The life of Ulysses S. Grant, general of the armies of the United States

Preface

When so many biographies of General Grant are announced as about to be published or actually ready for delivery to purchasers, several of them by writers of acknowledged capacity and distinction, the authors of the present work feel that if they do not owe to the public an apology for their undertaking,* it is at least their duty to tender a frank statement of the reasons which have induced them to engage in such an enterprise. First among these is the fact that they have been urged to do so by their excellent publishers ; but this alone would not have been sufficient, had it not been their fortune, at various critical epochs of the War for the Union, to be thrown into the midst of decisive events, and to see with their own eyes, and often quite intimately, a great deal that is important in history. In many of these transactions, General Grant bore a controlling part, so that to know the facts was to know the man. It is hoped that the desire to record this knowledge in a manner somewhat permanent, and to preserve the impressions gathered in the campaigns of Northern Mississippi, and of Vicksburg, the rescue of Chattanooga, the battles and marches of 1864 in iv PREFACE.

Virginia, and the crowning events which culminated at Appomattox Court House in April, 1865, may of itself, be thought a satisfactory motive for the production of this volume ; but to this is to be added the wish to do justice as far as possible to a man, who, highly as he is admired by his fellow-citizens, is not yet sufficiently esteemed for heroic steadiness and courage, his transparent simplicity and honesty, and his profound and disinterested wisdom.

Another consideration which has seemed to be of some weight is the fact, that most of the biographies, completed or projected, are either of a special nature, exclusively devoted to some particular portion or aspect of General Grant's career ; or else they are framed upon a plan of extensive elaboration and exceeding fulness of detail. It has accordingly seemed desirable that there should be a book of convenient compass, covering the entire ground, and puttmg within the reach of the people in a single handy volume, all the information which they naturally desire respecting this great soldier, sincere patriot, and naturally astute statesman.

With these remarks the subject is committed to the candid judgment of the public.

New York, April, 1868.

Table of Contents

CHAPTEK I.

THE GRANT FAMILY.

PAGE.

Chapter II. Boyhood And Youth

His Christening— Boyhood— An apt Horseman— His Industry— Stories of his Youth— His Disposition— A Leader among his Companions- Fond of School— Aptitude in Mathematics— Never used Profane Language—Not fond of his Father's Tannery— Nomination for a Cadetship — Singular Incident concerning his Name,

Chapter III. Life At West Point

Enters "West Point— Cadet Life— Position in his Class— Excels in Military Exercises — Surpasses in Horsemanship — Escapes much of the Hazing usually Inflicted upon new Cadets— Does not approve of Boisterous Pranks common among Cadets — On Leave of Absence— Returns to West Point — Makes the usual Expeditions to Benny Havens — Is not Induced to taste Liquor nor Smoke— Amusements — Not Enthusiastic—Submits readily to Discipline— Captain Smith— Professors- Course of Instruction — Class-mates — Reflections on the Education of West Point — Scholarship — Graduates Twenty-first in his Class, - - - -

Chapter IV. The Mexican War

Appointed Brevet Second Lieutenant — The Three Months' Leave of Absence — Reports for Duty — Regiment at Jefferson Barracks — At Natchitoches, La. — Government Policy towards Texas— Duties as a Subaltern—Fourth Infantry joins the Army of Observation— Promoted to full rank of Second Lieutenant in Seventh Infantry— Remains with his

Vi CONTENTS.

PAGE.

Comrades of the Fourth— Participates in the Battles of Palo Alto, Resaca de las Palmas and Monterey— Noticeable Coolness and Gallantry- Characteristic Spirit of the Troops— Grant's Regiment joins Scott— At the Siege and Capture of Vera Cruz- Grant appointed Regimental Quartermaster— Goes into action with lijs Regiment— Takes gallant part at Cerro Gordo— At the Capture of San-Antonio and Battle of Churubusco — Conspicuous Bravery at El Molino del Rey— Full grade of First Lieutenant— At the Storming of Chapultepec— Capture of the City of Mexico— Breveted Captain— Summary of his Services — Married at St. Louis— Stationed at Sackett's Harbor and Detroit — Accompanies his Regiment to Cahfomia— Serves in Oregon— Promoted to be Captain — Resigns, and returns to St. Louis 31

Chapter V. Grant In Civil Life

Settles upon a Farm — Anecdotes— Establishes a Real Estate Office in St. Louis — Position in the Custom House — Joins his Brothers in business at Galena — Outbreak of the Rebellion, 37

CHAPTER yi.

