Life and public services of General Ulysses S. Grant, from his boyhood to the present time. And a biographical sketch of Hon. Schuyler Colfax

Front matter

# LIBKARY OF CoXORESS. i

^UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. J

PEOPLE'S EDITION.

Preface

IN answer to the question which may be asked, " "Whywrite another Life of Grant? " the author would say, that he has endeavored to prepare a biography of the man, Ulysses S. Grant, from his boyhood to the present time, differing in some respects from others which have fallen under his observation ; showing how, from a Western boy with no special advantages, he has come to be the foremost man of his time. He has not attempted to give a history of the late civil war, nor a militaiy criticism upon its campaigns, nor a passive narration of battle-scenes, but to portray the character of Gen. Grant as boy, cadet, lieutenant in the army, business-man, general, secretary of war, and his actions in each period of his career. While the author has no desire to conceal his deep sympathy with the principles of freedom which warred with the Rebellion, and whose final triumph is involved in the approaching presidential election, yet he has sought to avoid a partisan harangue.

He has availed himself of all reliable sources of information ; and special care has been taken to verify statements of fact from official sources. He has consulted freely, and acknowledges his indebtedness to, the elaborate and candid

iii iv Preface.

work of Horace Greeley on " The American Conflict," and the admirable and most interesting Military History of Gen. Badeau. Wherever anecdotes were authentic they have been inserted, as anecdotes often reveal character more clearly than great achievements.

In a word, the book has been written for the masses of the people, and from a desire to furnish an accurate and complete Life of Grant and Colfax in a compact form for <reneral circulation. It is but justice to add, that the author has been encouraged in the work by the offer of the publishers to prepare an edition at about the cost of manufacture ; thus placing it within the reach of all those brave men whom Gen. Grant led to victory in war, and the millions of his countrymen whom he is to lead to more glorious victories in peace. CHARLES A. PHELPS.

Boston, July 9, 1868.

Chapter I. Birth And Early Life

PAGE.

Birth and Ancestors. — Family History. — Origin of his Name. — Anecdotes of his Boyhood. — Desire for an Education. — Circumstances attending his Appointment as Cadet at West Point. — Peculiarities of his Education there. — Education not always Wisdom. — Graduates. — Enters the Army. — Serves through the Mexican War. — His Gratitude to a Benefactor ... 1

Chapter II. Attack On Fort Sumter. — Battle Of Belmont

Returns to the United States. — Stationed in California and Oregon. — Removal to St. Louis. — Marriage. — Farming. — Removal to Galena, 111. — Attack on Fort Sumter. — The Flag. — Majestic Uprising of the People. — Relinquishes Business to commence recruiting. — Offers his Services to the State. — Acts as Adjutant-General. — Gov. Yates's Description of Grant. — Appoints him Colonel. — Appointed Brigadier-General.— In Command at Cairo. — Takes Paducah. — Account of Grant's Life and Habits by the Chaplain of the Regiment. — Battle of Belmont 11 vi Contents.

Chapter III. Fort Henry

Fremont's Order confiscating Slaves. — Revoked by President Lincoln. — Halleck supersedes Fremont. — Halleck's Order No. 3.

— Fort Henry described. — Asks Permission to attack the Fort.

— Is refused. — Aided by Commodore Foote. — Permission given. — Grant's Energy. — Drawing the Fire of the Fort. — Anecdote of Foote. — The Gunboats. — The Attack. — Reception of the old Flag in Tennessee. — Decides to attack Fort Donelson without Orders 27

Chapter IV. Capture Of Fort Donelson

Fort Donelson. — Its Strength. — "The March of the Army." — The Bivouac. — Attack of the Gvinboats. — Interview between Foote and Grant.. — Battle nearly lost. — Anecdote of Dessaix.

— Smith ordered to charge. — The Enemy attempt to escape.

— Grant and Empty Haversacks. — Grant explains his Plans.

— Napoleon at Austerlitz. — Intelligence of American Soldiers.— Brilliant Chai-ge of Smith. — His Appearance. — Nelson. — Floyd in Midnight Conclave. — Slave's Visit at Night to Gi'ant's Hut. — Cambrone. — Flight of Floyd and Pillow. — Correspondence of Buckner and Grant. — Unconditional Surrender. — Stanton's Letter. — Scenes in the Army and in the North contrasted 34

Chapter V. Battle Of Shiloii

Effects of Capture of Fort Donelson. — Beginning of Friendship between Grant and Sherman. — Grant censured by Halleck. — Grant presented with a Sword. — Description of the Field of Shiloh. — Battle of Shiloh. — Advance of Buell. — Beauregard's Promise. — Sherman's Bravery. — Grant on the Field.

