The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1899-06-03
Had a Robust Mans Temper and
An Irishman'S Wit.
HE ALWAYS STOOD BY HIS FRIENDS
Exalted Faith in Gen. Grants
Military Skill.

Col. John Schuyler Crosby recently
gave the subjoined interview concerning
Phil Sheridan to the New Voice. When
requested to describe that phase of Sher-
idan's character which is of peculiar
interest to the public, he replied quickly:
"There is no phase of his character
which is not OF peculiar interest to the
public. Sheridan had all the attributes
OF soldier: genius of mind and char
acter, physique, and fortitude. He was
courageous even to fearlessness. Born
a soldier, during all the many years OF
his active army life he devoted his ener-
gies to the best interests Of the service.
Some men have well-rounded char
acters and can succeed at almost any
thing, but Sheridan was simply a SOL
der, and that was all he considered him
self. He had but one purpose, the same
that has characterized so many Ameri-
scan soldiers-that of doing his duty. In
this respect he was wholly consistent,
expecting neither promotion nor praise
for performing what he considered a
sacred obligation to the government.
Neither would he recommend man to
the War department for promotion for
doing what he was ordered to do,
soldiers duty. What contrast to the
wholesale recommendations for brevets
made by many of the Generals and COM
handing officers for service in the late
engagements and skirmishes about San
tiago!
"It was inconceivable to him that a
man should expect any reward for per,
forming the service required of him.
Courage he expected of every man, and
it was the exception when his judgment
erred in this respect. He expected those
about him to be ready for duty at all
hours, should their services be needed.
"If an officer or soldier performed any
creditable duty he would have to depend
upon his own conscience for his reward,
for Sheridan rarely expressed any strong
approval other than a quiet smile and
pleased expression, which showed his
appreciation OF what was going on; but
when the opportunity occurred later
Sheridan always remembered that Off
Ger by recommending him for promo
ton where his qualifications could be
utilized to the best advantage. The
General was explicit in his verbal in
structions to his staff officers, and re-
posed confidence in their judgment and
opinions only after many severe trials.
When once gained, however, his faith
was implicit
"What of Sheridan's disposition" I
asked the Colonel. "Had he quick
temper?"
"He had the temper OF robust man."
replied Colonel Crosby, "but always kept
it under control. He had the force of
giant and the tenderness of woman.
He was not profane, and the stories of
his terrible oaths are in most cases alb
solutely groundless, and in others out
rageous exaggerations. He rarely used
an oath, though at times I have heard
him swear, when his temper was aroused
by conditions which would have pro-
voked a saint. Both in the field and at
his desk, when annoyed or troubled by
matters not going as he had directed and
looked for, he would knit his brows and
close his upper teeth down upon the
right side of his mustache and lip.
AT such times it was just as we'll to
keep at attention and await his orders,
or allow him to open the conversation.
Sheridan's voice was in general CONVEX
sation low and sweet, though when ex-
cited he would pitch it for moment to
a high but not disagreeab1e key.
"In conversation he was incisive and
clear-in fact, quite epigrammatic-and
possessed of remarkable power of de-
scription; yet it was difficult for him
to express his thoughts to his own salts
faction in writing"
"Was Sheridan witty?" I asked.
Eyes, he had all the wit of the Irish.
He appreciated a good yarn, and was
fond Of song, although he himself did
not sing, having no voice; but he would
not tolerate a vulgar story.
"While Sheridan's temper made it adj
visable at times not to intrude upon him,
he never remained angry long. He was
never moody or blue, though often, dur
ing critical periods, he was serious and
silent almost to the point Of taciturnity.