The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-08-26


Cameron, in presence Of Adjutant- General
Thomas, at Lexington, Kentucky, and
fully explained to him the situation of his
command, and also Of the armies opposed
to him, and, on being asked what force
was necessary for successful forward
movement in his department, answered.
1.-TWO hundred thousand men," By the
LIST day Of November Adjutant-G General
Thomass official report of this converse
ton, in all its details, was published in
most of the newspapers of the country,
giving the enemy full knowledge Of many
important facts relating to Gen. Sherman's
department. He was too weak to defend
our lines, and the enemy knew it. He
had no hope of reinforcements, and withal,
was evidently in discredit with the War
Department, as being too apprehensive OF
the power, strength and resources OF the
enemy. He, therefore, felt he could not
successfully conduct the campaign, and
asked to be relieved. He was succeeded
by Gen. Buell., who was at once reinforced,
and enabled to hold his defensive positions
until Grant, the following spring, should
advance down the Mississippi and up the
| Cumberland.
General Sherman was now set down as
"crazy," and quietly retired to the COM
mand OF Benton Barracks, near st. Louis.
The evidence of bis insanity was in answer
to the Secretary of War-that to make a
successful advance against the enemy,
then strongly posted at all strategic points
from Mississippi to Cumberland Gap,
would require an army two hundred thou
sand strong! The answer was the inspi-
ration or the Judgment of a military ge-
Mus; but to the mind of Mr.. Secretary
Cameron it was the prophesy of false
wizard.
At Shiloh he held the key of the posi-
| ton. General Rousseau said:
"He gave us our first lessons in the field
| in the face of an enemy and of all the
men ever saw he is the most untiring,
vigilant and patient. No man that ever
lived could surpass him. His enemies say
that he was surprised at Shiloh. I tell
| you no. He was not surprised nor whip
ped, for he fights by the week. Devoid
of ambition, incapable of envy, he is brave,
gallant and just. At Shiloh his old legion
met him just as the battle ended, and at
the sight of him, placing their hats upon
their bayonets, gave him three cheers. 1t
was touching and fitting compliment. /
am thankful for this occasion to do justice
toa brave, honest and knightly gentleman. -
| General Grant, in letter to the War
Department under date of July 26, 1868,
says "To General Sherman am greatly
indebted FOR his promptness in forwarding
to me during the siege of Fort Donelson
reinforcements and supplies from Paducah.
At the battle Of Shiloh, on the first day,
he held with raw troops the key-point of
the landing. 1t is no disparagement to
any other officer to say that | do not be-
lieve there was another division commander
on the field who had the experience and
skill to have done it. To his individual
efforts am indebted for the success of that
battle" i, ys.s 5r m p.
A cavalry officer at the battle of Shi-
lob relates many personal incidents illus
trative of the character of the man He
says, Having occasion to report person.
| ally to Sherman about noon of the first
day at Shiloh, / found him dismounted, his
| arm in sling, his hand bleeding, his
horse dead, himself covered with dust, his
face besmeared with powder and blood;
he was giving directions at the moment to
Major Taylor, his chief of artillery, who
had just brought battery into position.
Mounted orderlies were coming and going
in haste; staff officers were making anx-
ious inquiries; everybody but himself
seemed excited. The battle was raging
terrifcally in every direction. Just then
there seemed to be universal colnmotion
on our right, where it was observed our
men were giving back. Il was looking
for that said Sherman; but am ready
for them His quick, sharp eye flashed,
and his war-begrimed face beamed with
satisfaction The enemy's packed col
umns now made their appearance, and as
quickly the guns which Sherman had SO
carefully placed in position began to
speak. The deadly effect on the enemy
was apparent While Sherman was still
managing the artillery, Major Sanger, a
staff officer, called his attention to the fact
that the enemys cavalry were charging
towards the battery. Order up those
two companies of infantry, was the quick
reply; and the General coolly went on
with his guns. The cavalry made a gal
liant charge but their horses carried back
empty saddles. The enemy was evidently
foiled. Our men, gaining fresh courage,
rallied again, and for the first time that
day the enemy was held stubbornly in
check A moment more and he fell back
over the piles of his dead and wounded"