FIRST DAYS OF THE WAR.

Grant's Political Opinions — Determined Loyalty — The President calls for Seventy-five thousand Men — Grant drills a Company at Galena — Takes it to Springfield — ^Offers his Services to the War Department — Writes McClellan at Cincinnati— Assists in the Organization of Illinois Troops — Appointed Colonel of the Twenty-first Illinois Volunteers — Marches his Command towards Quincy — Official Report of March and Services in Missouri — Appointed Brigadier-General— Ordered to Cairo — Polk at Columbus — Bragg at Bowling Green — JeflT. Thompson in South-cast Missouri — Capture of Paducah — Overthrow of Kentucky Neutrality — Exasperation of the Rebels — Grant Organizing at Cairo — Lieutenant Rawlins made Assistant Adjutant-General — Grant advises the Capture of Columbus — Battle of Fredericktown — Demonstration towards Columbus—Battle of Belmont— Grant's Coolness — Victory — Influence upon the Troops, 41

Chapter VII. Fort Henry

The Rebels Concentrate at Bowling Green and Strengthen Columbus- Forts Donelson and Henry — Fremont Succeeded by Halleck — Grant Confirmed in his Command — Buell Relieves Sherman — Halleck on the Defensive — Grant makes a Demonstration towards Columbus — Recommends a Movement against Fort Henry — Begins the Movement — Capture of Fort Henry— Conception of this Movement due to Grant, - - - 64

Chapter VIII. Fort Donelson

PAGE.

Bowling Green Evacuated— Fort Donelson Heavily Re-enforced and Strengthened — Grant moves upon it — Skirmishing — Investment — Defeat of the Gun-boats— The Rebels undertake to Cut their Way out — Desperate Battle — Grant arrives on the Field^Restores Order — Anecdote — Renews the Battle — Smith's Successful Assault — Buckner asks for an Armistice — Grant Proposes to Move at once upon liis Works — Unconditional Surrender — Grant made Major-General — Halleck's Jealousy, --.... 59

Chapter IX. The Battle Of Shiloh

Fruits of the Victory at Fort Donelson— Nashville Evacuated— Johnston Concentrates His Army at Murfreesboro — Evacuation of Columbus — Grant Assumes Command of the District of West Tennessee — Sherman Succeeds Him at Cairo— Grant Restrained by Halleck— Rebuked and Relieved from Command for Going to Nashville — Charged with Lisubordination — He asks to be Relieved — Restored to Command — The Rebels Concentrate at Corinth — Buell ordered to Join Grantr— Grant takes Command at Savannah— Concentrates His Army at Pittsburg Landing — Strategic Considerations— Buell Slow— The Rebels Determined to Fall upon Grant — Preliminaries to the Battle of Shiloh — Grant Prepared— Terrible Fighting — Details of the First Day's Operations — Arrival of Buell— Grant still Hopeful— The Battle Renewed next Morning — Easy Victory — Results, &9

Chapter X

lUKA AND CORINTH.

Grant's Advance in Sight of Corinth— Halleck Arrives and Assumes Command— Tlie Troops Dispirited by His Policy— The Army Reorganized — Siege of Corinth — Grant in Unmerited Disgrace — Advises Halleck to Attack— Is Rebuked— Asks for Leave of Absence— Sherman Counsels Him to Remain— Disastrous Results of Halleck's Policy—Corinth Evacuated— Halleck Disperses the Army and Goes to Washington as General-in-Chief— Offers Command to Colonel Allen- Grant Restored— Battle of luka— Battle of Corinth— Grant's Order of Congratulation— Summary— Grant's Generalship— Buell and Rosecrans Rewarded for His Victories, 85

Chapter XI. Preparations For The Vicksburg Campaign

Grant Assumes Command of the Department of the Tennessee— Organizations and Re-equipment of Troops Perfected — Necessity of Opening the Mississippi River— Halleck Opposes the Schemes of McClernand — viii CONTENTS.

PAGE.

