“We have just got through the ceremonies of inauguration, and, as all the papers are filled with it, I feel certain you will get some by telegraph, and the whole details by the New York papers. Thus far no changes have been made in the Consular or Foreign appointments. The senate is in extra session, and if General Grant proposes to make any material changes he must do so within a few days, but of this you will also learn by telegraph. He surely keeps his council well, as his most intimate friends do not know his purpose. “I think the Washington bonds are good, as the debt is limited to ten per cent of the aggregate value of taxable property. “Master Cumpy still flourishes, and asks innumerable questions of Europe, Asia and America. At present rate he will know geography before he reads. “Present my kindest regards to your good wife, and believe me always anxious to hear from you and to serve you. Sincerely, W. T. SHERMAN.” CHAPTER IX 1873 LETTER FROM GENERAL SHERMAN--LOSS OF THE “ATLANTIC”--THE BOYHOOD HOME OF NAPOLEON III. AND OF HIS MOTHER, QUEEN HORTENSE-- A COMPANION TELLS OF THE PRINCE’S PRANKS AND STUDIES-- JOSEPHINE’S HARP--ARENABERG FULL OF NAPOLEON RELICS--WE HAVE A LONG INTERVIEW WITH THE EX-EMPRESS EUGENIE--LETTER FROM GENERAL SHERMAN--SPEAKS OF THIERS. _May Day, 1873._--The terrible wreck of the White Star Liner “Atlantic,” took place two weeks since. Five hundred souls lost. I had secured passage for our young friend, Hirzel. He writes how he clung to the rigging that cold morning, and witnessed poor human beings gradually freezing, letting loose their hold, and dropping from the rigging down into the sea. He was almost the last one taken off on to the rocks. General Sherman speaks of this disaster, as well as of the Modoc war: “WASHINGTON, D. C., April 24, 1873.