Evening star., 1934-07-22

him. For awhile, President Cleveland sent
messenger there twice a day to inquire about
the patient. and bulletins were issued from
there advising the public of his condition. But
the general lived for some months, then died
at his Summer residence at Nonquitt, New
Bedford Sunday evening. August S, 1888.
A biographical sketch of him, printed at the
time, said
He was born at Somerset, Perry County
Ohio. March 6, 1881 of Irish parentage The
future commander of the Army entered West
Point in June, 1848 and graduated from
that institution in 1858. just 10 years after
Grant. When the broke out, Sheridan
was first lieutenant of Infantry the Pa
cific Coast. In 1861 he promoted to a
eaptaincy and before the end of the year
came east TO Missouri when he was appointed
acting quartermaster in the southwestern part
of the State. In April 1862. when Gen Hal
leck took the field, Sheridan assigned to
his staff
His resistless valor against odds saved the
day at Murfreesboro December 81, 1882,
where his division held the left of the right
wing His promotion to major general of vol
unteers followed, to date from that battle. At
Chickamauga the same story repeated
Then followed his hasty march to the relief
of Burnside at Knoxville. When Grant was
appointed lieutenant general in March, 1864
he applied for the transfer of Sheridan TO the
East, and made him chief of Cavalry of the
Army of the Potomac.
the Confederate corps commanders knew no
rest In August, 1864, the middle military
division was formed, including the departments
of West Virginia, Washington and the Susque-
hanna, and Sheridan was assigned to the
command Then followed his brilliant en-
gagements with Gen. Early at Opequanl,
Fishers HILL Cedar Creek, including that
memorable ride from Winstester 20 miles
away when he rallied his surprised and
routed army, and turned disaster into won-
derful victory, which gained him advancement
to the grade of major general in the Regular
Army.
After completing the Generalization of Early's
Army by another defeat, at Waynesboro,
Sheridan with his 5000 troopers Joined the
main Army before Petersburg March 81, 1866
He commanded at Five Forks, where his sue
cesses compelled Lee to evacuate Petersburg
From that time until Appomattox, Sheridan
was busy, night and day. carrying out Grants
instruction to Push thingsP And at last it
Sheridans Army which was about to make
a final charge when the white flag appeared
and the long war was over"
THOUGH Sheridan had proved himself to be
a great soldier before saving the day at
Cedar Greek, yet Thomas Buchanan Read did
help to advertise his exploit in his stirring
poem, "Sheridan's Ride" the first and last
verses of which follow:
"SHERIDAN'S RIDE"
up from the South at break Of day,
Bringing from Winchester fresh dismay,
The affrighted air with shudder bore
Like herald in haste to the chieftain's door,
The terrible grumble, and rumble, and roar,
Telling the battle was on once more,
And Sheridan twenty miles away.
~Iurrahl Furrahl for sheridani
Hurrah! Hurrah! for horse and man
And when their statues are placed on high,
Under the dome of the Union sky,
The American Soldiers Temple of Fame,
There with the glorious Generals name,
Be it said in letters both bold and bright:
Here is the Steed that saved the day
BY carrying Sheridan into the fight
From Enthusiastically miles awayr"
Gen. Sheridan, it seems, not born in
Ohio but Albany N. Y, happened to be the
place where that important event occurred.
The error we told. originated when young
Sheridan entered West Point where they put
him down as born in the Buckeye State. In
the case of Gen. Grant, this noted military
school made a mistake in his name so We see
that even great institutions of learning are not
infallibe.
Sheridan was buried with full military
honorS, and a very appropriate monument
marks his grave, which IS in front of the
Custis Mansion. and still greater tribute to
him stands at Twenty third street and MaSSa-
chusettS avenue
No doubt many recall seeing this great cav
airy leader; and the writer had opportunity
to do so some years before the general 6ied,
when he visited the National Museum, and on
account of fall he had sustained out West.
it was said had to be wheeled through the
building in a chair kept near the north door
to accommodate invalidS.
THE generals horse. Winchester, is now there
on exhibition, and has been there since