Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1864-12-22
From the New York Mereury.l
Philip Il. Sheridan,

Major General Philip ii. Sheridan
the dashing, slashing cavalry leader
of the United States Army, was borr
at Somerset, Ohio, in 1890 He il
consequently only thirty four years
cid. His recent splendid victorie:
in the Shenandoah Valley have
crowned the reputation he had pre-
viously acquired, and made him one
of the most popular men in this great
country.
The parents of General Sheridan
were Irish emf igrants-humble, un-
pretending, industrious and poor
They landed in Boston, and soon
after removed to Perry county, Ohio,
where they still reside, maintained
in comparative affiuence by their dis
tinguished son.
Since he entered the army, he has
never omitted to send them money,
and not long ago he presented them
with an elegant cottage, handsomely
furnished. His only sister he has
thoroughly educated at a convent
One of his brothers has been admit
ted to the bar His other brother is
a lieutenant in the army, and acts as
Eanora1 Sharidan's military sooro
tary.
When General Sheridan was twelve
years old he began life as clerk in
country store in Somerset. After
a while a vacancy occurred in West
Point, and the Honorable Thomas
Richie, member of Congress from
Perry county, was prevailed upon to
give young Sheridan the cadet ship.
He had alredy picked up the elements
of an education, and his early asso-
ciates declared that he displayed con
siderable talent at the time he was
clerking in the store. One thing is
certain, he could always fight. Ev-
cry bully among the boys of the vii
lage felt the force of his fists. 1t is
said of him that he fought his way
through West Point. HIS pugnacity
involved him in constant difficulties
with the faculty; but in spite of this
he graduated with credit, and has
since fought his way up to the proud
position he now occupies. He is,
par excellence, our fighting General.
Sheridan entered West Point in
1S4S, and graduated in 1858, with
the grade of Second Lieutenant of
Infantry. He was Immediately Or
dered to Texas, where he served two
years and was then promoted.
In May, 1855, he had command of
Fort Wood in New York harbor. In
July of the same year he was sent to
California with recruits. Here he
was appointed to command the es-
cort of Government surveyor. Ar
irving safely at Vancouver's Island,
he was detached to lead a company
of dragons in a campaign against
the Indians. During this campaign
he acquitted himself so brilliantly as
to be mentioned in general orders,
and in 1857 he received the compli-
ments of General Scott for adjusting
a difficulty with the Coquillo tribe
This brings the Generals record
down to the beginning of the present
war. In 1861, he was still Lieu
tenant. In 1864, he is a Major Gen
eral. This is quick work, and the
story of his advancement reads like
a romance. But no political influence
has assisted him. He has won his
stars with his sword.
Ten days after the Inauguration of
President Lincoln, the gallant Sheri-
dan was promoted to Captaincy in
the Thirteenth Regulars For al
while he saw no active service, being
in auditing claims at st.
Louis. In December he was appoin-
ted Chief Quartermaster of the Army
of the Southwest, and served in that
position until after the battle of Pea
Ridge. In May, 1862, he took the
same place upon Geaeral Halleck' |
staff. before Corinth. A few days
afterwards, anxious to do a little |
fighting instead of good deal of
feeding, he left Halleck's staff and
accepted the Coloneley of the Second
Michigan Cavalry. He at once vol
unteered to accompany Colonel Eli
otis expedition around Corinth, and
did hard work, and captured two
thousand prisoners on that trip
Upon his return he was promoted tol
the command Of q brigade. The en-