Life and public services of Ulysses S. Grant, from his birth to the present time, and a biographical sketch of Hon. Henry Wilson

Front matter

M u n.

Chap. ^^7^ Shelf _ r^>S/

S UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. \

Preface

TO THE PRESENT EDITION,

A COMPLETE history of President Grant's administration must be reserved until its close, and for a larger volume. The present work contains the War record of General Grant, and the leading events of his first Presidential term. The attempt has been made to portray the character of the Man in each period of his career to the present time. To this has been appended a Biographical Sketch of Hon. Henry Wilson.

C. A. P.

August, 1872.

" I care nothing for promotion, so long as our arms are soccessful."

Grant to Sherman, Feb., 1862.

" If my course is not satisfactory, remove me at once. I do not wish in any way to impede tlie success of our arms."

Grant to Ilalkck, Feb. G, 1S62.

" No theory of my own will ever stand in the way of my executing in good faith any order I may receive from those in authority over me."

Grant to Secretary Chase, July, 18G3.

" I shall have no policy of my own to enforce against the will of the

people."

" Human liberty the only true foundation of human government."

Grant's Letter to Citizens of Memphis.

"Let us have Peace."

Grant's Letter, May 29, 1808.

Chapter I. Birth And Early Life

PAGE.

Birth and Ancestors. — Family History. — Origin of his Name. — Anecdotes of his Boyliood. — 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. — Halletk supersedes Fremont. — Ilalleck's Order No. 3.

— Fort Henry described. — Asks rerinission to attack tlic 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. — Atta(k of the Gunlioats. — 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 Amcri, an Soldiers. — Brilliant Charge of Smith. — His Appearance. — Nelson. — Floyd in iMidnight Conclave. — Slave's Visit at Night to Grant'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 8uilob

Effects of Capture of Fort Donelson. — Beginning of Friendship between Grant and Sherman. — Grant censured l)y Halleck. — Grant presented with a Sword. — Description of the Field of Shiloh. — Battle of Shiloh. — Advance of Bucll. — 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. vii

Chapter VI. Battle At Pittsburg Landing

Night before the Eattle. — 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. — Request of Beauregard. — Reply of Grant.

— The Sanitary Commission. — Its gi-eat Work. — Description of the Southern and Northern Soldier. — The Dift'ercnce. — 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 Cokinth

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 . . 76

CHAPTER VIII. BATTLE OF ItJKA. — BATTLE OF CORINTH

Ke-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. — Powell 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 Emancipatioa Proclamation. — His Policy concerning it . . . • 81 viii Contents.

Chapter IX. Vicksburg Campaign

Description of the Valley of the Mississippi. — Its Importance. — Determination of the West. — Grant's Sj'mpathj. — Anecdote of Judge Douglas at St. Louis. — llebel Works at Vicksburg.

— The Canal. — The Yazoo Pass. — Moon Lake. — Gen. Ross's Expedition. — Advance of the Gunboats. — Attack on Fort Pemberton. — Ross's Peril. — The Fleet in Danger. — Message sent by a Slave. — Sherman's Nigbt 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. — Grlerson'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 AiTny crosses the Mississippi. — Gunboats attack Grand Gulf.

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

CHAPTER XIL

GRAND GDLF 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 OfSccrs. — 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 Xni.

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.

PORT 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 Troojis sliall have Equal Rights with White Troops. — Gen. Banks testifies to Bravery of Colored Troops 167

CHAPTER XVIL

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 Memphis. — Honors paid him. — Visits New Orleans. — Appearance at the Review. — IIorse-Flesh. — Accident. — Ordered to Chattanooga. — "A small Chance of a Fighter." . 176

CHAPTER XVin.

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 Rei)cl Pickets. — Wolfe's Descent of the St. Lawrence. — Battle at Wauhaichie. — Great Change in the Army efFected by Grant. — Anecdote of President Lincoln. — His Comments on Grant. — Mountaineers; their Love of Freedom. — Unparalleled SuflTering of Union Men in Tennessee. — Grant's Sympathy. — His Orders for their Protection. — Burnside at Knoxvilie. — Grant's Impatience to " attack Bragg. — His Solicitude for and Care of Sherman . 187

Contents. xi

CHAPTER XIX.

PREPAKATIOXS 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 BIOGE.

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 XXI.

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. — Badcau'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. — Extended Theatre of the War. — Grant's Varied Campaigns. — Operations of Sheridan, Banks, Sherman, Steele, and Butler. — Topography of Virginia. — Its Facilities for oftering Defensive War. — Richmond. — Preparations for an Advance. — Mutual Confidence between President Lincoln and Grant. — Their Letters. — Death- Warrant of the Rebellion 239

CHAPTER XXVL

CAMPAIGN IN THE WILDERNESS.

