The day before the parade General Sherman said to Howard:
"The political leaders demand of me that the officer whose place you took, resume his charge tomorrow and ride at the head of his unit in the parade, and I wish you would help me out of this predicament."
"But it is my unit now, General," Howard said, "and it is but fair that I ride at its head tomorrow."
"Yes, of course," General Sherman answered, "but—are you a Christian, Howard?"
"What do you mean by that?" Howard asked astonished.
"I mean that you can bear that disappointment and let him have the honor. You are a Christian," Sherman added; "well—what do you say?"
Like a brave officer, jealous of his honor, Howard had anticipated this day with delight, but, after hesitating a moment, he said:
"Yes, looked at from that point of view, only one answer is possible: Let him ride at the head of his old unit tomorrow!"
"All right then," said Sherman, "but you will report at headquarters tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock."