The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-03-23
WHEN SHERMAN WAS YOUNG.
He Once Carried a Pistol, Expecting to
he Shot on sight.

Washington Special to st. Louis Globe-Dem-
ocrat.
This generation can hardly recognize the
COOL impassive John Sherman in some of
his early experiences. 1t will seem incredi-
BILE that in his congressional career he
threw something in another members face
while the House was I'm session, and then
went about the Capitol with his hand on
pistol, expecting every moment to draw and
shoot Wright. of Tennessee, was the other
man. This all happened shortly before the
civil war. Mr.. Sherman had made speech.
Mr.. Wright. in replying. said one of the
statements was lie. Mr.. Sherman did not
hear the remark, but saw Ii quoted in the
Congressional Globe next day. When the
House met Mr.. Sherman arose to a question
of privilege, and said he supposed that the
gentleman at the time of makir g the
remark in such condition that he did not
know what he was saying. Mr.. Wright re-
torted sneeringly. Mr.. Sherman seized
something lying. on his desk and threw 1t
draw pistol. Members crowded about and
restrained him. The House adjourned In an
uproar. Mr.. Sherman armed himself, and
for some time afterward was accompanied
by friend whenever he went 10 the Capi-
tol. Once Mr.. Sherman and Mr. wright
met face tc face. Each waited Tor the other
drew his weapon.
OF later date was Mr.. Sherman's affair
with General Wade Hampton. III grew out
of reconstruction troubles. Mr.. Sherman
had accused General Hampton OF connection
with the Kuklux. General Hampton de-
manded an explanation. railing 10 get
satisfact:on he wrote TO the senator "A note,
which was recognized as the preliminary
step TO a duel.
Sherman: Sir-As you do not disclaim the
language to which l have called your atten-
ton. have only to say that in using Il you
uttered what you knew 10 be absolutely
false My address will be Columbia, 5. G.
am yum WADE HAMPTON"
Mr. Shermans reply was the publication
of General Hamptons letter and most
emphatic reiteration of what he had pre-
yiously charged. There was no challenge.
While in Congress Mr.. Sherman made very
little reputation as 4 hum0rist. But flash
OF mother wit on one occasion brought him
out of an unpleasant position with much
credit. The occurrence was early In Mr..
Shermans career. Ii was when he went to
Kansas, the member OF "A congressional COM
mttee. to investigate the conditions there
preceding the civil war. The Southerners
were trying TO introduce slavery, while the
liberty loving sons Of Massachusetts were
praCticing expansion with Sharp rifles and
Abolition tracts. The presence of Mr.. Sher-
man and the committee was resented by the
Southerners, who threatened personal vio-
lence. What happened on the occasion re-
ferred 10 is told in Mr.. Sherman's own
words
began TO swear at the committee He abused
il I'm the most profane manner. and he Was
evidently spelling Tor tight We had a
stenographer with US. and as soon as the
man began TO talk j made motion TO him
TO take down his words. He did so. and
after the ruffian had gone on for about ten
minutes / called a halt and told him that
he had made himself liable To arrest
thereupon asked him IL he knew what he
had been saying and called upon the stenog-
rapher TO read his notes. Shorthand was
then unknown In the West, and as the man
heard his exact words his jaw fell. his face
paled and he asked the amanuensis TO let
him see the paper. 1t was shown 10 him.
He looked at IL for moment and then.
frantically tearing his hair. he exclaimed.
Snakes by - and rushed from the
room. We did not see him again during the
Investigation