General U. S. Grant: his early life and military career, with a brief account of his presidential administration and tour around the world

Preface

The honors Bhowered upon General Grant in every country he visited during his recent triumphant tour around the world, as

well ;:> the enthusiastic reception accorded him on his arrival at San Francisco on his return, cannot tail to re-awaken an interest in that illustrious soldier thai a mere narrative of his ti\a\ abroad will no1 wholly satisfy. His countrymen, and especially the rising ■. < neration,will desire at this time to read something of his earlier life, and particularly of the important part he took in the crushing oul of the late rebellion— of those brilliant military achievements during that terrible struggle for national existence that firsl brought Ins name prominently before the world a- a great command* r.

- ted in :i few word-, the aim of this volume is to give a complete, authentic, and impartial biography of General Grant's boyhood ; life at West Point: service- in Mexico. Oregon, and California ; civil life, after resigning his army commission ; reentering military service on the outbreak of the rebellion, with his gradual rise from colonel of volunteers to general-in-chief of the

armies of the United States, as well a- all hi- campaigns and

battles, from Belmont and Fort Donelson to the surrender of Lee and cl08C of the war. To this is added a brief account of his nomination and election to the Presidency ; some of the m< important features of his Administration during his eight years i lii ■ f Executive of the Nation, and a Buccinct history of his ! the world, from the time he left Philadelphia, May

4 niEFACE.

19th, 1877, until he reached San Francisco on his return, September 20th, 1870.

Tho laurels won by General Grant upon the field of battle are no brighter or more lasting than is the imperishable renown he gained for himself by the generous terrns accorded the impoverished South, after it had been whipped into subjection. " I wish," said General R. E. Lee to a Northern friend, on one occasion, " to do simple justice to General Grant when I say that his treatment of the Army of Northern Virginia is without a parallel in the history of the civilized world. When my poor soldiers, with famished faces, had neither food nor raiment, General Gran; immediately issued the humane order that 40,000 rations should be furnished to the impoverished troops. And that is not all. I was giving directions to one of my staff officers, when making out the list of things to be surrendered, to include the horses. A I that moment General Grant, who seemed to be paying no attention to what was transpiring, quickly said: ' No, no, General Lee. not a horse— not one — keep them all! Your people will need them for the spring crops! ' ' "It was a scene never to he forgotten." adds the gentleman to whom the remarks were addressed, " to watch Lee's manner, when, with a spirit of chivalry equal to his skill and gallantry, he told, with moistened eyes, this and many other instances of the magnanimity so nobly displayed by his illustrious rival." Being subsequently asked who, in his opinion, was the greatest of the Federal commanders, General Lee paid the follow ing handsome tribute to General Grant : "Both as a gentleman and an organizer of victorious war, General Grant has excelled all your most noted soldiers. He has exhibited more true courage, more real greatness of mind, more consummate prudence from the outset, and more heroic bravery than any one on your side."

LIST OF CONTENTS.

PAN

Introduction 3

Chapter I. — Grant's Early Days

Birth an«l birth-place — NTome, and how he obtained il — Whore he was educated — "Wh emeaningof Can't?" — The horse trade — Anecdotes and incidents of his early life 13

Chapter II. — At West Point

When admitted aud by whose influence — Advancing through the das t — What he Learned each year — His graduation — Mis classmates— Pertinacity of character — " Com] any i .rant'' 20

Chapter III. — Enters the Army

Mexican War — Brevet Second-Lieutenant of Infantry — Employed on the Missouri frontier — Ordered to Texas— Fully commissioned — ralo Alto and Resaca de la Palma — Rio Grande — Monterey — i Cruz — Molino del Hey — Chapultepec — Brevets-First-Lieutenant—Mentioned in official reports — Regimental companions.. . 30

Chapter IV. — Subsequent Services and Resignatii

Civil lift — Oregon — Captain — Resigns the Unil i vice — Farmer and cord-wood —Engages in the leather trade — Knows more of tanning leather than of polities — Value of good leather 41

