EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 8, 1884_.
General William T. Sherman, General of the Army, having this day reached
the age of 64 years, is, in accordance with law, placed upon the retired
list of the Army without reduction in his current pay and allowances.
The announcement of the severance from the command of the Army of one
who has been for so many years its distinguished chief can but awaken in
the minds, not only of the Army, but of the people of the United States,
mingled emotions of regret and gratitude--regret at the withdrawal from
active military service of an officer whose lofty sense of duty has been
a model for all soldiers since he first entered the Army in July, 1840,
and gratitude, freshly awakened, for the services, of incalculable
value, rendered by him in the war for the Union, which his great
military genius and daring did so much to end.
The President deems this a fitting occasion to give expression
in this manner to the gratitude felt toward General Sherman by his
fellow-citizens, and to the hope that Providence may grant him many
years of health and happiness in the relief from the active duties
of his profession.