Not only this, but I feel sure, when the orders of yesterday are read on parade to the regiments and garrisons of the United States, many a young hero will tighten his belt, and resolve anew to be brave and true to the starry flag, which we of our day have carried safely through one epoch of danger, but which may yet be subjected to other trials, which may demand similar sacrifices, equal fidelity and courage, and a larger measure of intelligence.

Again thanking you for so marked a compliment, and reciprocating the kind wishes for the future, I am, with profound respect, your friend and servant, W.T.SHERMAN, General.
This I construe as the end of my military career.

In looking back upon the past I can only say, with millions of others, that I have done many things I should not have done, and have left undone still more which ought to have been done; that I can see where hundreds of opportunities have been neglected, but on the whole am content; and feel sure that I can travel this broad country of ours, and be each night the welcome guest in palace or cabin; and, as "all the world's stage, And all the men and women merely players," I claim the privilege to ring down the curtain.
W.T.SHERMAN, General..