— Anecdote as to retreating. — Final Repulse of the Enemy.

— Grant's Poetry. — Grant's Theory about Battles. — Fearful- Carnage. — Sufferings of a Battle ; by what produced . . 50

Contents. "vh

chapter vi. BATTLE AT PITTSBURG LANDING

Night before the Battle. - Blessings of Sleep. - Opening of the Battle. — Beauregard. — View of the Rebel Army. — The Enemy driven. — Grant leads the Final Charge. — The Enemy give Way. — Grant's Desire to pursue. — Condition of the Soldiers. — Terrible Slaughter. — Sherman's Description. — Grant's Order.- Reqiicst of Beauregard. — Reply of Grant. -The Sanitary Commission. -Its great Work. -Description of the Southern and Northern Soldier. -The Difference. - Napoleon and Marshal Soult. — Change in Grant's Views of the Nature of the Rebellion.— Arrival of Gen. Halleck. — At tacks on Grant. - His Defence by Sherman and Washburne . 64

Chapter VII. Siege Of Corinth

The Siege of Corinth. — Grant favors an Immediate Attack. — His Advice repulsed. -Halleck's Army. -Forty Miles of Breastworks. — Depressing Effect on our Victorious Army. — The over-cautious Man. — Grant examines the Enemy's Works. — Believes they can be carried by Assault. - Halleck deceived by Beauregard. -Corinth evacuated. - The Escape of the Enemy. — Slow Pursuit. — Grant's Predictions verified .

CHAPTER VIII. BATTLE OF lUKA. — BATTLE OP CORINTH

Re-organization of Military Departments. - Grant's Treatment of Guerillas and Rebel Newspapers. - Camps for Fugitive Slaves.

— Bragg's Attempt to deceive Grant. — Failure. —Battle of luka. — Battle of Corinth. — Reckless Courage of the Rebels.

— Grant's Foresight. - Sends Hurlbut and Ord to cut off the Enemy. — Delay of Rosecrans —Grant's Displeasure. — Fowell Buxton. — The Victory. — President Lincoln's Despatch. — Grant's Modesty. - Curious Letter of Abraham Lincoln to Andrew Johnson. -"Old Terms under the Constitution.' - Grant's Reception of the Emancipation Proclamation. — His Policy concerning it . • • viii Contents.

Chapter IX. Vicksburg Campaign

Description of the Valley of the INIississippi. — Its Importance. — Determination of the West. — Grant's Sympathy. — Anecdote of Judge Douglas at St. Louis. — Rebel Works at Vicksburg.

— The Canal. — The Yazoo Pass. — Moon Lake. — Gen. Ross's Exijedition. — Advance of the Gunboats. — Attack on Fort Pemberton. — Ross's Peril. — The Fleet in Danger. — Message sent by a Slave. — Sherman's Night March. — A Torchlight Procession. — "Marshal Forwards." — Failure of Different Schemes. — Grant censured. — Vicksburg a Gibraltar. — President Lincoln's Confidence in Grant 92

Chapter X. Running The Batteries

Grant decides to move South of Vicksburg. — Is opposed by all his Generals. — Earnest Remonstrances of Sherman. — Anecdote of Nelson at Aboukir. — Attitude of Grant. — Moral Grandeur.

— Scott on Cavalry. — Grierson's Raid. — The Boats to run the Batteries. — Anecdote of the Illinois Boy. — Varied Capacities of the American Soldier. — Splendid Night-Scene on the River.

— The Boats pass the Batteries. — Princely Residence burned

by its Owner 102

Chapter XI. Crossing The Mississippi. — Battle Of Port Gibson

The Army crosses the Mississippi. — Gunboats attack Grand Gulf.

— The Repulse. — Feint at Haine's Bluff. — Grant's Untiring Activity. — His Baggage a Tooth-Brush. — Marches on Port Gibson. —Inspiring Scene. — The Battle. — Hon. Mr. Washburne. —7 Rapidity of Grant's Movements. — Gov. Yates's Despatch ...........

CHAPTER XIL

GRAND GOLF CAPTURED.

