The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1875-06-03
Damon and PythIases

after they have gotten through with it.
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Damon and PythIas
Ia glancing over Gen. Sherman's memoirs
The reader can not fail to observe the clos.
friendship which existed between the writer
and Gen. Grant, and the powerful influences
which their perfect faith in each Others
ability and honor had in bringing the wal
to conclusion. At a time when other lead
ers looked upon rivals success with jeal-
Gus envy and gave superior half hearted
support lest his glory should be too much
augmented, or curbed an ambitious subordl
nate in mid career for fear he should advance
so rapidly as to eclipse his commanders fame
these men relied upon each other with
generous confidence, helped each other
forward in their achievements, and seemed
to regard whatever reputation was won in the
service of the country as common stock.
They believed in the same men, they were
willing to adopt the same plans, and they
had an instructive disliking for the same
imposters. Such friendship at such a time
was peculiarly fortunate for the govern
msnt, and it is so curious historical phe-
nomenon that it is worth while to illustrate
it by a few characteristic passages from
Shermsn's book.
This friendship began very early in the
war, and was probably confirmed
by the battle OF Shiloh, and
the criticisms made upon it,
Grant declared freely that he'owed the sue.
cesstul issue of the day to Shermsn's exer-
tions, and Sherman sprung with his usual
impetuosity TO defend Grant from the
3 arelessness and drunkenness
which were brought against him. When the
latter was about to leave the army in fit
of dependency, Sherman urged him to re-
main and cited the charges of crsZi-
ness brought against himself, and
bis subsequent recovery OF repu-
tation as an illustration of what
might take place in Grants case. Sherman
says: "He certainly appreciated my friendly
advice and promised to wait while; at all
events, not to go without seeing me again
'or communicating with me-" When Grant
decided to remain in the field even with
out definite position and practically super.
seeded, his friend congratulated him briefly
in a note dated Chewslla. June 9Th, 1862,
saying: "I have just received your note,
and am rejoicsd at your conclusion to re-
main; for you could not be quiet at home
for week when armies are moving, and
rest could not relieve your mind from the
gDawing sensation that injustice had been
done YOU" 1t is not the design Of this arti
Gle to trscs the career of either generel, but a
selection from one of Grants letters dated
Oxford, Mississippi, December Sth, will
show how the intimacy and confidence had
grown as Grant retrieved his fortunes. He
was then revolving in his mind the Vicks-
burg campaign, and writes: " L wish you
would come over this evening and stay to-
night. or come in the morning. 1 would
like to talk to you about this matter.
=" OF the two plans
look more favorably on the former.
Come over and we will talk this
matter over" The supposed disagreement
of Grant and Sherman about the Vicksburg
arose out of movement by the !
latter 10 force McCIernand into SUBMITTING |
a plan of action, and thus showing his ina |
bility for the chief command which he was |
aspiring to. The harmony of the two lead |
ers was never interrupted for moment,
and single sentence in Grants order after |
sending Sherman to relieve
will show his opinion OF his sub
ordinate. Under date of November 90, 1863
he says, speaking of his method OF carrying
out the design: 81 leave this matter to you,
you viii do better acting on your
own discretion than you could trammeled
with Instructions" When, in reward for
his brilliant victories, Grant was made
Lieutenant General and COMMANDMENT
Chief, he wrote to Sherman under date of
March 4, 1864; "What want is to express
my thanks to you and Mcpherson as the
men to whom, above all others, feel in
debted for whatever 1 have had of success.
How far your advice and suggestions have
been of assistance you know. How far
your execution of whatever has been given
to you entities you to the rev ard am re-
ceiving, you can not know as well as do.
feel all the gratitude this letter would ex-
press, giving it the most flattering con-
struction." This modest and manly ac-
stands almost alone in his
DRY. Other commanders have appreciated
he merits of their subordinates, but Few
lave been magnsnimous enough to confess
heir claim to the .laurels which a
superior was wearing. Sherman's reply
vas worthy of such noble epistle. IL was
written about week later. Among other
Kings he said 81 repeat, you do General
Mcpherson and myself too much honor.
At Belmont you manifested your traits,