McClernand ordered to Dlinois to Raise a New Army— Dispositions of Grant's Army— Dissatisfection of the Rebel Government— Pemberton Assigned to Command of tlie Department of Mississippi— Grant on the Move— Skirmishing— Pemberton Abandons his Camp near Abbeville — Movements in Northern Mississippi— McClernand's Expedition— Orders Directing Sherman to Move against Vicksburg — Colonel Murphy Surrenders Holly Springs — Army Encamped on the North Side of the Tallahatchie— Half Rations— System of Foraging- Specimen Christmas Dinner — Grant's Order Dividing his Command into Corps — Establishes his Head-Quarters at Memphis — His Confidence in Sherman's Generalship — Sherman's Operations — Demonstrations against Haines's Bluff — McClernand Captures Arkansas Post — McClernand's Insubordination — Grant's Magnanimity — Grant at Young's Point — Advises the Government to Unite the Military Departments in the West, 93

Chapter XII. The Rebel Stronghold On The Mississippi

Site of Vicksburg — Difficult Approaches — Natural Defenses — Troops Arrive at Milliken's Bend — Failure of the Canal — Yazoo Pass Expedition — Steele's Bayou Expedition — Concentration of the Army at Milliken's Bend, --- 104

CHAPTEE XIII.

PORT GIBSON AND GRAND GULF.

McClernand and McPherson March to New Carthage — Admiral Porter with the Iron-Clads and Transports Runs by the Batteries — Description of the Scene — Supplies Arriving — Naval Fight at Grand Gulf — The Gun-boats and Transports run Batteries at Grand Gulf — Troops Cross the River at Bruinsburg — McClernand Encounters the Enemy — Battle of Port Gibson— The Rebels Defeated— Evacuation of Grand Gulf- Grant Puslies Forward — Base of Supplies at Grand Gulf — Halt for Supplies and Re enforcements, 110

Chapter XIV. Vicksburg Reached

Johnston Placed in Command of Rebel Military Operations in the South-west — Pemberton's Generalship — Grierson's Raid— Sherman Joins the Army— Grant's Plan— Battle of Raymond— Capture of Jackson — Battle of Champion's Hill — Capture of Stores and Munitions at Edwards' Depot— Assault and Capture of the "Works at Big Black River Bridge — Gallant Conduct of the Troops— Pemberton Hastens to Vicksburg — The Union Army Crosses the Big Black — Arrival Before Vicksburg — Results of the Campaign, 110

CONTENTS. IX

Chapter XV. The Siege And Capture

PAr.E.

Vicksburg Invested — The Rebel Works — Position of Grant's Army — Johnston on the East Side of the Big Black — The First Assault — Its Failure — The Assault of the 22d of May — Great Bravery of the Troops — Incidents — Grant Determines upon a Siege — Troops Sent to Watch Johnston — McClernand's Order — McClernand Eeheved from his Command — McPherson's Mine — The Contemplated Final Assault — Flag of Truce — Meeting of Grant and Pemberton — Grant's Terms — The Surrender — Sherman on the March to Jackson — Returns to Black River — Rebels on the West Side of the Mississippi River — Fight at MiUiken's Bend — Behavior of the Colored Troops — Battle at Helena — The Rebels Defeated — Herron Sent to Re-enforce Banks — Port Hudson Surrenders on the 8th of July — Ransom at Natchez — The Results of the Vicksburg Campaign — Rejoicing at the North— Tlie President's Letter — Grant Organizing his Command^He Authorizes Furloughs — Public Dinner at Memphis — Grant's Letter, 127

Chapter XVI. The Army Of The Cumberland

Situation of Affairs in the Mississippi Valley — Rosecrans at Chickamauga — Grant Ordered to Louisville — Meets Stanton at Indianapolis — Assigned to the Command of thfe Military Division of the Mississippi — Rosecrans Relieved by Thomas — Army of the Cumberland Besieged in Chattanooga — Grant Telegraphs to Thomas — Goes to Chattanooga — Bragg on Lookout Mountain — Precarious Situation of the Army of the Cumberland — Grant Equal to the Emergency — Repossession of Lookout Valley— Sherman Approaching from Memphis — Preparations for Battle — Bragg's Message — Battle of Lookout Mountain — Battle of Chattanooga — Grant's Generalship — Note — Organization of United States Forces— Organization of Rebel Forces, 138

Chapter XVII. Knoxville

Longstreet Invades East Tennessee — Burnside Attacks him near Loudon — Affairs at Campbell's Station — Cavalry Fight near Knoxville — Knoxville Besieged — Assault on Fort Sanders — Rebels Repulsed — Granger and Sherman Ordered to Knoxville — Siege Raised — Sherman Returns to Chattanooga — Burnside Relieved — Foster Takes Command — Operations Suspended by Cold Weather — Rejoicing for Victory at Chattanooga — Congress Votes Grant a Gold Medal — Movement to Revive the Grade of Lieutenant-General, 153

X CONTENTS.

