The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-06-06
THE CRITICS CRITICISED.
A Candid Talk About Generals Blair,
Logan and Howard.
TIE THIRD TERN DISCUSSED.
President Grants Favorite
Candidate.

CHICAGO, H., Juno g. 1875.
The author OF the book entitled "Memoirs or
General W. 7. sherman, written by himself" is in
his clry, having come to give his personal super
ntendence 20 the important matrimonial cam
paign upon which his subordinate, Lieuteran.
General Philip H. Sheridan, has just entered. As
criticism or the ''Memoirsn has been active aud
pungent one OF your representatives called on the
author TO give him opportunity 20 reply to his
critics.
THE VOLUNTEER ARMY
General Sherman said, lauRhingiy, az very much
prefer to leave that alone until their criticisms
IRE all in. have very little TO say about It..
Knew very wen that the volumes would cali forth
great deal OF comment, and am willing
indeed, anxious, that 1t should elicit the
most thorough criticism; am sorry TO
zee that some portions OF It have been
Observation-Disclosures, srepresented-in some
quarters. For instance. it has been said that .
portion oft seemed to reflect disparagingy upon
the volunteer army, but should be, think well
enough known by this time for my belief IN the
efficiency and love for tho volunteer army to be
above question. I always loved volunteers, ana
was ever profoundly Impressed with their cour-
age. In no part oil the book have ever alluded TO
them bur with affection and respect. it was my
constant care 20 write these '.Memors" in most
respectful and careful vein so as to avoid hurting
The feelings OF anybody.
BLAIR AND LOGAN
'It has been said that wrote the book as a
weapon against Blair and Logan but this is an
assertion utterly groundless unjust and absurd.
have always had the greatest admiration for
both gentlemen as soldiers, and never ques-
toned for q moment their patriotism or
ability. All tine reference that nave made to
them in the book has been done In q most re-
spectiul way. In reference to my appointment OF
Howard to the Army OF the Tennessee instead or
Blair or Logan, thought then, and think now,
that 1t was the wisest appointment. could not
help feeling then that admitting the military
ability OF these gentlemen, they would, perhaps
oe induced to subordinate that ability TO the
'urtherance OF q political future and the gaining
OF political ends. Howard was the man l wanted
Tor. the place, for he was a technical
Ioldier and | felt sure that ne would de-
work OF commanding that army. His ambition
was simply TO command that army. It was lin
ted 10 that and stayed there, as we say In fhe
army. Success is the end OF the discussion. and
as the campaign was emlnently successful It vim
dcated the choice think my inward prediction
at the time was vindicated, for Logan and Blair
came back and devoted themselves TO making
speeches. Howard was a thoroughly good tecnni-
cal soldier, and was the right man for the post.
But for the ability and patriotism OF either Blair
or Logan never entertained the slightest doubt
and any impression TO the contrary Is q misap-
prehension OF the gravest character"
WAS HOWARD MARrrHETr
REroRrER-was not Howard . good deal ofa
martinez
General SHERmAN-Ne, ne did not deserve to be
called a martinez He was only precise unninch.
rgly precise, and in transportation OF troops
icross country and BY various roads 1t needs pre-
,mlnenlly the faculty OF precision TO avoid col.
iaons ana serious mistakes
JEFF DAVIS As A CRITIC.
REroRTER-Jenerson Davis Is going for you with.
but gloves
General SHERMAN with half . smne)-wen, /
son't see that need care very mucn about the
criticism OF Jer Davis, anyhow.
ARE roc NOT SORRY ToU DID mp
REPoRTER-rhe criticism OF the press, reviewed
lsa wnole would seem to teno towarI verdict
regret that the book was published IN your
ifetime. Il might be put IN a single phrase,
General, are yo1 not sJrry you dld 1T"
General SHERMAN uaughlng-No, am not
nc nook | want Thoroughly criticised, and the
erbcrate judgmeutthat IL arrived At by a search.
sg review oil its contents, aud wnien suen gen
raj criticism VIII procure, Is the only good the
,ock will do, and is the purpose at which aimed.
Il win provoke others 10 contribute what they
snow OF the nlstory OF the war. 1t will provoke
hou1ni upon lines OF acton that were persued in
ne Administration or the war; and the result viii
e Jhata quantity oil authentic data will be secured
vhIcn will render the nation fully informed OF tho
.c-uaI clecIs OF the epoch Gifts existence, whlcn
mpraced tao war, enabling the future historian
o r.acn quanutj Of reliable material from winch
,e can deliberately aud nhllosophic ny make his
election fer oil time. There have been plenty
nregmenjat histories but none vhicn embraced
,orEs and ar les: and detailed accounts OF the
uovemoajs ana actions Of these large bodies are
osoutejy essential to the compilation or our
oaa, hlstofy You uay nave observed that |
I've bestowed a. much care as rossiole upon the
iportant iaattcr oi rdexng. Indexes and
dies are most vltaly ncsded ia creating q his.
9, Of The war; Tue very general criticism with
Wen NJ book has been sa,uted and the CON.
aett has aroused SHOW Eow deep and earnest
u fe interest tnat pcope feel Ia all the hts
torNnd the incidents or tue late great struggle.
ltizlg nope thar the ''aemoIrs" will iacte others
10 vito autaehtic contributions 10 the national