Chapter V. — The Rebellion. — Grant Volunteers and becomes a Brigadier-General

Staff and mustering officer in Illinois — Energy — Colonel of the 21s1 Illinois Volunteers — Services in Missouri — Brigadier-General of Volunteers — Comparative table of Generals appointed on the same day, and how employed on January 1. 1864 45

Chapter VI — Posr and District Commander.— Belmont

Commander at Cairo — Forces increased — Value of Cairo — Occupation of Paducah and Southland, Kentucky — Proclamation — Unpretending style of dress — Constantly Bmoking — Correspondence with Genera] Polk — Victory at Fredericktown — Belmont — Bravery of his troops — Letter to his father — His appreciation of his oramaud — Care for the wounded 49

6 CONTENTS.

PAQK

Chapter VII. — District of Cairo. — Grand Reconnoissance

District extended — Assumes command — Composition of staff — Forces further increased— Issues an order against picket-shooting— Spies to be looked after — Reconnoissance in force into Western Kentucky — Manning the gunboats 59

Chapter VIII. — Forts Henry and Doxelsox. — Value of the Feint

His command brigaded — The start — Advance upon and occupation of Fort Henry — Treatment of prisoners — Commander of three divisions — Movement upon Fort Donelson — Investment and battles— Rebel sorties — Correspondence with General Buckner — An ''unconditional surrender" demanded — "I propose to move immediately upon your works" — Victory — " The Union flag floats over Fort Donelson" — Value of the victory — Major-General of Volunteers — General Halleck's announcement of the success — A spirited incident GG

Chapter IX. — District of West Texxessee

A new district formed — General Grant in command — Congratulatory order for recent victories — Clarksville taken — Martial law in Tennessee — Marauding and plunder prohibited — -Advance up the Tennessee River — Sword presentation — Expeditionary movements— The rebel commanders opposed to Grant — The Mississippi blockade 79

Chapter X. — Pittsburg Landing or Siiii.oh

Positions of the belligerent forces— General A. S. Johnston's address to his command — The commanding officers of both armies — Preliminary skirmishing— Rebel plans— -The first day's struggle"— Bravery of General Grant — Driven back but not defeated — Re-enforcements — "The second day's battle"— The result, Victory— The news received in Xew York — Excitement throughout the North — Thanks of the War Department— Salute of one hundred guns — General Grant wounded — Correspondence with I eral Beauregard — Reconnoissance — Evidences of a hasty retreat of the rebels — General Halleck at Pittsburg Landing — Iiis thanks to General Grant 86

Chapter XI. — Movement and Siege of Corixth

Preliminary movements — Three armies combined — The "Grand Army of the Tennessee" — How composed— Outcry against General Grant — Mr. Washburne defends him in Congress — General Hallock retains him, and appoints him second iu command— He superintends the movements in the field — Gradual evacuation of Corinth — Approach of the parallels — Advance of the who! ■ army with General Grant at the head — Occupation of Corinth — Interesting details — Pursuit of the enemy 91?

CONTENTS. 7

Chapter XII. — 'I'ii k Department of W be. -Memphis. His command further ulty with regard to Memphis

— Stringent orders — Guerilla warfare — Aidin -Geu-

eral (Irani sin roes put to

useful employment — Th ■ uion

not wholesale plunder — Skulk -Quiet restored. Ill

Chapter XIII. — Iik.v — Corinth and the Batchtb

Approach of Is— Battle of luka— Hia combinations — The resull - and why — Rebel advance ujion Corinth— Dis n of his forces— Attack upon Corinth — The repulse — The rebels bro i fires — G — Yietory— l'h.' Presiden tulations 120

Chapteb XIV. — Department of the Tennessee. — Discipline. — Trade.

now command — Reorganization of the forces — Tlie army to move light — Cavalry • •■. removed to La nge, Tennessee — D ' iding I < be severely punished, and how — Departmental staff — Contraband camp cstablished — A regiment i t<> pay for plundering — Trade regulations— Punishment for violation of the same— "Why General Grant would not appoint I 132

