The life and campaigns of Lieut.-Gen. U. S. Grant, from his boyhood to the surrender of Lee.

Front matter

Glass.,-

Book_

THE

Preface

The personal history of a Nation's benefactor will always interest the people whom he has signally served. Lieutenant-Gen eral Grant rose from humble life to the highest position of military power, with no effort to attain it beyond unassuming and unwearied devotion to the Republic, during the period of its greatest peril and trial. Of such a man, the humblest citizen desires to know every detail of his career, from his boyhood to his later and more eventful years.

In this volume it has been the endeavor of the author to gratify that natural curiosity, by giving wellauthenticated incidents of his life.

For much information the author is indebted to family friends of General Grant ; for others, to the writings of Larke, Carleton, Richardson, Nichols, and other historians of the war.

It is believed, that what is written is historically correct ; indeed, there is no better test than the able and succinct reports of the great captains, — Grant, Sherman, Meade, and Sheridan, — which are included in this volume.

PEETACE.

The largest portion of the work is devoted to the earl}' histoiy of General Grant, and his Western Campaign, because they cover "by far the longest period ; although the decisive events of his grand military career were compressed into less than one year.

The reader will not undervalue the possession of all the important orders and reports of General Grant, whose pen is wielded with no less effect, in its field of service for the army and country, than his sword.

The sketches of subordinate commanders are from reliable sources ; and no effort has been spared to present a faithful account of the grand armies and their chieftains, whose skill and heroism rescued the Republic from the hands of those who sought to destroy it.

If the biography shall add to the popular acquaintance with the great and good man whom we all delight to honor, and deepen the love of any of the citizens of the glorious land, on whose bloody battle-fields the beams of peace have just begun to shine, to him who, under the Divine guidance, gave us that peace, and to the country of his birth, the authors labor will not have been in vain.

Chapter I. The Family And Boyhood Of General Grant

The Grants Emigrate from Scotland. — Their Home in America. — The Removal to the Far West. — Residence in Ohio. — The Orphan Boy. — The "Widow takes her Family to Maysville, Kentucky. — Jesse Marries. — The New Home. — Birth of Ulysses. — The Origin of his Name. — Anecdotes of the Boy. — Struggles to Secure an Education. — The Appointment to a Cadetship in the United States Military Academy at "West Point IT

Chapter II. Young Grant's Life And Experience At West Point Academy

The Young Cadet leaves Home for the banks of the Hudson. — Passes the Examination. — The Situation of the Military Academy. — Course of Instruction. — Examinations. — Crimes and Penalties. — Restraints. — Order of Duties. — The Drill and Parade. — Encampment. — U. S. Grant's Experience in the Academy 24

Chapter III. Grants Classmates.— His Service In The Mexican War

Cadet Grant's Classmates and Companions. — He is created Lieutenant. — Goes to St. Louis to Guard the Frontier. — The Indian Depredations and their Wrongs. — The comparative Monotony of the Regular Service in time of Peace broken. — ■ The War with Mexico. — The Lieutenant's First Engagement. — Marches. — Palo Alto. — Resaca de la Palma. — Vera Cruz. — Molino del Rey.— Chapultepec. — Testimony to Grant's Bravery. — Close of the War. — Leaves the Army for Business in St. Louis 32

CONTENTS.

Chapter IV. Grant On The Farm— In The Store— And In The Rebellion

Captain Grant turns his Attention to Agriculture. — Tries the Office of Collector. — The Business unsuited to his Taste. — Removes to Illinois to Engage in the Leather Trade. — The Rebellion Arouses his Patriotic and Martial Spirit. — Tenders his Services to the State. — First "Work. — Is created Colonel. — Successful Command. — Is commissioned Brigadier-General. — Ordered to Missouri. — Amusing Incident. — In Command of the Port at Cairo. — Action at Fredericktown. — Belmont. — Touching Scenes after Battle. — General Hunter succeeds General Fremont 47

Chapter V. A New Order Of Things

A new Order of Things. — Advance upon the Enemy. — Naval Attack. — Picket- Shooting. — Discipline of Marching Troops. — Protection of Private Property. — Reconnoissance. — Hard Marches. — Plans of Campaign. — Commodore Foote and his Fleet. — Sails for Fort Henry to act in concert with General Grant. — Reaches the Fortress. — After waiting for Land-Forces, Bombards the "Works. — The Surrender. — General Grant's Report. — General Tilghman's Testimony to his Conqueror's high qualities of Character 68

Chapter VI. The Attack Upon Fort Donelson, And Its Results

General Grant turns his Attention to Fort Donelson. — The Plan of Advance. — The March. — Bivouac. — The Morning of Battle. — The Conflict opens. — The Struggle of Thursday. — The Rebels Victorious. — The Heroism of Wallace's Troops. — The Tide of Battle turns— The Council of War.— The Victory.— The Second Conclave of Rebel Generals. — The Surrender. — The General Joy. — General Grant's Report. — Incidents. — Fine Commemorative Lines 80

Chapter VII. Habits Of Major-general Grant

Rumors about the Habits of Major-General Grant.— Amusing Incident.— Enlarged Field of Action. — Congratulations to his Army. — Movements of the Fleet. —

CONTENTS.