Capture of Grand Gulf. — Marches on Jackson. — Abandons his Base. — His Determination. — His Energy. — Feeds his Army off the Country. — Anecdote of Frederick the Great. — Genius

Contents. ix

makes its own Rules. —Apprehensions of Grant's Officers. — His Policy toward Rebels in War. — Bombastic Proclamation of Gov. Pettus. — Battle of Raymond. — Valor of Irish Soldiers.— Pemberton's Perplexities about Grant's Base . .121

Chapter XIII. Battle At Jackson

Pemberton puzzled by Grant's Strategy. — Battle at Jackson. — The Victory. — The Army enter the City. — Burning of the Hotel by the Soldiers. — Their Excuse. — Inhuman Conduct of its Inmates. — Banquet of Rebel Officers in Anticipation of Victory. — Pemberton's Solicitude about Grant's Base. — Cannot comprehend Grant's Strategy. — Battle at Champion's Hill. — Anecdote of Davoust at Wagram. — Hill of Death. — Curious Order received by Grant. — The Victory. — Soldiers sing " Old Hundred." — Impressive Scene 132

Chapter XIV. Battle At Big Black River

Battle at Big Black River. — Heroic Assault of Lawler's Brigade.

— The Victory. — The Enemy retreat to Vicksburg. — Pursuit by Sherman's Corps. — Results of the Campaign. — The Campaign a Novelty in War. — Napoleon's forced Contributions.— Strange Scene between Sherman and Grant. — Their Friendship. — Friendships of Great Men 143

Chapter XV. The Siege Of Vicksburg

Vicksburg invested. — Grant's Position. — Determines to Assault.

— Preparations. — The Assault. — The Forlorn Hope. — The Repulse. — The Siege. — Preparation to fight Johnston. — Rebel attempts to build Boats with the Houses of Vicksburg.

— Explosion of the Mine. — Progress of the Siege. — Distress of the Inhabitants. — Scarcity of Food. — Living in Caves. — Pemberton writes to Grant. — Their Interview. — Pemberton's Demand for Terms. — Unconditional Surrender. — Entrance of the Union Army into Vicksburg. — Interesting Scenes. — Immense Work done during the Siege. — The Largest Capture ever made in War 148

X Contents.

Chapter XVI. Fort Hudson Taken

Grant recommends Sherman for Promotion. — President Lincoln's Letter to Grant. — Amusing Defence of Grant by President Lincoln. — Port Hudson taken by Gen. Banks. — Sherman ordered to attack Johnston. — He moves on Jackson, Miss. — Jackson evacuated by Johnston. — Protection given to Colored Troops. — Grant's Views of Slavery. — No Peace until this Question is settled. — Theories on Slave Property. — Grant insists that Colored Troops shall have Equal Rights with White Troops. — Gen. Banks testifies to Bravery of Colored Troops 167

Chapter XVII

THEORIES OF TRADE. ENGLAND'S NEUTRALITY.

Grant satisfied the Rebellion cannot be coaxed out of Existence. — Views of " Trade," " Jobs," and " Speculation." — Appointed Major-General. — Intrigues of England in Mexico. — England's "Neutrality." — England's Consistency, Justice, Magnanimity, and Moderation, especially in India and Ireland. — Opening of the Mississippi. — Extortion prevented. — Grant's Care of his Soldiers. — Grant and the Steamboat Captain. — Visit to Rlemphis. — Honors paid him. — Visits New Orleans. — Appearance at the Review. — Horse-Flesh. — Accident. — Ordered to Chattanooga. — "A small Chance of a Fighter." , 176

Chapter XVIII. Battle At Wauhatchie

Grant's New Department. — Its Vastness. — His Great Power. — Ceaseless Activity of the New Commander. — His Arrival at Night at Camp. — Anecdote of Marshal Ney. — Magnanimity of Gen. Thomas. — Description of Chattanooga. — Descent of the Tennessee at Night. — Singing of Rebel Pickets. — Wolfe's Descent of the St. Lawrence. — Battle at Wauhatchie. — Great Change in the Army effected by Grant. — Anecdote of President Lincoln. — His Comments on Grant. — Mountaineers ; their Love of Freedom. — Unparalleled Suffering of Union Men in Tennessee. — Grant's Sympathy. — His Orders for their Protection. — Burnside at Knoxville. — Gi'ant's Impatience to attack Bragg. — His Solicitude for and Care of Sherman . 187

Contents. xi

CHAPTER XJX.

