CHAPTER VII.

RECOLLECTIONS OF THE FINANCIAL PANIC OF 1857. Its Effect on the State Banks--My Maiden Speech in Congress on National Finances--Appointed a Member of the Committee on Naval Affairs--Investigation of the Navy Department and its Results--Trip to Europe with Mrs. Sherman--We Visit Bracklin's Bridge, Made Famous by Sir Walter Scott--Ireland and the Irish--I Pay a Visit to Parliament and Obtain Ready Admission--Notable Places in Paris Viewed With Senator Sumner--The Battlefield of Magenta--Return Home.