CHAPTER IV.

SHERIDAN AS A CAVALRYMAN.

The Union Cause rich in its Leadership.--The Rebellion very weak. --Sheridan one of the most able of our Leaders.--A Miracle of War. --An Inspiration rather than a General.--A "Fighting" General. --Reminiscences of his Youth.--His Career as a "belligerent Cadet" at West Point.--His Class-mates and their Success.--Sheridan and Hood compared.--Sheridan's early Career as a Lieutenant and Failure as a Quarter-master.--A Favorite with both Grant and Halleck.--Sheridan a Colonel of Cavalry.--His first Cavalry Victory.--Promoted Brigadier General of Infantry.--Repeated Defeats as a Commander of Infantry. --His Failures at Stone River and Chickamauga.--Success in Pursuit of Bragg from Tullahoma and at Chattanooga.--Promoted to the Command of all Grant's Cavalry.--His Success in this Capacity.--The Belligerent in his Organization.--Personal Appearance and Habits.--A modern Scipio 128