The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-09-05

but of very inferior quality; that he had
but 1900 men to guard over 300 miles
when he required fully $1,000, and for ag-
gressive purposes he would require 29.OOJ
Secretary Cameron then returned to Wash
ington and made that unfortunate and ill
advised remark that Sherman was either
drunk or crazy" and il was flashed over
the wires. In December, 1851, Cincinnati
paper which had always been considered
friendly TO General Sherman. contained an
editorial stating that information from re-
liable sources forced the belief that he was
insane.
AT this time General Sherman was al
his old HON in Lancaster on a furlough,
and his deep feeling on the subject when
the report became current is Well remem-
bered by many Of his old friends in Lam
caster, and was recalled by Mrs. Reese with
an earnestness almost dramatic in its inten-
sity. She said that her brother told her IN
speaking on this question of insanity. which
was being discussed all over the country,
that if the papers did not cease speaking OF
him on the subject he believed he would GER
tainly lose his mind.
Mrs Reese stated that at times her
brother became so terribly depressed over
the terrible statements being published
about him she became very much alarmed
over his condition and feared he would
take summary action with several of the
general officers of the army whom her
brother named to her as responsible for the
report But she watched over him with sis
terly love and care and helped him to bear
up. A day or two before his furlough was
TO expire she observed that he was not
making the usual preparations for de-
parture, and suspecting that he was in
doubt as to returning, she asked him if he
We're going back, and then all the pent-up
bitterness in his heart burst forth in fierce
tives of jealousy, We're trying to ruin him,
and he then told his sister that he had
about made up his mind that he would not
return; that his men might credit the lying
statements and he would be unable to re-
tain their confidence or respect and under
such circumstances he would not be a
sister tearfuly pleaded with him, remind
ing MN OF his duty to his country, and
urged him to return and live down the
calumniating statements and after holding
out for a while he finally Welded to her
entreaties and went back to win victories
ana renown and to humiliate his tradlscerS.
CAMERON PUBLICLY REBUKED.
Some years after the close of the war
Mrs. Reese said an opportunity was pre-
sented to her to resent this great wrong to
her brother, and, remembering how near
his enemies had succeeded in blasting his
life, she was quick TO avail herself of the
same. 1t was at the marriage of a niece in
Cleveland, and among the distinguished
guests present was ex-Secretary Cameron
The ceremony was over, and the escorts
were being selected TO conduct the ladies to
the banquet table. Mr.. Cameron was as
signed as the escort to Mrs. Reese. Wher
blank to accompany him, remarlxing in the
presence of several ladies and gentlemen
among the latter Don Cameron, the son Of
the ex-secretary and afterwards senator
from Pennsylvania, that she would not
walk beside the man who had tried to ruin
her brother. The younger Cameron was as
founded, and made haste to apprise his dis
tinguished sire of the situation. The latter
came at once to Mrs. Reese, who frankly
stated TO him in the presence of the entire
company that he had attempted the ruin Of
ner brother, General Sherman, and that she
would accept no attention from a man who
would be guilty of so unjust an act. Mr..
Cameron, while greatly embarrassed, re-
piled gallantly: my dear madam it was
your brother, the general" Mrs. Reese
however, refused to accept the apology and
another escort had to be provided for her
AS she related the circumstance her eyes
flashed angrily and her words came out
sharp and incisive.
Referring to the movement under wav to
erect monument to General Sherman in
his native place, Mrs. Reese said:
1t would most certainly be a great graft
fcation to me and to my children to have
the citizens of Lancaster in cooperation
with the old soldiers who served under my
erect here in his birthplace fitting me-
mortal of some nature, and know that
this feeling of qualification would be shared
by the entire family. And ii is eminently
fitting that this should be done / only
hope that my life may be spared to see the
work completed, although / feel that the
end for me is near at hand. But you may
say to all the friends and comrades of my
brother that their efforts to do him honor
in his old home touches a responsive chord
in my heart. and l devoutly pray / may be
here when the time of dedication comes