Chapteb XV. — Advance into Mississippi. — A Retrospect. The previous efforts to take Yieksburg and their failures 14G

Chapteb XVI. — Grant's First Movements towards Vicksburg. The expedition by way of Delta, Mississippi — Its success — Advance to and occupation of Holly Springs — Arrival at Oxford, moving towards Jackson, Mi- -Surrender of Holly Springs — The result — The guilty party — Brave defence of other posts — Investigate 'ii — punishment and reward 151

Chapter XVII. — Commander of Four Army Corps. — Sherman's

Expedition.

Constitution of the 13th, 15th, 1 6th and 17th Army Corp^ — Start of General Sherman's expedition — Stringent order — Landing of the forces ... 157

Chapter XVIII. — Sherman's Attack upon Vicksburg. — Arkansas

Post.

Advance of the right wing of the Army of the Tennessee — The

—Their treng upon the heights — Change in the command — The capture of Arkansas Post L62

: XIX. — Discipline.- las.

Disaffection of th [uity —

ful dismissal of d ins —

1 7 1 g CONTENTS.

paob Chapter XX. — Change of Base. — Williams's Canal.

Head-quarters established at Young's Point — The rebel position — Reopening of the Williams Canal — Important order — Reconnoitring expeditions 1^4

Chapter XXI. — The Queen of the West and Indianola.

Running the batteries — Colonel Ellet's operations — loss of the two vessels 1*8

Chapter XXII. — The Lake Providence Canal. 182

Chapter XXIII.— The Yazoo Pass Expedition.

Dangers of the trip — Blockade of the Tallahatchie — Diversion of the rebel forces 184

Chapter XXIV. — The Steele's Bayou Expedition.

Personal reconnoissance — Dangerous position of the expeditionary vessels — Opportune arrival of General Sherman's troops 190

Chapter XXV. — The Health of the Army.

Surgeon-General Hammond's inquiries— General Grant's replies — " No army in better condition" 198

Chapter XXVI. — Overland Movements. — Running the Batteries.

Admiral Farragut's arrival at Vicksburg via Port Hudson — Two rams run by the Vicksburg batteries — The march to New Carthage and Perkins's Plantation— Porter's fleet passes Vicksburg — Passage of the transports 201

Chapter XXVII. — Grierson's Expedition.

Dash of the cavalry — Feints — The Southern Railroad destroyed — Immense destruction of rebel government property— Arrival at Baton Rouge— General Grant's report 204

Chapter XXVIIL— Other Preliminary Movements.— Attack upon

Grand Gulf.

Affair at Nanconnah— General Banks's movements from Baton R0Uge — The army at Hard Times — Naval attack upon Grand Gulf— Running the batteries 21°

Chapter XXIX. — The Landing at Bruinsburg and Advance. Marching light— The bivouac— Rapid movements— The march 212

Chapter XXX.— The Battle of Thompson's Hill or Port Gibson. — The Evacuation of Grand Gulf.

Skirmishing— The fight— General Grant on the field— The enemy driver. — The pursuit — General Grant occupies Grand Gulf — His entire disregard of danger 216

I ONTENTS.

Chapter XXX [. — Outside Operations.

Corwyn'a cavalrj I i — Sherman's feint on the Yazoo —

leral Banks to co-operate 223

Chapteb XXXII. — The Advance towards Jackson. — Battle or

R LYMOND.

Hawkins try. — Feinl towards Warrenton — Alarm in Jackson— Governor Pi proclamation — Order of advance — The march — "I shall communicate with Grand Gulf no more" — Battle near and occupation of Raymond 227

Chapter XXIII. — The Capture and Occupation of Jackson.

Clinton occupied— Movement upon the city by two routes — The contest outside the city — At Jackson — Destruction of rebel government property — Interesting details 236

CHAPTKR XXXIV. — The Advance Renewed.— Champion's Hill.

