Two days later we arrived in Chicago, and having meanwhile received word from General Sherman that there would be no objection to my going to Europe, I began making arrangements to leave, securing passage by the steamship Scotia.
President Grant invited me to come to see him at Long Branch before I should sail, and during my brief visit there he asked which army I wished to accompany, the German or the French.

I told him the German, for the reason that I thought more could be seen with the successful side, and that the indications pointed to the defeat of the French.

My choice evidently pleased him greatly, as he had the utmost contempt for Louis Napoleon, and had always denounced him as a usurper and a charlatan.

Before we separated, the President gave me the following letter to the representatives of our Government abroad, and with it I not only had no trouble in obtaining permission to go with the Germans, but was specially favored by being invited to accompany the headquarters of the King of Prussia: "LONG BRANCH, N.J., July 25, 1870.
"Lieutenant-General P.H.Sheridan, of the United State Army, is authorized to visit Europe, to return at his own pleasure, unless otherwise ordered.

He is commended to the good offices of all representatives of this Government whom he may meet abroad.
"To citizens and representatives of other Governments I introduce General Sheridan as one of the most skillful, brave and deserving soldiers developed by the great struggle through which the United States Government has just passed.