Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1903-08-07

campaign of the army Of the Potomac,
with one exception, up to the surren-
der of Lee at Appomattox Court
House. He was wounded three times.
Miles full commission as major-gener-
al was given him in 1865 In the fol-
lowing year. the war having ended,
he was mustered out of the volunteer
service. He had already received a
commission as colonel in the regular
army, in command of the Fortieth
Infantry. He was transferred to the
Fifth Infantry March Is, 1869.
Miles aptitude and ability for the
profession Of war had demonstrated
themselves to his superior officers
very early in the Civil war and he en-
countered no opposition in his rapid
advancement. In later years his op-
ponents charged that he was unable
to conduct himself as gallantly in
peace as in war, but the same charge
was made against other high officers
whenever 1t appeared that they were
influenced by personal considerations
of politics and political ambition.
General Miles is now very much,
"in the public eye," but the eyes Of
the whole nation were fairly center
ed on him at one time in 1865. That
was on the occasion when Jefferson
Davis, the president Of the Confedera-
cy, was his prisoner at Fortress Mon
roe. The bitterness Of the feeling Of
the south against him on account OF
that famous episode has never been
eradicated, and there are men in the
south today who will never forgive
him.
Colonel Miles married in 1871 the
daughter OF General W. T. Sherman,
Miss Sherman's uncle, John Sherman,
Of Ohio, being at that time secretary
of the treasury. 1t was General Miles
connection with the family that led
to the allegation made by his enemies
in later years that his subsequent pro-
motion in the army was due to the
Sherman influence"
After his marriage Miles was sta
toned on the plains. He made great
reputation in campaigns against the
Indians, his work being second only
to that Of General Custer in the opin-
ion Of some military men. 1t was
during this period that he became
acquainted with William f. Cody,
Buffalo BILL and strong friend
ship has existed between the two ever
since.
He was commissioned brigadier-
general in the United States army In
1880. Upon the retirement of Gen.
eral Schofield in 1895, he was appoint.
ed major-general in command Of the
whole army.
| A son and daughter we're born to
General and Mrs. Miles. Cecilia, the
daughter, was married two years ago
to an officer Of the regular army. The
son is cadet at West Point. General
Miles and his family rafurally have
been socially prominent in Washington
for several years.
| The history cf the generals, part
in the Spanish war is well known,
and 1t is since that time that he has
become engaged in controversies with
the administration. Despite some
friction in the war department dur
ing the last few years, General Miles
has performed some important servic-
es. In 1897 he represented the govern
ment at the Diamond Jubilee Of Queen
Victoria, and he made a tour Of Eu-
rope to make military observations
for the benefit Of the army.
General Miles was approached to-
day and in response to a question as
to the difference between him and the
administration declared that he could
not with propriety discuss the matter.
Neither wouli he speak regarding his
alleged political ambitions. Speaking
Of his own retirement he said:
Il suppose | would not be human
II did not feel some regret at ending
my military career. Regarding my
future ] have not had time to com
plete my plans. may decide to make
my future residence in Texas. Boston
or Washington. I am not certain.