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On
the 27th day of October I submitted to the Secretary of War,
the Hon. R. T. Lincoln, my last annual report, embracing among other
valuable matters the most interesting and condensed report of Colonel
O. M. Poe, Aide De Camp, of the "original conception, progress, and
completion" of the four great transcontinental railways, which have
in my judgment done more for the subjugation and civilization of
the Indians than all other causes combined, and have made possible
the utilization of the vast area of pasture lands and mineral
regions which before were almost inaccessible, for my agency
in which I feel as much pride as for my share in any of the battles
in which I took part.
*** EXECUTIVE MANSION, February 8, 1884. General William T. Sherman, General of the Army, having this day reached the age of sixty-four years, is, in accordance with the law, placed upon the retired list of the army, without reduction in his current pay and allowances. The announcement of the severance from the command of the army of one who has been for so many years its distinguished chief, can but awaken in the minds, not only of the army, but of the people of the United States, mingled emotions of regret and gratitude--regret at the withdrawal from active military service of an officer whose lofty sense of duty has been a model for all soldiers since he first entered the army in July, 1840; and gratitude, freshly awakened, for the services of incalculable value rendered by him in the war for the Union, which his great military genius and daring did so much to end. The President deems this a fitting occasion to give expression, in this manner, to the gratitude felt toward General Sherman by his fellow-citizens, and to the hope that Providence may grant him many years of health and happiness in the relief from the active duties of his profession. By order of the Secretary of War: CHESTER A. ARTHUR. R. C. DRUM, Adjutant-General.
To which I replied: St. Louis, February 9, 1884. His Excellency CHESTER A. ARTHUR, President of the United States. DEAR SIR: Permit me with a soldier's frankness to thank you personally for the handsome compliment bestowed in general orders of yesterday, which are reported in the journals of the day. To me it was a surprise and a most agreeable one. I had supposed the actual date of my retirement would form a short paragraph in the common series of special orders of the War Department; but as the honored Executive of our country has made it the occasion for his own hand to pen a tribute of respect and affection to an officer passing from the active stage of life to one of ease and rest, I can only say I feel highly honored, and congratulate myself in thus rounding out my record of service in a manner most gratifying to my family and friends. Not only this, but I feel sure, when the orders of yesterday are read on parade to the regiments and garrisons of the United States, many a young hero will tighten his belt, and resolve anew to be brave and true to the starry flag, which we of our day have carried safely through one epoch of danger, but which may yet be subjected to other trials, which may demand similar sacrifices, equal fidelity and courage, and a larger measure of intelligence. Again thanking you for so marked a compliment, and reciprocating the kind wishes for the future, I am, with profound respect, your friend and servant, W. T. SHERMAN, General. ***
This
I construe as the end of my military career.
In looking back upon
the past I can only say, with millions of others, that I have done
many things I should not have done, and have left undone still more
which ought to have been done; that I can see where hundreds of
opportunities have been neglected, but on the whole am content; and
feel sure that I can travel this broad country of ours, and be each
night the welcome guest in palace or cabin; and, as
"all the world`s stage,
And all the men and women merely players," I
claim the privilege to ring down the curtain. W.
T. SHERMAN, General. |
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