George F.Hoar." "I heard the above conversation, and certify to the correctness of the above statement of it.
William P.Frye." I heard General Grant express a like opinion of Sheridan under circumstances perhaps even more impressive.

I was a guest at a brilliant dinner-party given by Mr.Robeson, Secretary of the Navy, where Grant, General Sherman, General Sheridan, Commodore Alden, Admiral Porter, Chief Justice Chase, Attorney- General E.R.Hoar, Lyman Trumbull, Mr.Blaine, and some other men of great distinction were present.

There were about twenty guests.

Mr.James Russell Lowell was of the company.
I believe no one of that brilliant circle is now living.

Commodore Alden remarked, half in jest, to a gentleman who sat near him, that there was nothing he disliked more than a subordinate who always obeyed orders.