in full possession. The enemy at once opened with artillery, to which Sherman promptly replied. At 4 p. m. the enemy feeling his left flank led to a lively engagement without effect. The troops were now in position to make the main assault upon the enemy's position on Missionary Ridge. At midnight he received Grant's order to engage at the "dawn of day," with assurance that Thomas would strike " early in the day." The attack in the direction of the ridge was involved in many difficulties, of nature chiefly an intervening valley, be- yond which, on the crest of the hill, stretched the enemy's breastworks of logs and earth. After this first line the enemy in force held a higher range beyond the tunnel, and was also massed to resist, turning the left flank, thus endangering his depot at Chickamauga station. At sunrise the bugles of Corse's troops sounded " Forward." This advance moved with effective impetus, gaining ground. By 10 a. m. both armies were engaged in a furious encounter, in which the mettle of both was put to the severest test. By 3 p. m. Sherman had gained every advantage. Below him spread the vast amphitheater of Chattanooga, across which as far as the eye could scan he watched in vain for the attack of Thomas. At this point his position was not only critical but appalling even to his calm ess under the utmost pressure of battle. The enemy, not yet drawn off, determined by one desperate effort to overwhelm him, pushing his guns and men forward. From O co cr