ebels, succeed, but the simple fact that nine-
tenths of them who voted for him do not agree with him, and that
he only controls the other tenth by power intrusted to him by the
Union party, will damn him forever. Besides, he is insincere; he
has deceived and misled his best friends. I know he led many to
believe he would agree to the civil rights bill, and nearly all
who conversed with him until within a few days believed he would
acquiesce in the amendments, and even aid in securing their adoption.
I almost fear he contemplates civil war. Under those circumstances
you, Grant and Thomas ought to be clear of political complications.
As for myself, I intend to stick to finance, but wherever I can I
will moderate the actions of the Union party, and favor conciliation
and restoration.

"Affectionately yours,
"John Sherman."

After the adjournment I proceeded to St. Louis, and with General
Sherman and two staff officers, went by rail to Omaha. This handsome
city had made great progress since my former visit. We then went
by the Central Pacific railroad to Fort Kearney, as far as the
rails were then laid. There our little party started through the
Indian Territory, riding in light wagons with canvas covers, each
drawn by two good army mules, escorted by a squad of mounted
soldiers. We traveled about thirty miles a day, camping at night,
sleeping in our wagons, turned into ambulances, the soldiers under
shelter tents on blankets and the horses parked near by. The camp
was guarded by sentinels at night, and the troopers lay with their
guns close at hand. Almost every day we met Indians, but none that
appeared to be hostile. In this way we traveled to Fort Laramie.
The country traversed was an unbroken wilderness, in a state of
nature, but singularly beautiful as a landscape. It was an open
prairie, traversed by what was called the North Platte River, with
scarcely water enough in it to be called a creek, with rolling
hills on either side, and above, a clear sky, and air pure and
bracing. It was the first time I had been so far out on the plains,
and I enjoyed it beyond expression. I was soon able to eat my full
share of the plain fare of bread and meat, and wanted more.

After many days we reached Fort Laramie, then an important post
far out beyond the frontier. We remained but a few days, and then,
following south along the foot hills, we crossed into the Laramie
plains to Fort Sanders. This was the la