The Portland daily press., 1883-11-16
Sherman and Sheridan.


Washington Letter to Philadelphia Press.1
Sherman did not make use of an amanu-
ensis or shorthand writer, and rarely it
was that staff officer wrote letter for
him. He used to say that he did not have
time to bother with clerks and stenogra-
pliers. do not know of more fluent wri-
ter than Sherman. He never alters or era
ses, and his writing is as fine and delicate as
a woman's His habitsp Yes, can tell
you something of them. A man without
pride or thought in dress, he nevertheless
impresses you as a rich man. In his daily
walks and talks he wears no.badge of rank
or service. He goes to bed at about ~ mid
night and sleeps six hours. In the morning
a modest though hearty breakfast, and
then to his private Office to read and write
At or 10 be was accustomed to 60 to the
war department, working like an editor for
about six hours, and doing more work than
all his staff put together, and doing 1t per-
fectly in detail. At about noon he was very
liable to 60 out with jolly old Gen. Van
Vliet and get glass of whiskey and water
and bit Of lunch-then back to the depart
ment. Where anything needed his atten-
tion he always went. If it was not impor-
tant he sent staff officer. Leaving the war
| department at or 4, he took two or three
hours to his own enjoyment, walking, driv-
ing or visiting. Dining at 6, he again went
to work in bis library or office, if no engage
ments claimed him.
never saw man so fond of the opera or
the play. Always in front of the stage box,
it was not unusual to see him swaying his
head and body to the music of the opera and
beating time with his hands. A great lover
of music is he. With women be is very
popular, and can fatter with winning
tongue. He never commits excuses In
drinking, eating, smoking or late hours
though heaven knows he loves a good din
ner, good cigar, glass of wine or spirits,
and likes to talk at night with men OF
brains. He is great loss to Washington,
and we are really crying our eyes out at his
going.
But General Sheridan will be very popn-
lar here. He has all the advantages. He
is a gentleman, to start with. He is patient
at long stories, likes a joke, and laughs at
the right place, never impressing you that
he is thiDking over what he will say when
you get through. When his time comes to
talk, be will entertain you gloriously. What
has he not seen? He is wonderfully good
talker, and he makes dry subject interest
ing by his manner of treating it, and he
tells story well, particularly an Irish one.
happened TO be at dinner one night
where he was guest. At the table were
such men as General Sherman, Stanley Mat
thews, Chief Justice Waite, Mr.. Blaine,
Justice Miller, John Sherman, Senator Lo-
gan, Senator Allison, and others-nearly all
distinguished for their wit and brilliancy.
The minute Sheridan began to talk Che
spoke of his experiences with King William,
Prince Bismarck and the crown prince in
the Franco-Prussian war; everybody stopped
and listened, and for nearly an hour not a
word was spoken by any of the other gentle
men, except now and then a remark which
sounded very much like 'WaitEl more
wine."
General Sheridan is very glad to come to
Washington. for, like everyone else, he says
1t is the lovelest city in the country. He
has very pretty house here, presented to
him by his Chicago friends, which is located
in the center of fashion. His wife, charm
ing lady, is the daughter of General Ruger,
and is well known in Washington society,
and he is said to have the prettiest twins in
the world. To be at the head of the army,
with all the other advantages, ought to sat-
isfy even 'sLittle Phil" We lose much in
Sherman, but we gain much in Sheridan.
So hail to the one and farewell to the other.