Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1867-12-11

For the Freeman.
Grant and Sherman.

DEAR SIR For long while, many loyal
people have supposed that Grant and Sher-
mBn did not have the best understanding,
or not much good feeling existed between
them they being rirdiS in the stupendous
work of subiugating the South In reading
Grant snd Sherman's letters in recent
work called the - Conduct of the War; /
find two very important and characteristic
letters from the above named heroes and com
ing statesmen, that shonld be read BY every
BODY who have an interest in their welfare
The first is from Gen. Grant, dated
NASHVILLE, Tenn, March /, 1863
DEAR SHERMAN The bill reviving the
grade of Lieutenant General in the army
has become law and my name has been
sent to the Senate for the place
now receive orders to report to Wash
ington Immediately, IN person, which indi-
Gates a confirmation likelihood of con
frmation
| start in the morning 10 comply with the
order. but shall say very distinctly, on my
arrival there, that | accept appointment
which Will require me TO make that city my
headquarters. This, however, Is not what
| started out to write about.
Whilst | have been cmincntly successful
in this war, in at least gaining the conf
dence of the public, no one feels more than
| do how much of this success is due to the
energy, skill, and the harmonious putting
forth of that energy and skull of those who
it has been my good fortune To have occupy
a subordinate position under me
There are many officers to whom these re-
marks are applicable to a greater or less de-
gree proportionate to Their ability as soldiers,
but what want is to express my thanks to
YOU and Mcpherson, as The men, to whom,
above all others, feel indebted for whatever
| have had of success. How far your adj
vice and suggestions have been to my assist
ance YOU know How far your execution of
whatever has been given you to do, entities
YOU to the reward | am receiving, YOU can
not know as well as l. feel all the graf
itude this letter would express, giving it the
most flattering construction.
The word you use in the plural. intend
ing it for Mcpherson also | should write to
him and will some day, but starting in the
morning, l do not know that | Will find time
just now.
Your friend,
Us. GRANT, Maj Gen.
The above letter is full of gratitude and
good feeling towards those who had assisted
him in putting down the rebellion. think
he would make good President, and ever
bear in mind The rock from ,chence he rcas
he,cn."
Now read Sherman's reply and see what
an endorsement it is.
NEAR MEMPHIS, March 10, 1864
DEAR GENERAL: L have your more than
kind and characteristic letter of the 4th.
will send a copy to Mr. Mcpherson at once.
You do yourself injustice, and too
much honor, in assigning to us so large a
share of the merits, which have led to your
high advancement. l know you approve the
friendship have ever professed to you, and
will permit me to continue, as heretofore, to
manifest it on all occasions.
You arc now Washingtons legitimate sue
cessor, and occupy position of almost dan
gerous elevation but if you can continue
as heretofore, to be yourself-simple, honest,
and unpretending- you will enjoy through
life, the respect and love of friends, and the
homage of millions of human beings, that
will award you large share in securing to
them and their descendants, govern
ment'of law and stability. | repeat, you do
General Mcpherson and myself too much
honor. At Belmont you manifested your
traits neither of being near. At
Fort Donnelson also you illustrated your
character l was not near, and General
Mcpherson in too subordinate capacity to
influence you.
Until you had won Donnelson, l confess
was almost cowed by the terrible array Of
anarchical elements that presented them
selves at every point, but that admitted a
ray of light, which have followed since.
believe you are as brave. patriotic, and
just as the great prototype, Washington !;
as unseltish, kind hearted, and honest as a
man should be but YOUR chief characteris-
tic is the simple faith in success you have
always manifested, which l can liken to
nothing else than the faith a christian has
in Savior. This faith gave you victory at
Shiloh and at Vicksburgh. Also, when you