Chapter XVIII. Plans For The Next Caivipaign

PAGE.

Grant Goes to Nashville to Perfect Means of Supplying the Armies — Ee-establishment of Railroad Lines — Goes to Knoxville — Inspects Cumberland Gap — Crosses the Mountains to Lexington — Hardships and Exposure — Returns to Nashville — Plans for Future Operations — Sherman's Raid to Meridian — Destruction of Railroads — Failure of Cavalry to Join Him — Banks not Permitted to Co-operate — Grant Called to Washington, 158

Chapter XIX. Grant In The Chief Command

Grade of Lieutenant-General Revived — Grant Ordered to Washington — His Letter to Sherman and McPherson — Sherman's Reply — Advises Grant to Return to the West — Grant Arrives at Washington — Receives his Commission — The President's Speech — Grant's Reply — Visits the Army of the Potomac — Returns to Nashville — Assumes Command of the Armies of the United States — Joins the Army of the Potomac — Reorganization of Army and Staff— Chivalric Conduct — Reflections, - 163

Chapter XX. The Situation

Extracts from General Grant's Official Report — The Eastern Theater of Operations — Reflections — Failures of Former Commanders — Discussion and Comparison of the Several Plans of Campaign — Butler's and Sigel's Positions— Unjust Criticism— The McClellan Faction — The Champion? of the Cause, 170

Chapter XXI. The Wilderness

Lee's Position at Orange Court House — Grant Decides upon his Pohcy — He Issues his Instructions to Meade— Meade Arranges Details — The Army on the Move — The Position in the Wilderness — Lee Determines to fall upon Grant— Warren Attacked— The Onset Broken— The Bulk of the Rebel Army in Front — The Engagement at Parker's Store — Wilson Encounters Stuart's Cavalry— Burnside Takes Position— The Contending Armies — A Remarkable Field— No Rule of Modern Warfare Applicable— Grant Decides to be tlie Attacking Party— Lee also Resolute— Tlie Union Army Moves to the Attack— The Battle of the Wilderness — Desperate Fighting — Sheridan's Operations — Reflections, 187

CONTENTS. XI

Chapter XXII. Spottsylvania

PAGE,

The Rebels Retire to their Fortifications— The Union Army turns Towards Spottsylvania — Lee Fortifies at Spottsylvania — Sheridan in Quest of the Rebel Cavalry — The Positions of Grant and Lee — Death of General Sedgwick — The Assault of Colonel Upton — Grant's Bulletin to the War Department — Continued Skirmishing — Hancock's Success — Severe Fighting — Maneuvering — Sheridan on a Raid — Destroys Railroads, Stores, Etc., 202

Chapter XXIII. Butler And Hunter

Butler's Movements on the James— Defeat at Drury's Blufi"- Shut up at Bermuda Hundred — He Fails to Carry out a Decisive Policy— Sigel Repulsed at New Market — He Retreats — Is Relieved by Hunter — Hunter Assumes the Offensive — His Engagenent at Piedmont — Advance to Lynchburg — Retires by the Line of the Kanawha to Wheeling — Suffering of liis Command— Stampede of Hundred-Day Men — Hunter's Mistake — Sheridan Ordered Towards Charlottesville and Gordonsville, - 217

Chapter XXIV. On The North Anna

Forward — The Union Army at the North Anna — Lee in Position — Warren Crosses at Jericho — Hancock Captures County Bridge — Three Corps cross the River — The Rebel Position Impregnable — Preparing for a New Movement — Sheridan Rejoins the Army — Wilson's Demonstrations — New Turning Movement to the Pamunky — Details of the Operation — Lee's Line — Sheridan Defeats the Rebel Cavalry at Hawes' Shop — Grant Moves into Position — Introductory Engagements — Position of the Contending Armies near the Tolopotomy — The Attack — The Failure — Grant's Practice in Regard to Details — Observations, - - 223

Chapter XXV. Petersburg

Grant's Plan of Operation — Sheridan Sent to Break the A^irginia Central Railroad, and to Join Hunter — Battle of Trevillian Station — Gilmore's Movement against Petersburg — Smith Sent to City Point — The Army of the Potomac Moves to the Left — Crosses the Chickahominy — Cavalry Affliir at White Oak Swamp and Riddle's Shop — Lee Deceived — Pontoon Bridge across the James — Smith Sent to Capture Petersburg — He Carries the Outer Line of Works — Petersburg Re-enforced — Further Progress Impossible — The Ayny Across the James — Hancock Joins Smith — Renewal of the Assault— Observations and Reflections, - - - - 235

XU CONTENTS.

