Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1866-03-14
SKETCH or GEN. JOS. WHEELER.

We hnd IN the Selma Messenger the
following interesting sketch Of Maj.-Gen
Joseph Wheeler, late commanding cav
airy corps, in the Army Of the Ten
lessee;
While in command, this officer was
greatly traduced by the people and press
Of the country. While fighting most
gallantly for the principles which he
most honestly believed right, this brave
and true officer, who had never asked or
accepted leave OF absence from the
commencement 90 the close Of the war,
was accused Of drunkenness, cowardice,
and other traits which would render
him unit TO command. In this c1nnec.
ton IL is our duty, as well as a great
pleasure, for we knew him well and ad-
mired him muchJ TO state that all these
accusations were false, and that no Off
Ger was held in higher esteem by supe-
riors OF subOrdiuates than Gen. Wheeler.
As to the vauiting ambition with which
this youthful hero, or, rs he was called
BY his men, " The War Child, % was in
spired, we know Of no better way to re-
flute il ana show the real character of the
man than by relating a private conver-
sati0n and trust he viii pardon the lib
erty takeny which ensued between him
and one Of his generals,
When at Sparta, Penn, his command
IVES anxious TO move on to Nashville
The important question with all was,
VIII Gen. w. take Nashville p" mot
" Can he take it?'') His force several
times that OF the enemy, success was
sure.
One of his generals called TO see him
and inquired II he Intended taking Nash
vile? Why, General % was his calm
reply. "To be candid with you, General,
the press Of the South have vituperated
and abused you until everybody have
lost confidence in you, except your own
command and those OF the army who
have had an opportunity 10 know what
you have done. Your own reputation
and that Of your command demand that
you should take Nashville: YOU know
you can easily do it.0 Yes, General. [
am confident of success if I undertake il,
nut what good to our cause would be ac-
complished2 None Gen. Hood sent
me here 70 do what harm ] could 70 Gen.
sherman this would not inlure him;
no harm can be done him except by des-
troying railroads We have no fine In
waste on outside matteTa.n "a ayes Gene
raj Dpt reputation demands this of YOU.
you nave been commanding officer for
AearlY four years, aud have never vet
stIefh ntou LOT youlEelf-alWays doing
just what you though for the good OF tbe
country. Everybody sise works for
themselves some, aud why not you? II
you would take Nashville you would be
pronounced the greatest cavalry leader
Of the war. If you do not, with an the
press o. the country against you, / do NOT
see how y0a can sustain yourself. You
can take Nashville, and not lose more
thhn one hundred men; you ought to do
it, u
IN his calm, quiet and dignified, yet
modest manner, Gen. Wheeler replied:
General, my troops were not given
me to make a name, but 10 do what good
! could for my country. I care not for
the loss OF my position. While I am
ready this minute TO sacrifice myself and
ali oimg command 70 accomplish a cor
responding good laF lqy country, there is
.iYs . ma ~ nay eonlMand / would have
.'ilnsiel TO make me the greatest Cen
eLel ln the world. Twas the kuowl-
Sg9se ol the Proper valuation of human
me Dy Gen. Wheeler, VINO fhev yell
knew would send them only where he
ied ana where duty called that nssde
Als men such devoted follower s,15 --i',.iI eII
men are compelled b admire speh ~ noi,ie ~
traits Of character, '-' 4'''s