William T. Sherman

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1905. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER Xn PEACEFUL DAYS After reaching Alexandria General Sherman paid a visit to Washington, where he had a reception of the most cordial sort The reaction in his favor had indeed set in; he was no longer called a traitor, or an "imbecilic tool" of Breckinridge and Joe Johnston; the North soon forgot his alleged indiscretion, and remembered only that he was one of the Titanic heroes of the war. Among those who welcomed the warrior most effusively was Andrew Johnson, who hastened to assure him that he had been entirely ignorant of Mr. Stanton's abusive "bulletin" until he had seen it in tho papers. Different members of the cabinet made similar assurances; no one showed the least desire to shoulder any responsibility in the matter. The general, with his perennial sense of humor, no doubt laughed in his sleeve at this sudden desire to "come in out of the rain." But ho did not laugh when he thought of Stanton, or of General Hallcck, who had played into Stanton's hands during the "Agreement" episode. He had already declined proffers of reconciliation from Hallcck, and he now sternly refused the good offices of General Grant to secure peace between himself and Stanton. "I have been publicly insulted," said Sherman, "and I shall resent the insult as publicly." The secretary of war, on his part, made no advances, not being, as we know, a strong imbiber of the milk of human kindness. Indeed, it was said, that the uneven temper of the secretary had been made more acid than usual through fear that he was marked out for assassination. It is possible that his physical courage did not always keep pace with his moral courage --a virtue which he generally displayed to the point of boorishncss. Just at this time a grand review of the armies then near Washington was ordered. Genera...