“DEAR BYERS: I received your letter some days ago and sent it from my office to the house, for the perusal of Mrs. Sherman, therefore it is not before me now. I take it for granted that Minnie is, or must be, at Zurich or near there. Since she has been traveling from Italy her letters have been less frequent, and I fear some of our letters to her have miscarried, or been delayed. It is now pretty well determined that she will remain over the winter, so that she will have plenty of time to see all things that can be of interest. I hope that she will give Switzerland a good long visit, and that from there she will make the excursions that are so convenient. We all write to her often, so she must feel perfectly easy on our behalf. Instead of going to Carlisle, as Mrs. S. first intended, the family have remained here in Washington, and I see no cause to regret it, for we have had but little oppressive weather, and our house is so large and airy that I doubt if any change would be for the better. Of course, all the fashionable people, including most of the officers, have gone to the seashore or mountains, so that Washington is comparatively dull, but the many changes here in the streets, and abundance of flowing water have added much to the comfort of those who remain and can’t get away. “Elly and Rachel, the two smaller girls, who were at school when you were here, are now at home, and are busy all day with their companions, playing croquet in our yard. Tom is putting in his vacation by riding horseback with two of his companions up through Pennsylvania. At last date he was near Altoona, and will be gone all of July and part of August. I suppose the return of Minister Rublee to his post has disappointed you, but you must have patience and do well that which is appointed for you, leaving for time that advancement which all ambitious men should aim for. I sometimes regret that I am at the end of my rope, for it is an old saying that there is more real pleasure in the pursuit than in reaching the goal. Although you may hear of cholera in this country, I assure you that it is not serious. I suppose the same is true of Europe, though it is reported the Shah of Persia declined to visit Vienna on account of cholera. I think Minnie ought to visit Vienna, if only for a week, to see that really beautiful city, and to visit Mr. Jay’s family. My best love to Mrs. Byers. Truly your friend, W. T. SHERMAN.” CHAPTER XI 1874 SHERMAN ON CUBA--VISIT ITALY--GARIBALDI’S WONDERFUL RECEPTION AT ROME--THE ARTIST FREEMAN--FIRST AMERICAN PAINTER TO LIVE IN ROME--ROME IN 1840--SEE VICTOR EMMANUEL--JOAQUIN MILLER-- HIS CONVERSATION AND APPEARANCE--NEW SWISS CONSTITUTION-- MORE LETTERS FROM GENERAL SHERMAN--TOO MANY COMMANDERS IN WASHINGTON FOR HIM--WILL GO TO ST. LOUIS--HIS VIEWS OF WAR HISTORIES.