The morning call., 1892-04-07
GIN. SHERMAh'S MEMORY.
An Interesting Speech by His Brother
John.
A CONTRIBUTION TO WAR HISTORY.
William Ieeum@h as Banker, LAWYER and a
Soldier-KiS Relations With
Lincoln.
| CONTRIBUTION TO WAR HISTORY.
Ereeial 10 THE MORNING C.L,.

New YORK, April 6-At the Loyal Le-
gion banquet tonight Senator Sherman
responded to the toast in honor of the
memory of General w. L. Sherman in an
interesting speech of great length. He re-
viewed the career of the general from early
Childhood; spoke about the warm con-
haence and affection which had always
existed between them; told how they
separated after the death of their father
anu stated that at that time, when the gen.
erai went 10 West Point, there commenced
between them correspondence which con.
tinueu up to within one week Of the gen.
erals death, only interrupted when the
thread of their lives brought them together
at Washington, detailed the generals career
In California through the gold excitement,
as banker and lawyer; told about his return
to the East and employment In the militia
academy In Louisiana. As to the general
taking sides in the war, the Senator said the
motive which led him into it was his in-
ltense patriotism. Secession would destroy
the Union, and therefore he was opposed
to secession. This certainly, he did not
enter military service on account of siaver y.
for his sympathy and friendships were
argely with the South.
His Position the Slave ry Question.
IA letter written In the fall of 1854 con
graduating his brother upon election as a
member of Congress. lie said: "As young
member hope you will not be too forward,
especially on the question of slavery, viii ch,
1 seems, is rising every year more and
more into question of real dan ger, not
withstanding compromises. Having lived
great deal in the South, l think l know
practically more about slavery than you do.
III II were new question no one would con-
tend for introducing it, but it is an old and
historic. fact that you must take as you
find it,"
After the generals resignation from the
louisiana Academy, etc, tie Senator and
Tue general came to Washington in March.
1901, to advise the authorities of the
and offer his services. He was
amazed at the apathy he found. He talked
10 President Lincoln, who said he hoped
they would not need soldiers. What was
SAID by Lincoln was kindly meant. but it
had ar unpleasant effect on General Sher-
man, who, when leaving. said to his brother:
these men are sleeping on volcano, but |
have done my duty"
The Charge OF Iusanity.
The Senator touched on the attack Of
certain newspapers on the general at tile
time of his assertion that 200, 600 troops
would be required TO open the Mississippi
River, and said In reference thereto: II
knew full well that the charge of insanity
was false, and understood better than any
one else his strong opinions as to the
nature of the war and how easily
his frank and open but true
declarations could be used as evidence of
timid,y, or even Insanity" The Senator
went on to show how the drift Of events
soon gave Sherman an opportunity 10 demon
strate his sanity. Speaking of his
part In the battle of Shiloh, the Sen
ator saws that there commenced his friend
ship with General Grant, which, like Damon
and Pythias, has been made the subject Of
song and story. 1t was one of the most in
terest!ng incidents OF the war and continued
unbr0ken While both lived.
sherman and Johnston.
Speaking of the row which was raised
over the nrst surrender arranged between
Sherman and Johnston, the Senator says he
knew that the general believed that in
agreeing TO these terms he was carry
ing out the policy outlined by President
Lincoln in the famous interview at Hamp-
ton Roads. He did not know, however,
that the brutal murder of Lincoln had
! aroused in the minds of the Northern people
a deep feeling of resentment, which would
| not tolerate the liberal terms granted TO
Johnston and bis remnant of rebel forces.
The fatal bullet had changed the whole
situation. But for this desperate act the
whole history of reconstruction would have
been reversed. As it was, the old cry
against Sherman was again stirred until
the generous kindness of General Grant
came TO his relief; new terms were agreed
on and the war closed
Speaking of the traits of the generals
character, the Senator said he was dstin-
gulshed hrst OF all from early boyhood
Tor love and veneratiOn and obedience To his
mother and affection for his family He
spoke Of the affection in the army for
Uncle Billy"