Near the close of his career, when General Grant lost his fortune in Wall Street, he voluntarily surrendered all his property with a single exception. He retained Read’s spirited painting of Sheridan’s “Ride,” representing “Winchester” and his master, the greatest sabreur that our country has produced, perhaps not surpassed by any cavalry commander since the days of Murat. Read’s poem of “Sheridan’s Ride” will probably outlive his famous picture.
Hurrah, hurrah for Sheridan!
Hurrah, hurrah for horse and man!
And when their statues are placed on high
Under the dome of the Union sky,
The American soldier’s temple of fame,
There with the glorious General’s name
Be it said in letters both bold and bright:
“Here is the steed that saved the day
By carrying Sheridan into the fight,