GENERAL, the title of a military office of varying importance in different countries. In the United States this office was created by Congress for General Grant and that of lieutenant-general for General Sherman. After the death of General Grant the office was conferred on General Sherman and General Sheridan was promoted to lieutenant-general, and on the death of General Sherman the office was revived for General Sheridan, and in 1917 for John Joseph Pershing. That of lieutenant-general was revived in 1895 for Maj.-Gen. John M. Schofield, and again in 1901, when Maj.-Gen. Nelson A. Miles was appointed its incumbent. When the office of lieutenant-general has expired by law the senior major-general becomes the commanding officer of the army, under direction of the President. There are over 200 generals of different grades on the retired list.