General

This grade was first created by Act of Congre March 3, 1799, and General Washington was appointed to fill it. The office was abolished in 1802. It was not revived again until 1866, when General Grant was appointed. On the election of Grant to the Presidency, William T. Sherman succeeded him in the grade of general. On the retirement of General Sherman, November 1, 1883, the office again became extinct. It was revived for a brief time (June to August, 1888), for Lieutenant-General Philip H. Sheridan. Since his death in 1888 the office has ceased to exist, as has that of lieutenant-general, the highest officer in the army being designated as the general commanding.