Chapter XXVI. Early's Invasion

PAG a Failure of the Movement Against Petersburg — Butler's Bridge over the James— Base of Supplies EstabUshed at City Point — Preliminary Movements in the Investment of Petersburg — Wilson's Raid— Combat at Nottoway Station — Fight at Sappony Church and Eeam's Station — Results of the Raid — The Lines before Petersburg — Rebel Sortie — Burnside's Mine— Joint Operations of Hancock and Sheridan at Deep Bottom— Explosion of the Mine — The Assault — Grant Disappointed — Faulty Execution of Details — Lee sends Early Against Washington — Sigel Retires from Martinsburg— Hunter Ordered to Harper's Ferry — Government Calls upon Grant to protect Washington — Sixth and Nineteenth Corps Sent Forward— Battle at Monocacy Bridge— Wallace Retires to Baltimore— Early Moves on Washington and is Driven ofl— Wright Ordered to Pursue Early— Skirmish at Snicker's Ferry— Averill Defeats the Rebel Cavalry at Winchester — Sixth and Nineteenth Corps Ordered to Washington— Early Again Advancing Towards the Potomac— Rebel Cavalry at Chambersburg, Pa.— Sheridan Ordered North— Grant Goes to Washington — Confers with Hunter at Monocacy Hunter's Instructions — He is Relieved by Sheridan — The Middle Military Division Estabhshed — Sheridan Assigned to Command, - 245

Chapter XXVII. Sheridan And Early

The New Arrangements in Military Aflairs at Washington — Sheridan Prepares for an Active Campaign — Joined by Torbert and Wilson — Early Re-enforced — Sheridan Falls Back — Merritt Attacked — Rebels Repulsed— Sheridan Concentrated at Halltown — The Affair at Kerneyville — Grant Visits Sheridan — Instructs Him to Go In — The Battle at Winchester — The Engagement at Fisher's Hill — Early Retreats — Sheridan Falls Back to the Lower Valley — Wilson Ordered West — The Rebels Routed at Tom's Creek— Sheridan's Army at Cedar Creek — He is Called to Washington— Early Attacks the Union Troops— His Success—A Critical Moment— Sheridan Rejoins His Army— He Orders an Advance— Determined Fighting— Rebels Defeated— The End of Early's Campaign — Observations, 258

Chapter XXVIII. Sherman

Grant's Efforts to Secure Harmonious Action— Canby's Command- Results of Consolidation— The Magnitude of Grant's Command— His Views in Regard to Operations West of ^e Mississippi River — His Interview with Sherman— Sherman Prepares for Active Operations —

CONTENTS. Xlll

PAGE.

Description of the Country Between Chattanooga and Atlanta — The Position of the Enemy at Rocky Face— Thomas Occupies Tunnel Hill — Makes a Lodgment on Rocky Face Ridge — The Failure of McPherson's Movement Against Resaca — Johnston Evacuates Buzzard Roost — The Union Army Assembles at Snake Creek Gap — Sherman Envelopes the Rebel Works at Resaca — Battle of Resaca — Johnston Falls Back to Adairsville — Capture of Rome— Skirmish at Adairsville — Johnston takes Position at Cassville— Again Falls Back — Sherman Cuts Loose from the Railroad— Battle at New Hope Church— Capture of Allatoona— Establishment of a Secondary Base of SuppUes— Sherman Re-enforced by Blair— Johnston Fortifies at Lost and Kenesaw Mountains — General Polk Killed — Sturgis' Defeat in Northern Mississippi— Battle at Kenesaw Mountain— Johnston Falls Back to Smyrna Camp-Meeting Ground — Thomas in Pursuit— Johnston Takes Position at Peach Tree Creek — Rousseau Interrupts Johnston's Communications — Sherman Again on the Ofiensive — Johnston Relieved by Hood — Johnston's Abilities, 266

