The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1888-09-08

s MlNN EAE
Igteat interest. and especially have been
able to observe the difference between
European battles and those Of our OWL
country. I have not found the differ
ence very great, but that difference is
to the credit of our own country. There
| is nothing to be learned here profession
ally, and it is a satisfaction to learn
that such is the case. There is much,
however, which Europeans could fearn
from us-the use of rifle pits-the use
of cavalry, which they do not use we'll;
for instance, there is line Of commu-
nication from here to Germany exposed
to the whole Of the south of France,
with scarcely a soldier on the whole
line, and it has never been touched.
There are hundred things in which
they are behind us. The staff depart
ments are poorly organized; the quar-
termaster's department very wretched.
Very respectfully, your obedient SER
want,
r. II. SHERIDAN, Lieutenant Gen'l.
P. S.-We so tomorrow with the
headquarters Of the King to point
about twenty miles from Paris. T. III. S
It is needless to cali attention to the
keen military criticisms of so famous
a commauder; to his patriotic delight
at the equality Of the American soldier
with the picked troops Of Europe; his
predictions OF the terms which were
exacted by the victors months after
warGs; or the clear, terse. picturesque
language in which he portrays for his
former chief the peculiarities Of the
rival armies. The familiar style into
which be lapses hele and there is itself
a charm, and makes one sure that the
letter waa written with no idea that it
would ever become historical; yet, what
could be more historical than the com
ments Of one Of the greatest Of Ameri
can commanders to another on the
events of Gravelotte and Metz and Se-
dan
have seen scores of the letters of
Sheridan to Grant, and he wrote not
few to me. on points connected with his
own military history. They We're often
short and at times almost rugged, but
invariably to the point; full of meat,
and sometimes extremely fellcitious in
expression, like his ringing dispatches
from the Valley: "We sent them whiri-
ing through Winchester" Il deemed
it best to make delay of a day to set
tie this new cavalry generals" They
were followed by our men on the jump
twenty-six miles" He had large
share of chat power of expression which
men of great executive ability often
possess when they approach subjects in
which they are interested. He knew
what he meant and what he wanted,
and he could say it, not only so that
child could understand, but often with
positive eloquence.
I consulted Sheridan frequently in
the course of my historical labors, and
he gaye me all the assistance I asked
for, but desired me not to name him as
authority in political matters. He did
not wish to be involved in political
controversies, especially while he was
serving under Democratic admins
tration; but he promised me all the
facts in his possession, and he kept his
word. After the appearance Of Grant
in Peace" he assured me that he would
never contradict or give cause to con-
tradlct any statement that it contained.
When he saw the picture / tried to
make of himself for my military his
tory. he objected to my saying that he
swore, and struck out the statement;
but be allowed me to describe him as
rising in his stirrups and swinging his
hat in the famous ride from Winches-
ter. He was loath, however, to go
down in history as a mere Murat, and
naturally 81, for he was much more
than cayalry leader. Still, he had all
the passion and magnetism that are so
irresistible with troops. l have often
been told that on the great ride his face
was fairly black with the rage Of battle
aud he cried out again and again,
w ell lick 'em out Of their boots, boys,
we'll lick 'em out of their boots u He
was all the nore general because he
shared aud inspired the feelings 0f his
soldiers. ssg55zs s.Sss
I shall never forget how he looked on
The day of the surrender of Lee. His
troops had out-marched the great |
southern leader, and he fairly surround:
I'd him at last: but when this was dis
covered Lee sent word that he was me-
yotiatlag with Grant ior q surrender,
and asked for, q suspension Of hostili-- |
lies. Sheridan had heard nothing Of |
she negotiations, and feared the report
might be ruse 81. LBe. n At this mos
ment / happened to ride up, and Sheri I