Gen. W. T. Sherman
St. Gaudens' Statue, New York
With a pressure of Lincoln's huge hand Tom was sped on his rejoicing way. Two days later he was at Grant's headquarters, at City Point, Virginia, near Fortress Monroe. He saluted and handed the General Lincoln's letter. The soldier sat, a silent sphinx, for a moment. Then he looked up at Tom with a quizzical but not unkindly smile, and said:
"Have you learned anything since you brought me dispatches at Fort Donelson and Vicksburg?"
"I hope so, General."
"Sometimes the President sends me people for political reasons. I suppose he has to. But I don't take them if I know it. Have you any political influence behind you?"
"Not a bit, sir." Tom laughed at the thought.
"You laugh well. You and Horace Porter ought to get on together. He laughs well, too. You can serve on my staff.
"I thank you, General."