Important information gained — Prompt advance — Concentric movements— Battle of Champion's Hill — General Grant on the field — Rebel otlicial acknowledgments of defeat 243

Chapter XXXV. — Battle of Bio Black River.

General Sherman's flank movement — General Grant personally looks after the pontoon train — The contest on the banks of the Big Black — The rebels' admirable position

Chapter XXXVI. — Approaching Vicksburg. — Investment. — First

Assault.

Communication opened with the Yazoo River — The advance upon the rebel strong-hold — The first assault — Admiral Porter's co-operation— The United Service 252

Chapter XXXVIL — The Second Assault upon Vicksbi

"Why this assault was made — A decisive order — The signal — The advance — Determination of the troops — Heavy rebel lire — The charge — The repuls* — Interesting details — Admiral Porter's report— General Me< demand's objectionable order — General decisive action — His army first, his friend afterwards — The rebel General Pemberton's determination to hold Vicksburg. . .

Chapter XXXVIII. — The Siege OF Vioksbubo.

The rebel works nearly invested — A leak discovered — Valuable information gained— , aed in the rear — Pre

resist the threat — General Blair's expedition- and

miners at work — Reeufor - — General Sherman's

tion — The rebels' "faith in the Lord and Joe Johnston1' — The

latter taken care of

1*

10 CONTENTS.

PKGX

Chapter XXXIX. — The Explosion of the Mine.

The mine — How worked — The powder deposited — Details of the firing and explosion — The scene — The dash at the breach — Another decisive order 281

Chapter XL. — The Surrender of Vicksburg.

The city spared, and why — The approaching parallels — The rebels desire a capitulation — The meeting of the commanding Generals — The terms " Unconditional Surrender" — Suspension of hostilities— Magnanimous conduct to the besieged — The garrison allowed to march out with the honors of war 290

Chapter XLI. — Occupation of Vicksburg. — The Losses.

The entrance of the Union Army into Vicksburg — Condition of the city — The rebel losses — Comparative statement of casualties — General Halleck's report of the campaign — His opinion of General Grant — The President's autograph letter of thanks.— His joke upon Grant's whiskey — Port Hudson — Its fall necessitated by the capitulation of Vicksburg 302

Chapter XLII. — The Pursuit of Johnston. — Second Capture of the City of Jackson.

General Sherman's preparations — The pursuit commenced — Joe Johnston's appeal — Jackson invested on three sides — Details of the advance — Evacuation of the city by the rebels and occupation by the Union troops 317

Chapter XLIII. — At Vicksburg, but not Idle.

The Yazoo City expedition — The Red River and Natchez expedition— The Mississippi Valley campaign ended 326

Chapter XLIV. — His Success made Sure. — His Department Secured.— Care for the Soldiers.

Mrs. General Grant — Sword presentation — Major-General of the Regular Army — Furloughs for the troops — The contrabands — Trade — Letter to Secretary Chase — An overcharging steamboatman made' to disgorge — Guerillas to be severely dealt with — Negro camps 331

Chapter XLV. — Visit to Memphis and New Orleans.

The dinner at Memphis — The toasts — " De Soto, Fulton, Grant'' — He visits other districts — Arrival at New Orleans — Review at Carrolton — Thrown from his horse and seriously injured — The result • 341

Chapter XLVI. — An Enlarged Command — Military Division of

the Mississippi, i reneral Grant looks after the pay of his soldiers — Jurisdiction ol u:<s disiriet of Vicksburg — Badge of honor for the troops — Concentra-

COJN 11

paoi

tion al < Ihattanooga— ] u t' n

mi' nis — Meet iral Grant an try Stanton— Arrival al T. -Assumes command — Hisimmensi aponsibility — Position of affairs

Chaptbb XL VII. — Active Movements. — Lookout Valley.

condition of the troops al eta a change — Lookout pied — Communications re-opened — Rebel chagrin — incidents 360

Chapter Xl.Vllf. — Longstreet's Advance dpon Knoxville.