PREPARATIONS AT CHATTANOOGA.

Gigantic Preparations for the Campaign. — Grant at Chattanooga.

— Sherman's Arrival. — Grant shows him the Field of the Expected Battle. — Explains his Plans. — Sherman's Enthusiasm. — Rows himself down the Tennessee at Night. — Bridges the Tennessee. — The Army cross. — Battle at Lookout Mountain. — Rebels retreat to Missionary Ridge. — President Lincoln's Message 202

Chapter XX. Battle Of Missionary Ridge

Grant's Fertility of Resources. — Scene on the Morning of the Battle. — Grant's Plan. — Appearance of the Soldiers. — Heavy Fighting of Sherman's Division. — Charge of Sheridan.

— Sherman in Danger. — Grant sends Re-enforcements. — The Grand Attack on the Centre. — The Victory. — Grant's Welcome among the Troops. — The Largest Capture on any Field of Battle. — Jefferson Davis's Visit to Missionary Ridge.

— "The Devil's Pulpit" 211

CHAPTER XXL

THE BATTLE OF RINGGOLD.

Pursuit of the Enemy. — Scene at Chickamauga. — Battle of Ringgold. — Great Slaughter. — Grant turns the Enemy's Position. — Miseries of War. — Grant desires to relieve Burnside. — He deceives the Enemy. — His Despatch to Burnside . 218

Chapter XXII. Siege Of Knoxville

Location of Knoxville. — Its Fortifications. — Longstreet determines to assault. — The Assault. — The Repulse. — Sufferings of the Rebel Wounded. — Burnside's Humanity. — Offers a Truce to bury the Dead. — Longstreet deceived by Grant's Despatch. — Raises the Siege. — Sherman arrives at Knoxville.

— Interview with Sherman. — Grant's Address to his Army . 223 xii Contents.

CHAPTER XXm.

RESULTS OF THE CAMPAIGN.

Disastrous Effects of the Campaign on the Confederacy. — The Rebellion dethroned in the West. — Honors to Grant. — Resolutions of Congress. — National Medal. — Methodist Conference. — Grant visits the Outposts of his Army. — Dangers and Fatigues. — Visit to Lexington. — Proposes the Campaign against Atlanta and Mobile. — Visit to St. Louis. — Honors paid him. — Banquet. — Anecdote. — Speech-making. — Efforts to aid the Sanitary Commission 229

Chapter XXIV. Appointed Lieutenant-general

Military Power united. — Congress revives the Grade of Lieutenant- General. — Badeau's Testimony. — Interesting Correspondence between Grant and Sherman. — Grant's Arrival at Washington. — Scene at the Hotel. — Ceremonies on receiving his Commission. — Speeches of President Lincoln and Gen. Grant. — Levee at the White House. — " Warm Campaign." — Gratification of the People at the Appointment 233

Chapter XXV. Re-organization Of The Army. — The Advance

Gen. Grant re-organizes the Army. — E.x.tended Theatre of the War. — Grant's Varied Campaigns. — Operations of Sheridan, Banks, Sherman, Steele, and Butler. — Topography of Virginia. — Its Facilities for offering Defensive War. — Richmond.— Preparations for an Advance. — Mutual Confidence between President Lincoln and Grant. — Their Letters. — Deatli- Warrant of the Rebellion 239

Chapter XXVI. Campaign In The Wilderness

The Grand Ailvance. — Scene at the Crossing of the Rapidan. — Description of tlie Wilderness. — Lee's Great Advantage. — Breaking of the Rebel Line. — Lee rallies his Men. — Deter-

Contents. xiii

mines to lead a Charge. — Is compelled to retire by his Soldiers. — Anecdote of Lee and one of his Veterans. — Death of Gen. Wadsworth. — Grant's Remarks on Northern and Southern Soldiers. — Honors due to the Private Soldiers. — Retreat of Lee to Spottsylvania. — Death of Gen. Sedgwick. — "I shall fight it out on this Line." — Prisoners captured. — Battle at Spottsylvania. — Grant's Coolness. — Anecdote. — Death of Gen. Rice. — Harvest of Death 241

Chapter XXVII. Battle Of Cold Harbor

Sherman's March. — Its Announcement to the Army. — Sheridan's Raid. — Battle at Beaver Dam. — Death of Gen. Stuart. — Grant's Flank- March. — Its Difficulties. — Movement to the Pamunkey. — Old Battle-Fields. — McClellan. — Battle of Cold Harbor. — The Assault of the Sixth Corps. — Burnside. — Death of Gen. Porter. — Wonderful Success . . 250

