common heritage of the Republic; but the State of WASHINGTON, of JEFFERSON, of MADISON, of MASHALL, and of SCOTT, never brought forth a nobler son, a better citizen, a truer soldier, or a more unselfish patriot than GEORGE H. THOMAS. LETTERS AND DISPATCHES FROM DISTINGUISHED OFFICERS OF THE ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND AND OF OTHER COMMANDS, RECEIVED BY THE COMMITTEE OF ARRANGEMENTS. FROM MRS. GENERAL THOMAS. 3 PARK PLACE, TROY, N. Y., November 4, 1879. MY DEAR GENERAL: I have just received the card of invitation from the Society of the Army of the Cumberland, to be present at the unveiling of the statue to GENERAL THOMAS, on November 20. I desire, through you, as an old friend, and one of the Local Committee, to thank the members of the Society for the courtesy, and to express my thanks for, and deep appreciation of, the honor they have paid to GENERAL THOMAS. Very truly, your friend, F. L. THOMAS. MAJOR-GENERAL A. McD. McCook, Washington City. FROM GENERAL U. S. GRANT. PALACE HOTEL, SAN FRANCISCO, October 21, 1879. GENERAL H. M. CIST, Corresponding Secretary Society Army of the Cumberland. DEAR SIR: On my return from Oregon this A. M., I find your invitation for me to be present at the meeting of the Society of the Army of the Cumberland, on the 19th and 20th of November. I would like specially to be present at your next meeting, to testify my profound respect and esteem for the worthy, patriotic, and brave old soldier, GENERAL GEORGE H. THOMAS, whose monument is to be unveiled on that occasion, but I fear I shall not be able to do so. But I do not pronounce yet positively that I will not be there. I have telegraphed to GENERAL SHERMAN, to-day, on the same subject, saying that I would be able to decide when I meet him in Chicago, one week before your meeting. Be assured, if I am not there, my desire to be will be as great as that of any one. Very truly yours, U. S. GRANT. FROM GENERAL W. T. SHERMAN. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES, WASHINGTON, D. C., November 18, 1879. GENERALS J. A. GARFIELD, THOS. L. YOUNG, A. McD. McCook, GENTLEMEN: Lest the Corresponding Secretary of the Army of the Tennessee may not have time to acknowledge receipt of the kind invitation extended by their comrades of the Army of the Cumberland, to share in the ceremonies of dedicating the equestrian statue of GENERAL THOMAS, I, as the President of that Society, accept the same. This action was taken by our Society last week, both at a business meeting, and at the Grand Banquet, when the invitation was read by me aloud, and was received with marked enthusiasm. Yet it may be that the Society of the Army of the Tennessee will not be able to attend here, on Wednesday, in the organized form of a Society. Yet many members will be there, and will do all that is possible to mark the occasion by their tokens of admiration for the man, and for you who have done so nobly in commemorating one of the purest and grandest characters of American history. With great respect, Your friend and servant, W. T. SHERMAN, President of the Society Army of the Tennessee. FROM GENERAL JOHN POPE. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSouri, I find myself, greatly to my regret, unable to accept the invitation to be present and participate in the ceremonies at the unveiling of the "THOMAS statue," in Washington, on the 20th inst. No one would be more rejoiced than I to embrace any opportunity to show his respect for this great and good man and soldier, and it is a real pain to me to be obliged to decline. The difficulties in progress with the Utes and Apaches in this Department, and the organization and direction of the troops moving against them, render it wholly improper and inexpedient that I should be absent from here, at such a distance and for such a time, and I beg that you will convey to the Committee my thanks for their consideration, and my great regret at my inability to avail myself of it. Every soldier will readily understand my position. Sincerely yours, JNO. POPE. COLONEL H. C. CORBIN, U. S. A., etc. FROM GENERAL GEORGE CROOK. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE PLATTE, GENERALS J. A. GARFIELD, THOMAS L. YOUNG, A. McD. McCook, Executive Committee. GENTLEMEN: I am the grateful recipient of the invitation extended to myself and staff, to take part in the Reunion of the Army of the Cumberland, and the unveiling of the THOMAS statue. Affairs in my Department permitting, nothing will afford me greater pleasure than meeting with my gallant comrades of the Army of the Cumberland, and to assist in doing honor to one of the truest soldiers and noblest men of whom this or any other country can boast. I am, very truly yours, GEORGE CROOK, |