Genera] Grant's quiet demeanor — D tli raiding parties

through their friends — Arrival of

flank movemenl — The rebels allowed to advance, and why— I ! l-rant's plans 371

Chapter XLIX. — The Battles before Chattanooga. — First Day.

General Wood's reeonnoissanee — An advance — The think it

a review until too hue — Orchard Knob taken — Gallantry of the

Chapter L. — The Second Day. — Lookout Mountain.

General Hooker's movements on the right — A new specimen of tacti i mountain taken — General Grant's ;tch.. 3>0

Chapter LI. — Thtjrd Day. — Tunnel Hill.— Mission Ridge.

Sherman's b jsaults— Details of tic si — Value of the grand attack in the centre- I anco through tli" valley of death — The I g gained —The n bels in full retreat — Granger's complimentary order — Incidents 390

Chapter LTJ. — Retrospect op the Three Days' Battles.

General Meigs's semi-official dispatch — The victory — General Grant's bravery — "Another victory added to Unconditional surrender < rrant.1 "

• 'hapter LIU. — The Pursuit. — Fight \t Ringgold.

The rebels closely followed up — The aflfaii — immense destruction of rebel ston gold — Occupation of the G era! Bragg's dispatch

Chapter LIV. — K-

• eneral Grant's splendid si i — Fie first defeats

Bragg and then turns upon I. >

al Granl

ral

I

-Mil

12 CONTENTS.

paoi

Chapter LV". — Honors to General Grant. — Thanks op Congress.

— Gold Medal.

The Hon. B. B. Washburne's resolutions — Thanks of Congress — A gold medal to be presented to General Grant — " Public resolution No. 1" — The medal — Honorary member of missionary societies— Nominated for President — Thanks of State Legislatures — Presentations 430

Chapter LVI. — Lieutenant-General. — Congressional Nominations.

The grade of Lieutenaut-General to be revived — General Grant nominated for the position — Exciting debate in Congress — Speeches of the Hon. Messrs. Farnsworth and Washburne — The nomination approved by one hundred and seventeen votes 431

Chapter LVII. — Preparing for a New Campaign.

General Grant submits a plan of action — Resolution to raise one million of men to be placed under his command — Forethought on behalf of repentant rebels — Orders under the confiscation act — The property of loyal persons — Care for his troops 443

Chapter LVIII. — Personally Inspects his Grand Department.

His departure from Chattanooga, — Arrival at Nashville — Visit to Knoxville — Dangerous and unpleasant trip to Louisville by way of Cumberland Gap — Reception at Lexington — Railroad communication opened with Chattanooga — The rear of his lines perfectly safe 449

Chapter LIX. — At St. Louis. — Public Dinner.

His quiet and modest arrival in that city — Invitations to a public dinner and reply — The reception — General Grant's speeches — Honorary member of the Western Sanitary Commission 455

Chapter LX. — His Personal Appearance and Character.

In battle and at home — Kiudness of heart — Abnegation of self — Appreciation of others — Modesty — Ideas of Strategy 4G3

Chapter LXI. — Grant's Last Campaign, and Close of the "Wab

•

Ordered to the National Capital— Reception at the White House — His preparations for an immediate campaign — Battles of the Wilderness and Cold Harbor — His flank movement across the James — Siege of Petersburg— Capture of Fort Fisher and Wilmington—Battle of the Five Forks — Assault on Lee's Army — Fall of Petersburg and Richmond — Surrenuer of Generals Lee and Johnston — Grant commissioned General 470

Chap.LXIL— Twice Elected President— Touk around the World President of the United States from 1869 to 1877— Departure for Europe — Travels and honors abroad — Reception at San Francisco on his return 500