Chapter XXVIII. Siege Of Petersburg

The March to the James River. — Its Difficulties. — Its Success. — Astonishment of Gen. Lee. — Petersburg assaulted. — Wilson's Raid. — Petersburg invested. — Thirty Miles of Works. — Immense Labors of Gen. Grant. — Anecdote of Grant and the Young Lieutenant. — Grant's Sympathy with his Men. — Anecdote of Sir Ralph Abercromby. — Visit of President Lincoln to the Army. — The Mine. — Its Explosion. — Failure to carry the Rebel Works. — Colored Troops. — Grant's Testimony.— Grant's Letter on the Rebels "robbing the Cradle and the Grave." — Sends Sheridan to the Valley of the Shenandoah.— Oidered to "Go in." — Grant's Management of the Campaign 256

CHAPTER XXIX. Sherman's march

News of Hood's March into Tennessee. — Grant's Comment. — Anecdote. — Burning of Atlanta. — Remonstrance of the Mayor. — Arguments of Sherman. — Appearance of Atlanta.

xiv Contents.

— Its Desolation. — Last Hours of the Army in Atlanta. — "John Brown's Soul goes marching on." — The Advance to the Sea. — The Campaign. — Charlestown evacuated. — Columbia captured. — Consumed by Fire. — Retribution, — Union Soldiers starved in a Land of Plenty. — Co-operating Expeditions sent out by Grant. — Effects of Slavery. — Anecdote. — Grant's Commendation of Sherman .... 266

Chapter XXX

lee's retreat.

The End approaching. — Grierson's Raid. — Canby's Expedition against Mobile. — Wilson's and Stoneman's Expeditions. — Sheridan and Early. — Lee attacks Fort Steadman. — Is repulsed. — Lee's Desperation. — Battle at Five Forks. — Sheridan's Appearance on the Field. — The Victory. — Night Bombardment.— Grant's Reception among the Soldiers. — Last Grand Attack of Lee's Army. — Hill's Division. — Anecdote of Stonewall Jackson. — Petersburg evacuated by Lee . . 271

Chapter XXXI

capture of RICHMOND.

Rejoicings at City Point. — Lee telegraphs to Jefferson Davis that Richmond must be evacuated. — Davis receives the Despatch at Church. — Curiosity of the People. — Preparations to leave.

— Excitement throughout the City. — The Burning of Richmond. — Destruction of Property caused by tlie Rebel Army.

— Scenes during the Conflagration. — Entrance of the Union Army. — Raising of the Flag on the Capitol. — Rejoicings at the North. — Rebel Army evacuate Petersburg. — Lee confident of a Safe Retreat. — Grant's Pursuit. — Battle at Sailor's Creek 280

Chapter XXXII

THE surrender OF GEN. LEE.

Crossing of the Appomattox. —Famished Condition of the Rebel Army. — Consultation of Lee's Generals. — Correspondence between Grant and Lee. — Sheridan near Appomattox. — Desperation of Lee's Army. — Custer. —His Appearance on the

Contents. xv

Yield. — The Flag of Truee. — Appomattox Court House. — Its Appearance. — Arrival of Grant. — Meeting of Grant and Sheridan. — Wellington and Bluclier. — The Interview of Grant and Lee. — Terms of the Surrender. — Scene after the Surrender. — Relic-Hunters. — Grant's Magnanimity. — Grant leaves for Washington. — Stops the Draft. — Assassination of President Lincoln. — Capture of Davis. — Sherman and Johnston. — Grant's Visit to Sherman. — Johnston's Final Surrender. — Numbers of both Armies. — Grant's Farewell to the Army 287

Chapter XXXIII

6BN. GRAKT SINCE THE WAR.