The Grand Advance. — Scene at the Crossing of-the Rapidan. — Description of the 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 XXVn.

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 PETER8BDRG.

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 25B

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 Honrs 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 ketkeat.

The End approaching. — Grierson's Raid. — Canby's Expedition against Mobile. — Wilson's and Stoncman's Expeditions. — Sheridan and Early. — Lee attacks Port 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 XXXL

CAPTURE OF RICHMOND.

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

— E.\citemcnt throughout the City. — The Burning of Richmond. — Destruction of Property caused by the Hebe! 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

Field. — The Flag of Truce. — Appomattox Court House. — Its Appearance. — Arrival of Grant. — Meeting of Grant and Sheridan. — Wellington and Blucher. — The Interview of Grant and Lee. — Terms of the Surrender. — Scene after the Surrender. — Reiic-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 XXXm.

GEN. GRANT 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. — Affairs 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 XXXIV.

HIS FIRST PRESIDENTIAL TERM.

Elected Prpsident. — Electoral Vote. — Inaugural Address. — Inauguration. — Cabinet. — Military Appointments. — Act to strengthen Public Credit. — Fifteenth Amendment. — Message to Congreis. — Purity of Elections. — Eight Hour Law. — Indian Policy. — Education. — Civil Service Reform. — Pensions. — Oceaff Commerce. — Public Lands. — Manufactures. — Debt. — Finances. — Alabama Claims. — Arbitrators. — Ku-Klux Klan. — His Renomination for a Second Term. — Republican Declaration of Principles. — His Letter of Acceptance. — Summary .... 313

CHAPTER XXXV.

Conclusion

Outline of Grant's History. — His Honesty. — Judgment. — Independence. — Course since tlie War. — Oratory and Statesmanship. — His Reticence — The Reformer and the Magistrate. — His Magnanimity. — His Patriotism . . . 341

CONTENTS

SKETCH OF WILSON.

Birth. — Boyhood. — Early Struggles. — Journey on Foot to Natick. — Learns a Trade. — Love of Reading. — A Manufacturer. — Marriage. — Harrison Campaign. — " Natick Cobbler." — Elected Representative. — Annexation of Texas. — Elected to State Senate. — Taylor Campaign. — Aids in organizing Free Soil Party. — President of the Senate. — Constitutional Convention, 1853. — Edward Everett. — Elected United States Senator. — American Party. — Kansas. — Sumner Assault. — Brooks's Challenge. — "Mudsills." — Election of Lincoln. — Attack on Sumter. — Advice to President. — General Scott's Compliment to Wilson. — Chairman of Committee on Military Affairs. — Great Labors. — Bills introduced in Congress. — Reconstruction. — His Son. — Visits Europe. — Nomination as Vice-President. — Summary ...... 350

LIFE OF GENERAL GEANT.

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 fi'om many of his ancestors a love for freedom, and a determination to fight for its cause. In 1799, his grandfather, 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-grandfatlier, Capt. Noah Grant of Windsor,

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

soldiers in the old French War, and were both 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 grandtlxther, 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 born in Pennsylvania hi 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 were 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 bf 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 which can be paid to any wife and mother in saying, " Her steadiness, firmness, and strength of character, have been the stay of the fanillv through life."

The strength of a mother's love has been famed from earliest time. " Floods cannot quench it, nor the sens drown." While Grant was in the iNIexican War, his mother's hair turned white from anxiety. He was young ; had just entered the army ; he was far away, surrounded by so many temptations, he might "fall fvinn 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 hun utter a profane word. Throughout all the harassing and perplexincr cares of his army-life, no neghgence, carelessness, mishehavior, ill-temper in others, tempted him to irreverence. Always, at all times, he was self-controlled ; and " self-control is self-completion." During the Rebellion, 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 strongly-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 were assembled, besides the cabinet, only one or two officials ; but, when Gen. Grant entered, his little son was by his side. So sweet is it to the human heart to have our success witnessed by those we love !

He was originally christened Hiram Ulysses; his grandfather giving the name of Hiram ; his grandmother, wlio 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 ; liave given his name to the infant 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 very man who '' fought it out on the line he had chosen, if it took all summer."

Grant was neither a precocious nor a stupid 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 ace visitino; him soon after, Washino-- ton 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 aloncr 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 laughter of the crowd. When the question was asked, Ulysses stepped into the ring, mounted ; and the pony started. On he went ; crack, crack, went the whip ; 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 Ills 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 })ony.

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

Another anecdote illustrates the same trait, but exhibits more strate<ry and in^-enuitv. 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 contrivinc 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 hi<rher 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 wagon, and drove home in triumph. Quite a little feat for a boy of twelve years of uge.