HIS EAELT LIFE AND MILITARY CAREER

Chapter I. Grant's Early Dats

If, as has been said, "success is the test of merit," ihen indeed has the subject of this biography fairly earned the warmest encomiums, ami the sinceresi respect and admiration, not only of his fellow-countrymen, but of the entiiv world. Rising from humble life by rapid \. t regular grades of promotion, to the most exalted position within the gift of the Republic, his personal history is one which, like that of the "Father of his Country," can never fail to attract the deepest interest of the people who now, and through all time to com", shall enjoy the rich fruits of his labors, his skill, and his patriotism. "Deeds, m>t words," seems to have been the motto <>r this grave, unassuming, and reticenl man, who cheerfully accepts any responsibility which his Buperii 3 e tit to lay upon him, and gives to the work in hand all the best energies of his mind, and all the unwearied devotion of a patriot soldier. " Posterity delights in detail :" and, both in the present and future time, i . Qghoul the 1 Qgth and bn i' the laud which he

has BO largely contributed to save intact from the attacks of treason, the slightest event connected with the life, character, and career of the eighteenth President of fch ■ United States, can not fail to have an absorbing interest to readers of every class and every age.

Gen. Ulysses S. Grant is descended from an ancient and worthy Connecticut family, the immigrant ancestor 01 which was Matthew Grant, who came over from England in 1630, in the ship " Mary and John," and with his fellow-passengers founded the town of Dorchester (now South Boston), Mass. In 1636 he was one of the company who settled the town of Windsor, Connecticut, and was an active and prominent citizen, being a notable land surveyor, a faithful and remarkably conscientious townclerk and an influential member of the Church. His great-grandson, Noah Grant, located at Tolland, Conn., and Ms son Noah removed to Coventry, about 1750, and was a Captain in the Crown Point Expedition of 1755, in which he and his brother Solomon were killed. His son, Noah, General Grant's grandfather, was a lieutenant of militia at the battle of Lexington, in 1776, and served in the Continental Army during the entire Revolutionary War. He removed from Coventry to Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, about 1787, and there married, as his second wife, Rachel Kelley, in 1791. His son by this second marriage, Jesse Root Grant, the father of the hero, was born in Westmoreland County, in 1794, from whence, when he was five years of age, the family removed to what is now Columbiana County, Ohio; and again, when he was ten years old, to Deerfielcl, Portage County, in the Western Reserve. His father dying the next ;

. I be family became somewhat scattered; and during

War of 1812 Jesse, with his mother an

Lren, removed to Maysville, Kentucky; the northern part of Ohio being unsafe for women and children,

Ills EARL'S DATS. 15

on account of the dangers from the British and their Indian allies. In L815, being then of age, he lished himself at Ravenna, Ohio, in the tanning business, to which he had si rved a lull apprenticeship. Driven from thence in L820 by the prevalence of the fever an.! ague, he removed to Point Pleasant, Clermonl County, Ohio, ontheOhio River, twenty-five miles above Cincinnati; and there, in June of the same year, he married Hannah, daughter of John Simpson, who, some three years previous had removed thither from Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Of good family, domestic in her habits, cheerful in disposition, and possessing greal firmness and steadiness of character, as well as being a consistent member of the Methodist Church, she was well lilted to be the mother of children, and to influence their lives in the righi and noblesl direction.

Hiram Ulysses, the eldest child of this worthy couple,

both of whom were fortunately spared to witness and

participate in Ids fame, was born on the 27th of April,

1822. Among the various anecdotes which, now thai be

is famous have been broughi to lighl concerning his

earlier years, is this: That once, when he was hut two years

old, his father " look him in his arm- and carried him

through the village on Borne public occasion, and a young

man wished to try the , if el of the reporl of a pistol

upon him. Mr. (Irani consented, though, as he said, the

child had never seen a gun or pistol in his lit''. The

band of the baby was accordingly put on (he lock ami

pressed there quietly, until the pistol was discharg d with

aloud report The little fellow exhibited no alarm, neitl

winking nor dodging, hut presently pushed the pistol

away, asking, in a childish way, thai it b ir fix< d.