Character of the War. — Its Cost in Men and Money. — Grant ordered to visit the South. — His Report. — The Grade of " General " revived by Congress. — The Debate. — Commendation of Democrats. — Aifairs in Rebel States. — Sheridan's Report. — Johnson decides to remove Stanton and Sheridan. — Remonstrance of Grant. — Johnson's Orders. — Grant's Letter to Stanton 298

Chapter I

Birth. — Ancestors. — Boyhood. — Moves to the "West. — Juvenile Debating Club. — Becomes an Editor. — His Ealrness and Courtesy. — Enters Political Life. — Repeal of Missouri Compromise. — Kossuth. — American Stump-Speaking. — Mr. Colfax elected to Congress. — Debate on Kansas. — Extract from Speech. — Admiration of Henry Clay. — Interest in Pacific Railroad. — Friendship for Mr. Lincoln. — Urged for a Seat in the Cabinet 322

CHAPTER IL

Chosen Speaker of House of Representatives. — Qualifications of a Presiding Officer. — Lord Stowell. — Journey across the Continent.— Parting Interview with President Lincoln. — The Night of the Assassination. — Receives the President's last Good-by. — Eulogy. — Speeches to the Mormons. — Views on Mexican Question. — Manufacturing Interests. — Nomination for Vice-President. — Speech at Serenade — Speech to Committee of Soldiers' and Sailors' Convention. — Formal Presentation of his Nomination. — Address on accepting. — Letter of Acceptance. — Personal Description. — Opinion of Gen. Grant. — Characteristics , 329

Appendix

Republican Platform 342

'iiiiiir

'ii 'i

LIFE OF GENERAL GRANT.

CHAPTER I.

BIRTH AND EARLY LIFE.

ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT was born, April 27, 1822, at Point Pleasant, Clermont County, Ohio, a small town on the Ohio River, twenty-five miles above Cincinnati. The Grants are of Scotch descent ; and the motto of their clan in Aberdeenshire was, " Stand fast, stand firm, stand sure." Grant inherits from many of his ancestors a love for freedom, anfl a determination to fight for its cause. In 1799, his grandfatlier, a Pennsylvania farmer, joined the great tide of emigration moving to the North-west Territory.

This fertile and attractive region had recently been consecrated to freedom forever by the great Ordinance of 1787. There, there would be neither slaves nor slavery ; there, labor would be honorable in all.

His great-grandfather, Capt. Noah Grant of Windsor,

Conn., and his brother, Lieut. Solomon Grant, were

soldiers in the old French War, and were bt)tli killed

in battle in 1756 ; and it is not to be forgotten that

1 1 the old muster-rolls of the company bear the names of several negro soldiers who fought and died by their side. His grandfather, also Noah Grant of Windsor, hurried from his fields at the first conflict of the Revolution, and appeared as a lieutenant on Lexington Common on the morning of the memorable 19th of April, when the embattled farmers "fired the shot heard round the world."

Jesse R. Grant, the father of Ulysses, was bom in Pennsylvania in 1794. He married Hannah Simpson, the daughter of a friend and neighbor. They had six children. Mr. Grant learned his business as a tanner in Maysville, Ky., but left for Ohio because he would not own a slave, nor live where slaves w^ere owned. He is a man of great force of character, of marked individuality, of industry, integrity, and thrift ; and still lives to enjoy the respect of his fellow-citizens and the world-wide fame of his son.

Like other great men, Grant has an excellent mother, — a pious woman, cheerful, unambitious of worldly display, watchful of her children, and " looking well to the ways of her household." Her husband pays her the highest tribute wliich can be paid to any wafe and mother in saying, "Her steadiness, firmness, and strength of character, have been the stay of the family through life." ,

The strenoth of a mother's love has been famed from

o

earliest time. " Floods cannot quench it, nor the seas drown." While Grant was in the Mexican War, his mother's hair turned wliite from anxiety. He was young ; had just entered t1)L' nr-iny ; he was far away, surrounded by so many temptations, he might "fall from life, or, sadder yet, from virtue." But the mother's love and prayers, which carried him daily in her heart to God, were his shield from his cradle ; and the man does not live who ever heard him utter a profane word. Throughout all the harassing and perplexing cares of his army-life, no negligence, carelessness, misbehavior, ill-temper in others, tempted him to irreverence. Always, at all times, he w^as self-controlled ; and " self-control is self-completion." During the Rebelhon, she still followed him with the eyes of her heart on the road to fame, but with more faith and trust. She believed God had raised him up to deliver and bless his native land, and would guide and protect him. How much the world owes to pious mothers !