Chapter XXIX. The Atlanta Campaign

Sherman Closing in upon Atlanta — The Gap in Palmer's Corps — Reekless Attack of the Rebels— Repulse by Hooker's Corps — Hood Retires to Defenses of Atlanta — The Struggle upon Leggett Hill — The Attack upon McPherson — Death of McPherson— Garrard Joins Sherman — His Destruction of the Railroad— Howard in Command of the Army of the Tennessee — The Attack upon Logan's Corps — Slocum Succeeds Hooker — Failure of the Cavalry Expeditions — Stoneman's Surrender — Wheeler's Raid — Sherman Throws his Army Across the West Point Railroad — The Attack upon Howard — Evacuation of Atlanta — Results of the Campaign— Hood Falls upon Sherman's Communications — Prepares his Scheme for Invading Tennessee, 284

Chapter XXX. Minor Movements

Forrest's Movements in Northern Mississippi — Defeat of Sturgis — A. J. Smith Moves Against Forrest — Battle at Tupelo — Forrest Defeated — Smith Withdraws to Join Sherman — Forrest again Collects his Force — Captures Memphis — Driven off by General Washburne — Forrest Captures Athens, Alabama— Breaks the Railroad at Tullahoma— Forrest Driven Beyond the Tennessee— What Forrest Might Have Accomphshed — Wilson Assigned to Command the Cavalry — He Organizes his Command — Price's Invasion of Missouri — A. J. Smith Sent to Missouri — Price Attacks Pilot Knob — His Movement Towards the Kansas Border — General Curtis Prepares to Receive him — Price Defeated at Big Blue River— Canby's Command— Observations, 293

XIV CONTENTS.

CHAPTEK XXXI.

IN FRONT OF PETERSBURG.

PAOB.

Strengthening of the Entrenchments in Front of Petersburg — Early Ee- Enforced in the Valley — Unsuccessful Movements on the North Side of the James — Meade Extends his Left — Withdrawal of Hancock from the North Side — Warren's Movement Towards Petersburg— Strikes the Weldon Railroad, and Fortifies — Rebels Attack Warren's Left — The Affair at Ream's Station — Operations of the Rebel Cavalry — Movements of the Army of the James, under Ord— Capture of Forts Harrison and Morris — Birney Captures New Market Heights — Another Movement for the Extension of the Union Left — Its Failure — Observations — A Period of Inactivity — Another Movement Against the Southside Railroad— Humphreys Marches upon the Rebel Right — Rebels Attack Crawford — Humphreys Entrenched — Repels the Enemy's Attacks — Grant Abandons his Effort to Reach the Southside Raibroad — His Future Policy, ■- 299

Chapter XXXII. The March To The Sea

The March to the Sea— Its Origin— Hood's Movement North of Atlanta — Grant Suspects liis Intentions — His Confidence in Sherman's Dispositions — Jeff. Davis' Visit to Georgia — His Speech — Hood Marches Northward — Tears up the Railroad at Big Shanty — Sherman Pushes After Hood— The Attack upon AUatoona— Sherman Threatens the Enemy's Rear— Hood Captures the Garrison at Dalton— Howard Attacks Hood at Snake Creek— Wilson Sent to Nashville— Details- Sherman Concentrates at Atlanta — Expulsion of the Inhabitants — Destruction of the Town— Forward to the Sea— Order of the March- Foraging — Georgia Militia — Kilpatrick's Dash on Macon — Skirmish at Gordon— Engagement with Wheeler's Cavalry— The Arrival Before Savannah — Preparations for its Investment — Capture of Fort McAllister—Sherman Meets Admiral Dahlgren— Evacuation of Savannah- Sherman Announces his Success to the President— The Significance of Sherman's March— The Rebel Mistake— Johnston Reinstated, - - - 312

Chapter XXXIII. Thomas In Tennessee

Rebel Policy of Invasion— Beauregard sent West— He Reorganizes and Equips the Rebel Troops at Corinth— Thomas Concentrates— Forrest's Operations in West Tennessee— The Capture of Johnsonville— Schofield Sent to Pulaski— Hood Pushes Northward— Rebels Repulsed at Spring Hill— Cheatham Attacks Stanley— Schofield Concentrates at Franklin— Tiie Position of the Two Armies— The Attack— A Fierce but Successful Struggle— Schofield Falls Back to the Fortifications Around Nashville— Wilson Prepares his Cavalry— Grant's Anxiety- Thomas Confident— Plan of Attack— The Battle of Nashville— The

CONTENTS. XV

PAGE.

