The New York herald., 1874-08-28
A TALK WITH SHERMAN.


Army, General Custer, the Indians and
tho Black Hills Country.
General Sherman left New York last evening en-
route to Washington. He mas been spending
few days with friends at Irvington. ON
the Hudson, and has visited West Point.
EERALD reporter met the hero OF
the march from "Atlanta to the sea''
last evening, and a conversation ensued many
points OF which are OF peculiar interest at this
time.
General Sherman, whose rugged features
bloomed with health, spoke OF the pleasant time
he had spent during the past few days and OF
how much he had enjoyed his trip
to Irvngton and to West Point He
bad he said. received an invitation to form one Of
the party on board the Pacific Mail steamer City of
Peking, but had declined He did not like that
kind OF thing 1t was all very well for the steam
ship company to get up the best display they could
but he did not care to be party to
THAT KIND OF SHOW.
HERALD REPoRTER-You recently made trip
through VirginiaS
General SHERMAN-Yes, l went through there
with my little boynot very litrle he is seventeen
now. l got my own carriage and we drove
through Virginia at our leisure. 1t was very
pleasant and inreres ing journey.
REPORTER-How did you find the people?
General sHERMAN-rhey are wen disposed. They
treated me very kindly, ond the great majority OF
them expressed themselves as thoroughly recon-
ciled to the state OF things resulting
from the war. Indeed, one of the things
which struck me most was the eager
ness and frankness with which they explained
to me that while they now recognized the justice
of the cause for which the North fought, yet that
Vlrglnians took up arms In defence Of what they
believed were rights OF their State.
REpoRrER-What would you think Of making
tour through Georgian
General SHERMAN-I would like very much to do
so. Indeed, have such a trip in view. am sure
shall be received as kindly as in Virginia.
Observation-Disclosures; but you made short and
sharp WORK OF IL down there.
General SHERMAN-Yes, but in war the sharpest
measures are the most merclful. Looking back on
similar ground again would do 1t even with more
vigor than before. War is in It's nature stern. and
IN civil war like ours the most resOlute policy
was the most mercilu.
REPoRrER-That was fine army you had under
your command. but did not General Forsyth stretch
point in reporting that he considered 1t better
than either the French or German armies, both Of
whicn he watched In person during the Franco
General sHERMAN-No;I Il agree with General For
syth. The men | had under me were veterans,
tual warfare like ours could effect.
kEPORTER-But "soldierlng' Is trade among
General SHERMAN-Ycs; but only actual warfare,
and mat OF q varied and prolonged chat acter, can
produce soldiers we had. And then look
az our material. TANK land here the her0is iea.
lures brightcned) the "bOys" VINO served under
me in. that march were as hne soldiers as ever
lived.
General Sherman. who all the time was leisurelv
smoking a cigar. talked with deep interest on this
matter, and with the decision and precision Of one
wno was master or the subject. The reporter
switched or BY asking the General how he liked
LEAVING THE EAST FOR ST. LouIs.
General SHERMAN slowly We'll, l have vely
many m.ends in st. LOUIS, and can settle down
there very pleasantly.
REPoRTER--You liked Washington
General Summarizes; but then, there are
terest, naturally, in our oficers, the majority OF
whom would be credltable to any army ana any
country. The army has been reduced to sucn
small proportions that promotion for even the
most deserving officers is extremely slow. Things
are growing more and more daily into condition
when the men who serve their country In the
army are less and less appreciated.
REPoETER-Too much professional politics, you
think, destroys national honor?
General SHEIMAN-Wel, the soldier, proud Of
his profession and seeking only the legitimate re-
ward of preerment for merit, has little TO hope for
from politicians. Washington Is not the place for
the soldier. Situated as our country is, the field
for the army Is In the Indian territories. st.
Louis. therefore, Is good point ior my head
quarters.
REpoRTER-would you not have preferred Chi
General SHERxAN-I like Chicago; it is more
metropolitan cly; but my destination is st. Louis.
We have had some delay about house own there,
but shall gain possession by the lst oil october.
REPoRTER-Wbat do you think about
GENERAL CUsTER's PROSPECTS WITH THE INDIANS ?
General SHERMAN-Ohi Custer ana the men
under him will be quite match for the Indians.
He is q good soldier and the men under him are
equal to any reasonable emergency. There Is q
good deal OF work before our men OUT in the In
dian territories, but they Will accomplish 1t.
REPoRrER--What do you think about the alleged
fertility and mineral resources OF the recently dis
covered portions OF the TerrltoresI
General SHERMAN lsIniing)-We don't know
about tue minerals, but think the nowery part
is overdrawn In the accounts received. But there
Is evidently an immense and valuable region to be
opened up to civilization. and the army alone can
do II.
The time for the departure OF the train had ar
rived and General sherman took MS seat In q
drawing room car. the most unassuming passen-
ger there.