, 1884-10-16
GENERALS AND MEN.
The Enthusiasm and Respect Of Sol
diers for Their Leaders.
Mcclellan, Grant, Sherman, Thomas,
Meade, sheridan, Burnside, Ham
cock, Logan, Fitzpatrick and
Custer-And the Veterans.


~ '"t HtH- ALH EN"NNAAk1f 80"
generals commanding armies, corps, or divis-
ions were favorites with their men. There
we're degrees, however. in the enthusiasm
displayed by the soldiers for THEN leaders
Mcclellan was the idolo his troops 20 long
as he remained In the field. and oven TO this
day many "A middle-aged man feels his heart
grow warm when Little Macs" name IS
mentioned. Gen. Mcclellan possessed that
personal magnetism which distinguished Ma
poleon. and had his nature been as cold
blooded as that OF the Corsican. there can be-
no question that Mcclellan would have been
the most successful general ON the Federal
side. His face was a peculiarly engaging one,
and when he galloped along the line Of a
corps, his cap lifted high in the air In ar
acknowledgement Of the salutes Of his men.
every soldier in the ranks seemed 10 feel that
the general had recognized him individually
He WAS constantly looking after the comfort
OF his troops, and many anecdotes could BIO
related Of his checking his horse TO secure ut
tention for some wounded or foot-sore soldier.
The objects Of his pity never forgot the Incl
dent, and as they multiplied during a cam
paign the mems admiration and enthusiasm
increased. The day ho WINS finally relieved
from the omman OF the Army Of the Poto-
mae was a sorrowful ono for the veterans Of
the Peninsular and Antietam campaigns,
anu ne itiA tut Utlu IetItliCQ w every ~
dcer and man in the rnnks.
Grant, silent and grave, seldom awoke On
.husiasm among his soldiers, although they
entertained FOR him IA sincere regard and
high respect; for they learned in time that
this tacirlrn man, who rode over battle
grounds without a sword, chewing an I'M
lighted cigar in his powerful jaws, was a true
leader, and, indeed, n great soldier. Knowing
Grant 70 DO resolute and tenacious. the rank
and file fought under his command with
steadiness and courage, npprcciating the fact
that every blow they struck would be fol-
lowed by others equally strong and clica-
cious Though the hero of Nicksburg and
Appomattox seldom noticed the salutes Of his
men, IL was evident that he appreciated
them, and in these days OF peace no general
Is more fond Of recalling tho good feeling
that existed between him and the war-worn
Veterans he led SO often 10 victory.
sherman was "A good deal like Mcclellan
in his anxiety for the welfare OF the soldiers
under him, and he wns very happy ia the
manner OF receiving their salutations.
Nervous by nature, he was impetuous and
easily angered, but under his faded and
~threadbare uniform beat "A warm and tender
heart Recognizing the pregnant fact that
war Is necessarily cruel. he never hesitatod
10 push his men forward in the face Of
n whitening fire, but he WINS always ready OLE
occasion 10 accompany the advancing line,
being then cool and collected, though his
face would be all uglow with the excitement
Of the moment, The western armies loved
sold Tecumseh, and no man is moro heartily
welcomed at tho annual reunions nowadays
than Gen. Sherman,
Thomns rtsembled Grant In his inter
course with his men, being steady and
sedatc, but a most vigorous fighter. He
hated scenes, but under his calm exterior tho
knowledge that the troopers liked and re-
spccted hin made his heart glad. When he
first heard TINT his mon had given him the
sobriquet Of "Old Reliable his features re-
Taxed, and "A pleasant, grati6cd smile showed
that he appreciated the compliment at It's
true value.
Meade was n great ~favorite, whether at
the head Of n division, corps, or the Army
Of the Potomac. Soldierly in his. attire. he
always appeared to advantage when mounted,
and his graceful wny Of acknowledging the
greetings Of his mon sometimes rendered
them tumultuous No general ON the
Federal side eqnaled him in wording
bulletin. Mcclellan had a DASH
inp Napoleorac style that was
very captivating, but Meade adopted Il far
different method, for he took the troops into
his confidence; told them that he relied more
ON their bravery and steadincss than his own
generalship; asked them 30 do their best. and
victory was certain. There Is no question
that the field Of Gettysburg was won because
every man who carried "A musket had been
told by his general that it was the soldiers
battle. That Meade was a favorite is shown
by the nickname he was given by tho army.
Sheridan was IA beau sabrcur, and managed
10 win the confidence and love Of his troops.
Passionate 10 the extreme, this brilliant
soldier was sometimes harsh and often rude
10 his officers, but to the men In their ranks,
collectively, he was Away indulgent. though
"a strict disciplinnrinn.
Burnside was beloved by the Old Ninth
corps, but tho disastrous result OF his single
hattie while commander OF the Army Of the
Potomac WAS fatal, and lie failed TO win
more than respect from the whole body.
Hancock was the darling Of the Old Second
corps, and "A great favorite with the entire
army Those who have seen only the recent
portraits Of Hancock can have no proper
conception Of his appearance in the field.
SPARE In frame, and looking tall In the sad
die, his tanned face was set of by a heavy
mustache and goatee. Since the war Win
field has grown handsomer with his gray
hair and shaven face, but In many "A humble
home throughout the land the old war photo
graph OF tho Second corps leader is cherished
by the veteran Of that famous corps. Courtc
Gus In manner, dignihed In appearance, and
prompt IN action, be was always successful,
being followed by his men with a devotion
seldom parnlleled in the annlds OF the war.
Logan with his dark face and coal-blacK
hair, could always move forward ON tho
deld, feeling sure that his men would follow
with confidence and fight desperately. XII
patrick and Custer were never SO happy rs
when on a raid. Moving swiftly, they
glorie1 in striking the enemy and carrying
confusion into their ranks. Both were idol
lied by their men, and for the samo reasons
"A total disregard Of personal safety.
Charging at the head OF the column, those
gallant cavalry leaders eSnlted in the ex
citcment Of the hour and the desperate ma
turs Of tho movement. Clusters heroic death
at the battle Of the Big Horn is IA signal
proof Of his headlong courage and the will
ingness Of his men TO follow him to the
bitter end, under the most diseournging cir
FumsfunFpa