Eebels Defeated— The Pursuit— The Raid from Memphis— Stoneman's Movements — Results, 321

CHAPTEK XXXIV.

NORTH CAROLINA-CAPTURE OF JEFF. DAVIS.

Expedition Against Wilmington— SaiUng of the Fleet— the Arrival at the Rendezvous— Explosion of the Hulk— Butler Thinks the Works Too Strong— Grant Decides to Make a New Attempt— General Terry Assigned to Command— The Attack upon Fort Fisher— Gallantry of Sailors and Soldiers— Arrival of General Schofield— The Department of North Carolina— Sherman Marches Northward— The Destruction of Columbia— Hampton's Criminality— The Enemy Concentrated under Johnston— Fight Near Bentonsville— Junction of Sherman and Sehofield at Goldsboro— Stoneman's Movements— Wilson Begins an Active Campaign — Capture of Selma — The Armistice — Captuie of Jeff. Davis— Canby's Movements— Campaign Against Mobile, 337

CHAPTER XXXY.

THE END OF THE WAR.

Situation in Front of Petersburg— The Army of the Potomac to Accomplish its Own Task— Mr. Lincoln's Views— Grant's Instructions to Sheridan— Sheridan Moves from Winchester— Defeat of Early— Sheridan at the Wliite House— He Joins Grant— Grant's Apprehensions for Sherman — Review of Operations— The Finale Approaching— The Orders for the General Movement— Plans of Operations— Lee's Sortie against Grant's Right— Lee's Plan Foiled— Preliminaries— Battle of Five Forks— Sheridan's Success— Rejoicings in the Army— Lee Decides to Abandon Richmond and Petersburg— Jeff. Davis Prepares for Flight —The Overwhelming Assault— A Fierce Struggle — Lee Abandons Petersburg— Grant's Army in Pursuit— Lee Attempts to Reach the Mountains— Sheridan Watchful— He Captures the Rebel Train— Lee's Progress Checked— Correspondence Between Grant and Lee — The Surrender of Lee"s Army— Its Result — Johnston's Surrender — Sheridan's Movement Towards the Mexican Frontier — Grant's Opinions in Regard to Mexico— Disbanding of the Volunteers— Grant Promoted to the FuU Grade of General, 356

CHAPTER XXXVI.

GRANT IN THE WAR DEPARTMENT.

Grant Secretary of War ad interim— Bis Previous Course on Reconstruction —The Constitutional Amendment— The Reconstruction Acts— Selection of the Five Commanders— His Instructions to Them— His Reluctance to take the War Office— His Motives for Accepting it- Johnson's Dissimulation- Condition of the South— Removal of Sheridan—Grant's Protest— Removal of Sickles and Pope— Difficulties of

XVI CONTENTS.

PAGE.

Grant's Position — His Great Labors and Conciliatory Spirit— Success of His Administration — Retrenchment and Eeform in tlie War Department — Great Reduction of Expenditures — Commendation of the President — The Annual Report of Grant as Secretary, 379

CHAPTER XXXVIL

THE CONTROVERSY WITH JOHNSON.

Controversy Between President Johnson and Grant — Tenure of Office Act — Johnson Treats it as Valid — The Senate Refuses to Concur in his Suspension of Stanton— Johnson's Duplicity — Grant's Interviews with Him— His Alleged Promise— His Denial of it — Question of Veracity Between Tliem — Johnson's Witnesses — Their Character — Their Testimony —Browning's Statement — He Sustains Grant — Johnson Aims to Control the War Department — His Unlawful Purposes — Grant Explodes the Plot and Averts the Danger — His Conduct after he Left the War Department— The Success of Reconstruction Largely Due to Grant — His Course Respecting the Impeachment of Johnson — His Nomination for the Presidency by the two Chicago Conventions — His Pohtical Position, 388

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

GRANT AS A MAN AND A SOLDIER.

Popular Misconstruction of Grant's Character and Abilities— His Peculiarities and Virtues — His Physical and Mental Endurance — Personal Habits and Appearance— His Liberality— His Strict Regard for Truth — Grant as a Soldier — His Courage and Resolution — As an Organizer— Comparison Between the Organization of the Armies of the West and East— Confidence in the Patriotism and Intelligence of liis Soldiers and in the Ultimate Success of the War— His Estimation of Character in the Selection of his Subordinates— His Character for Generalship as Judged by Napoleon's and Marshall Marmont's Rules, - 398

CHAPTER XXXIX.

