Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-04-04

Of this success is due to the energy, skill, and
the harmonious putting forth of that energy
and skill, of those whom it has been my good
under me.
There are many officers to whom these re-
marks are applicable to greater or less de-
gree proporionate to their ability as sold !ersbut
what want is toexpress my thanks to you and
Mcpherson as the men to whom, above all
Others, feel indebted for whatever have had
of success.
How far your advice and assistance have been
ton of whatever has been given to you to do
entities you to the reward am receiving, you
canlot know as well as /.
ton
The word you use in the plural, intending it
will some day; but starting in the morning,
do not know that will find time Just now.
Sherman received this letter near Mem phis,
on the 10th of March, and Immediately re-
piled:
Dear General have your more than kind
ana CHARACTERISTIC letter of the 4th instant I
will send copy to Gen. Mcpherson at once.
90 e. and us too much
the merits which have led to your high ad-
vancement. l know you approve the friend
nit me to continue as heretofore. to manifest
1t on all proper occasions.
You are now Washingtons legitimate success
sor, and occupy a position of almost dangerous
elevation; but If you can continue as heretofore
to be yOursef-simpie, honest and unpretend-
ing-you will enjoy through life the respect and
human beings that will award you large share
in securing to them and their descendants a
government of law and stability.
repeat, you do Gen. Mcpherson and myself
too much honor. AT Belmont you manifested
your traits, neither of us being near. At Donel-
son also you illustrated your whole character:
was not near, and Gen. Mcpherson in too sub.
ordinate capacity to influence you.
Until you had won Donelson confess was
almost cOwed by the terrible array of anarchi.
cal elements that presented themselves at every
point; but that admitted ray of light have
followed since. believe you are as brave, patri.
otto and just as the great prototype, Washing.
ton; as unselfsh, kind-hearted and honest as
man should be; but the chief characteristic is
the simple faith in success you have always
than the faith a Christian has in the Saviour.
This faith gave you victory at Shiloh and
Ficksburg. Also, when you have completed
your best preparations, you go into battle with
out hesitation, at Chattanooga-no doubts
no reserves; and tell you it was this that made
us act with confidence. l knew, wherever !
was, that you thought of me, and if got in q
tight place you would help me out, If alive.
My only point of doubt was in your knowl.
edge OF grand strategy, and of books Of science
and history; but l confess your common sense
seems to have supplied all these.
Now, as to the future. Don't stay in Wash.
ington. Come west-take to yourself the whole
Mississippi valley. Let us make it dead sure
and l tell you the Atlantic slopes and the Pa
cfic shores will follow its destiny as sure as the
limbs OF tree live or die with the main trunk.
We have done much, but still much remains.
Time, and times influences, are with u.s. We
could almost afford to sit still, and let these in
fuences work.
from the west, when our task is done, we will
make short work of Charleston and Richmond,
and the impoverished coast of the Atlantic
Your sincere friend,