Washington, which had been struck down by traitors, should again wave over every inch of the territory that rightly belonged to the Government.
One leader after another was selected, and each, in his turn, was hailed as a hero by the people, until bitter experience taught them to call no man a hero before he had proved himself worthy of that title, by heroic achievements on the field of conflict. As one general after another failed, the people became anxious, and prayed that God would raise up men who would lead our brave armies on to victory and glory. These prayers were answered. In Generals Grant, Sherman, Thomas, and Sheridan, the people recognize the men for whom they looked and prayed. While all these men have acted well and nobly their part, and have covered themselves with imperishable glory, none of them have done more to make a name in history, and to be remembered by a free and grateful posterity, than Major General WILLIAM TECUMSEH SHERMAN.
General Sherman is the son of Hon. Charles R. Sherman, once a Judge of the Supreme Court of the State of Ohio; and a brother of the Hon. John Sherman, United States Senator from the same State. He was born in Lancaster, Ohio, on the eighth day of February, A. D. 1820.