IN CIVIL LIFE AGAIN.

Grant as a Statesman — His Military Genius Conceded — His Civic Talents Disputed— The True Theory— Politicians and Office-Holders not Necessarily Statesmen— Grant Compared with Eminent Civilians— A Comparison with Soldier-Statesmen, like Washington, Knox, Jackson, and Taylor— His Education and Mental Traits Supply the Lack of Experience in Civil Affairs— His Civil Services During and Since the War — Washington's Discipline in the Revolutionary Era— Grant's Discipline in tlie Late Rebellion — Such Convulsions, Preparatory Schools for Statesmen— Proofs of Grant's Civil and Administrative Abilities, and of his Capacity as a Statesman, 416

Life of Ulysses S. Grant.

Chapter I

grant's birth — LINEAGE — PARENTAGE — BIOGRAPHY OF HIS FATHER — ULYSSES DECLINES TO RECEIVE ANY OF HIS FATHER'S PROPERTY — NOTE — ORIGIN OF THE GRANTS — CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLAN.

Ulysses S. Grant, was born on the 27th day of April, A. D., 1822, at the village of Point Pleasant, situated in Clermonf County, Ohio, on the north bank of the Ohio River, twenty-five miles above the city of Cincinnati. He is descended from the Grants of Scotland, and possesses many of the characteristics of that sturdy race.

His father, Jesse Root Grant, was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, on the 23d day of January, 1794, and is the son of Noah Grant, Jr., who was born in Connecticut, and served as a Lieutenant of militia at the battle of Lexington, subsequently sharing all the dangers of the Revolutionary war. The father of Noah Grant, Jr., was Captain Noah Grant, of Windsor, (now known as Tolland,) Connecticut, a sturdy, robust and courageous man.

He and his brother, Solomon Grant, seem to have been highly honored and respected by their neighbors. Noah Grant commanded a company of colonial militia, called into service during the French and Indian war, while Solomon served under him in a subordinate capacity. Both were killed in the battle at White Plains, fought in 1776. Nothing further is known of the ancestors of the family in this country, except that two of them, brothers, came to America early in the eighteenth century, and one is said to have settled in Canada, and the other in Connecticut.

Jesse R. Grant, whose father had removed to the North- West April. 1799, lost his mother when he was eleven years old, and at the age of sixteen was sent by his father to jNIaysville, Ky., where he was regularly apprenticed to his halfbrother, for the purpose of learning the tanners' trade. He served his time faithfully, became a skillful workman, and soon after arriving at his majority went to Ravenna, Portage County, p., where he began the tanning business for himself. At the time his father went to that part of the North- Western Territory, known as Ohio, there were out a few weak and widely scattered settlements in all that region now containing a highly civilized population of over three millions. The adventurous pioneers, who had gone to the frontier for the purpose of subjugating the wilderness and making homes for their children, found themselves beset by many troubles, and continually menaced by sickness and danger. Tne Indians were discontented, and, under the influence of British emissaries, kept the country in continual disorder. Not till after the peace of 1814, did it become possible for the frontier settlers to establish schools, or to devote themselves closely to agriculture and the useful arts, which necessarily preceded the higher refinement and civilization of the present day. The constant struggle which circumstances forced upon the family of Noah Grant precluded all idea of giving the children a liberal education. Jesse went to school only about five months, but his father being a man of culture, gave such attention to his instruction during childhood, as their checkered and unsettled life would permit. Notwithstanding early disadvantages, and a life of great industry and activity, Jesse R. Grant has succeeded in acquiring a vast amount of information upon almost every subject, and is in many respects a remarkable man. Blessed with a strong constitution, a robust and stalwart body, a shrewd, penetrating and comprehensive judgment, and being honest, frugal. Industrious and persevering, he soon became prosperous, and gradually extended his business, establishing branches in various cities and towns throughout the West. It is not within the scope of this work to enter into the details of his long and successful career. Let it suffice to say that he is a man of strict integrity, a ready and effective speaker, and a pleasing writer. Having amassed an ample fortune, he gave up business at the age of sixty, leaving his sons Orville and Simpson (the latter since dead) to continue it. With a rare degree of liberality he subsequently determined to divide his property equally among his children, reserving only enough to support himself and wife the rest of their days. Ulysses, with a liberality still more remarkable, declined to receive any part of his father's fortune, forgetful of his own industry in boyhood, modestly asserting that he had done nothing towards its accumulation.