Milford chronicle., 1888-08-10
TERMS: sl.OO PER YEAR IN ADVANCE.

that night Mr. Murdoch read it. CT which he
gives this account:
"The building was crowded in every part
Upon the stage we're sitting two hundred
MANNED soldiers, each with an arm or leg OH
Gen. Joe Hooker was to present me with the
flag the ladies had made, and at the time ap
pointed we marched down the stage toward
the footlights, Gen Hooker bearing the flag
and with my arm IN his.
"HooSer presented the flag very gracefully,
which / accepted In fitting words. / then
drew the poem Read had written from my
pocket, and, with proper introduction, began
reading it to the audience The vast assem-
blege became as still as a church during
prayer time, and read the first three verses
without pause, and then read the fourth.
"As this verse was finished the audience
broke into tumult Of applause. Then I read
with all the spirit could command.
''The sound Of my voice uttering the last
word had not died away when cheer after
cheer went up from the great concourse, that
shook the building 10 its very foundation.
They then demanded the authors name, and
pointed to Read, who was sitting in a box,
and he Acknowledged the verses"
Moving from Winchester on the 9th OF
February. 1865, Sheridan took Staunton, and
defeated Early near Waynesborough. After
damaging several railroads aud the James
River canal, be reached the White House
about the 10Th Of March, and on the eth
Joined the main army Of Gen. Grant near
Petersburg. Taking 9,OOO cavalry, he com
menced a movement for the destruction OF
the Danville and South Side railroads, which
were tho only remaining avenues Of supply
for those armies. Supported by corps Of
infantry, he met superior force OF the
enemy on the Slst Of March, near Five Forks,
and was driven back 10 Dinwiddie Court
House.
On the next day the 1st of April Sheridan,
having been REINFORCED, drove the enemy
back on Five Forks, Rssaulting and capturing
the Confederate fortified position, and took
over five thousand prisoners. Lee retreating
from Richmond Sheridan attacked him near
Sailors creek on April 6, and captured some
six thousand prisoners.
In the spring Of 1866 Sheridan was ap-
pointed to the command Of the Fifth Military
district, comprising the states Of louisiana
and Texas. Il has been supposed that his ap-
pointment to that command was to threaten
the French, who were then In Mexico. He
removed the governors Of the two states
comprising bis department, on account Of
their opposition to reconstruction President
Andrew johnson remover niul from MS
command In 1867. Sheridan was then Or
dered to take charge Of the department Of
the Missouri, with headquarters at Chicago
While located there. Gen. Sheridan mar
ried the daughter Of Gen. Rucker, lady Of
remarkable beauty, 10 years Of age. They
have four children. who are the delight Of
all visitors for their beauty and winsome
ways. Little Phil, Jr., Is a sturdy boy His
sister, next In age, and two infant twins,
girls, complete the family.
In 1869 he was raised TO the rank OF. lieu
tenant general, and in 1883 succeeded Gen.
Sherman, who was retired. TO the com
mand of the army. Not the least inter
esting part Of his after the war life was bis
companionship with Emperor then King
William aud Bismarck dulil.s their ever
memorable campaign Of 1870 Since that
time Gen. Sheridan has devoted himself
earnestly aud quietly to the duties Of his
place, enjoying on all public occasions tho
hearty congratulations Of q grateful people.