From his father's statement, we learn thai the

and ■•ruling passiou," almosi from tne time be could go

16 GE^EEAL GRANT.

alone, was for horses. When only seven and a half years old, he took advantage of his father's absence from homo for a day, to harness up a three-year-old colt, which, though accustomed to the saddle, had never before had a collar on ; and hitching him to a sled, spent the day in hauling brush. By the time he was eight and a half years old, he was a regular driver, hauling wood for his father, and at ten years of age was intrusted with the charge of a pair of horses, with which he drove forty miles, to Cincinnati, and brought back a load of passengers alone. He was always " on hand " when a traveling show or circus came along, was always ready to ride the pony, when the "ring-master" offered the boys in the audience the chance ; and, in his father's words, " whatever he undertook to ride he rode," and nothing could shake him off. He early began to break horses himself, and developed a wonderful faculty for teaching them to pace, — a knack which would have given him plenty of work from the neighbors, if he had not considered it rather degrading to do it for mone}^, and refused to accommodate them.

An anecdote is related by his father, in his contributions to the New York Ledger, which is remarkably characteristic of the determined " grit," as well as of the faculty of adaptation to circumstances, which has since been noticed in his son as a general. Mr. Grant, who had a contract for building the Brown County jail, had need of a number of logs, some fourteen feet in length ; and Ulysses, then in his twelfth year, volunteered to drive team until the logs were hauled, if his father would purchase a certain horse which he thought an excellent match for another which he then owned. This he did, and hired a man to go along with the boy ; but, after a few days' trial, the man reported that there was no use in his watching the boy or the team, for the lad could manage it as well, if not

HIS EARLY DATS. 17

better, than he could. A i'-w .lays passed, and Mr. Grant accidentally discovered thai the boy Loaded the Logs into the wagon, hy hims< Lf, with no assistance bul such as he goi from the nev horse. Surprised and incredulous) inquired into the prot 3S apparently impossible

feat, and the boy quietly, and in a " matter-of-facl " way, explained that, taking advantage of a large sugar-tree which had been felled, so thai it lay aslant, one end resting on the ground and the other elevated, he had hitched the horse to the end of a hewn log, and drawn it up on the Bugar-tree, until the vm\ projected far enough over to allow of Ins backing the wagon under it; then, when he had hauled up three, which made his "load," in this manner,' he backed the hind part of the wagon under them, hitched the horse — a strong animal — in front by means of a long chain extending over the whole length of the wagon-box, and pulled them over, one after another, into the wagon. And thus he worked for seven months, until the job was completed.

As an example of his self-possession, it is related that, in driving a couple of lady passengers, in a two-horsje wagon, across a creek in which the water was higher than he had expected, and finding suddenly that the horses were swimming, and the water up level with the wagonbottom, the ladies were much alarmed, and began to Bcream, when Ulysses, who was on the front seat, looking coolly over his shoulder, quietly said. " Don't speak — y will take yon through safe" — and he did. In these incidents of his boyish days we see a gleam of the same spirit that led him, in after-years, when the whole country were Looking on, to say. "I propose to fighl it niii on this line, if it takes all Bummerl"

The first 1 k thai Ulysses r ad, when he was <<>iw

a years old, was a ,- Life of I Washington."

At school he was a fair but not a remarkable scholardeveloping a special interest only in mathematics.

As a hoy he seems to have been as modest, retiring, and reticent as he has been in his subsequent career ; yet he always manifested a proper amount of confidence in bis ability to do any thing which was to be expected of a boy of his size and years. Among boys he was regarded as a leader ; yet, without forwardness, he rather sought the company of older persons.

It is needless to repeat here the well-known story of the exceeding difficulty which he experienced in his school-days, in learning the moaning of the word "cautj" and it is pretty certain that he never has learned it, even to this day !

His disposition was peaceable, yet would stand no imposition upon what he considered his rights; and when forced into a corner could fight as well as any one. The current story of his "flogging a captain" is, on his own authority, untrue ; and it is said by those who know him well, that he never had & personal controversy in his life. Profanity was a vice which he was peculiarly free fr< >m, both in boyhood and in his subsequent military career.