Love of their children was a strono;ly-marked trait in the family. Mr. Grant, senior, when in the full enjoyment of his powers of mind and body, took a competence from his own property, and divided the remainder among his children, except Ulysses, who declined to receive it. Gen. Grant wanted the companionship of his young son in his absence from his family in camp ; and, wishing also to bring him in contact with actual life under his own eye, he took him with him to Champion Hill, and through the campaign at Vicksburg. And on the morning at the White House when he received his commission from President Lincoln as Lieutenant- General of the Union armies, there w^ere assembled, besides the cabinet, only one or two officials ; but, when Gen. Grant entered, his httle son was by his side. So sweet is it to the human heart to have our success witnessed by those we h:)ve !

He was originally christened Hiram Ulysses ; his grandfather giving the name of Hiram ; his grandmother, who was a great student of history, giving the name of Ulysses, whose character had strongly attracted her admiration. The member of Congress who appointed Grant to his cadetship at West Point when a boy of seventeen, by accident changed his name, in filling his appointment, to U. S. Grant. Grant repeatedly endeavored to have the mistake corrected at West Point, and at the War Department at Washington ; but this was one of the few things in which he failed : his applications were never complied with. As if fate foresaw the patriotic duty, the filial love, the transcendent services, he was one day to render his country, the government seemed to insist, when adopting him among her military children, on renaming him, and giving to him her own initials, — " U. S.," which he has ever since borne.

It has been thought remarkable that the mother of Napoleon should have happened to give birth to her warrior-son beneath tapestried hangings on which were wrought battle-pictures from the Iliad. Is it not a little singular that the maternal relative of Grant should have chosen for her admiration, from all history, the character of the hero of the siege of Troy ; have given his name to the infent Grant ; and that forty years after, when leading the Union armies of the Republic, he should have exhibited the same invincible fortitude, untiring patience, and unconquerable perseverance, so celebrated in the immortal song of Homer ? Ulysses of old was himself the verij man who " fought it out on the line he had chosen, if it took all sunnner.''

Grant was neither a precocious nor a stui»id child:

he was a well-behaved, dutiful boy. He attended the public school in the village ; he learned well, but was no prodigy. The first book he read was " The Life of Washington," which made on his mind and imagination a profound and lasting impression. A Canadian relative of about his own age visiting him soon after, Washington was very naturally spoken of by the two boys. His Canadian cousin said " he was nothing but a rebel, after all." Both boys were excited; and Grant said, " If you say that again, I'll thrash you." It was repeated with defiance. Off went their jackets, and the Canadian soon had the worst of it. Years after. Grant was reminded of the incident by his cousin ; and he assured him pleasantly that he should do the same thing again with like provocation.

His special fondness was for a horse, and he attended the circus whenever it passed through the village. One came along in which there was an innocent-looking pony, which was brought out during the performances ; and then the question would be mildly asked with a smile, " Is there any little boy here who would like a ride? "

The pony was trained to go furiously round, and, at a given signal from his master, throw the boy head first on to the tan in the ring ; when the surprised and mortified boy would pick himself up, and retreat amid the lauohter of the crowd. When the question was asked, Ulysses stepped Into the ring, mounted ; and the pony started. On he Avent ; crack, crack, went the whi]) ; faster and faster went the pony. At the signal, he kicked up his heels, reared, plunged, shook his back. The people shouted ; but the boy sat still. Out came a large monkey, and jumped up behind him, tore off his cap, and clutched his hair. Ulysses looked neither to the right nor the left ; he spoke not a word, but clung like grim death to the saddle, until the ring-master gave it up, and stopped the pony.

This anecdote is of no consequence, except as exhil)iting a native and eai'ly-developed trait in Grant's character, — of always doing what he attempted to do. He had undertaken to ride the pony, crowd or no ci'owd, monkej'orno monkey; and he rode him. " The difference in boys," said Dr. Arnold, " is not so much m talent as in energy."

Another anecdote illustrates the same trait, but exhibits more strategy and ingenuity. When twelve years old, Mr. Grant's men were hauling heavy logs from the woods. Ulysses drove the horse. One day, when he reached the woods, he found the logs, but not the men. He waited ; but the men did not come. He determined not to go home without the logs. So, after contriving some time, he hitched the chain to one end of a log, and drew it up on to a tree which had fallen, so that one end was higher than the other. When he had three logs in position, he backed the hind end of the wagon under them, and then, with the chain, hauled the logs on to the Avagon, and drove home in triumph. Quite a little feat for a boy of twelve years of age.

He never liked his father's business of tanning. It ■was disagreeable ; and he early determined not to follow it. He wanted an education. He said he would be a farmer, or trade down the river ; but a tanner he would not be.