General Grant's Discipline. — Sword Presentation. — Enlarged Command. — Preparations for Conflict at Corinth. — The advance to Pittsburg Landing. — The Plans of the Enemy. — He Surprises the Union Army. — The Battle of Sunday. — The arrival of General Buell. — General Grant Victorious. — Congratulations. —A Christian Hero. 99

Chapter VIII. Reconnoissance Toward Corinth

Reconnoissance toward Corinth. — Movements on the Mississippi River. — Capture of Xew Orleans. — Beauregard alarmed. — Calls upon the Planters to burn their Cotton. — Cavalry Skirmish near Corinth. — Reconnoissance toward Jackson, Tennessee. — Troops concentrate at Pittsburg Landing. — General Grant's Command further Enlarged. — Enemies again assail his Reputation. — Hon. Mr. Washburne's Defense. — General Halleck's Confidence in Grant. — Siege and Evacuation of Corinth 133

Chapter IX. Tee Pursuit.— General Grants Western Command

The Pursuit. — Colonel Elliott's Cavalry. — Sheridan. — Sherman takes Holly Springs. — General Halleck called to Washington. — General Grant succeeds him in the Western Command. — He takes care of disloyal Citizens, Editors, and the Guerrillas. — Guards the rights of loyal People. — The Contrabands. — Refugees. A Rebel Letter to General Grant. — West Point Generals in the "War. — The Position of the Armies. — Their Advance. — Iuka. — A bloody Battle. — Victory. — Pursuit of the Enemy. — Congratulations. — Effort to restore the former condition of things in the State. — General Bragg gets near the Capital 159

Chapter X. General Grant's New Command.— His Integrity

General Grant's Xew Command. — Its Limits and Sub-divisions. — Preparation for a Grand Campaign. — Reconnoitering. — Protects Citizens. — A new Staff. — Light- Marching. — The Contrabands. — Robbery in Camp. — Regulation of Trade. — The Jews Expelled from the Department. — Anecdote Illustrating General Grant's Integrity. — On to Vicksburg. — Plans for Assaulting or Investing the City. — The Army in Motion. — Holly Springs Taken by the Rebels. — General Grant's Campaign Interrupted. — General Sherman's Advance 188

CONTENTS.

Chapter XI. Defense Of Military Posts.— General Grants Congratu- Lations

Heroic Defense of Military Posts. — The Commanding General's Congratulations. — General Sherman Reaches and Attacks Vicksburg. — The Expedition Fails. — The Reason. — President's Proclamation. — McClemand at Vicksburg. — Suspect ed Disloyalty of Illinois Troops. — The Regiment Relieved of the Charge. — Army Movements. — Attempts to find a Passage through Bayous and Canals to Ticksburg. — The Water-courses Abandoned 209

Chapter XII. Naval Movements Toward Vicksburg

A new Plan for Seizing the Prize. — Admiral Farragut passes Port Hudson. — Description of the Terrific Scene. — The Rams Lancaster and Switzerland make a fruitless Attempt to run the Batteries. — The Army Advance. — The Exhausting Marches. — Admiral Porter's Ships confront Vicksburg in a night-passage of the Works.— The Peril.— The Success and Exultation 236

Chapter XIII. Ca Valr Y Mo Vements. — Tee Ad Vance

The Cavalry Enter the Lists in Daring Adventures. — Colonel Grierson's Great Raid. — Strange and Amusing Scenes.— The Cavalry Generals. — The Army Advance. — Porter's Fleet Co-operates. — The March. — A Battle. — Occupation of Port Gibson. — Telegrams of General Grant and Governor Vates. — Feints to deceive the Enemy. — General Sherman's Movements. — General Grant's care of his Army 252

Chapter XIV. The Army Approach Vicksburg

General Grant's Head-Quarters moved forward to Hawkinson's Ferry. — The Rebel Governor Alarmed. — General Grant's Congratulatory Order. — He Telegraphs to Washington. — Fall of Jackson. — The Army at Bolton. — Clinton. — Champion's Hill. — Crossing the River. — The Investment of the City 272

CONTEXTS.

Chapter XV. The Siege And Surrender Of Vicksburg

General Grant falls Back. — The slower work of a Siege. — The Troops Ready for it. — Anecdotes of General Grant. — Amusing Scenes. — Various Movements. — The Sapping and Mining. — Mine Exploded. — An Exciting Struggle. — The Siege goes on. — The Rebels begin to feel the Death-grasp of General Grant. — General Pemberton opens Correspondence, — The Surrender of the City 294

Chapter XVI. The Occupation Of Vicksburg.— Order Of March

The Occupation of the City. — The Value of the Possession. — Incidents. — The Appearance of the Conquered. — The Dead. — Rebel Bill of Fare. — Grant and his Cigar. — Port Hudson hears the Tidings of Victory. — Correspondence between the hostile Commanders. — The Surrender of the Fortress. — General Grant's Report of the great Achievement — The President's Congratulations. — One of his Anecdotes 312

Chapter XVII. Siege Of Jackson— General Grant's Tour

General Johnston Alarmed. — Retires to his Defenses at Jackson. — Addresses his Troops.— Investment of the City by Sherman.— Raids.— Incidents of the Siege. —General Grant Relaxes the Sternness of Military Rule.— His Care of the Negroes.— He makes a Tour of Observation. — Festival at Memphis.— Visits General Banks at New Orleans. — Grand Review. — Meets with an Accident. — Resumes Active Command 346

Chapter XVIII. A New Campaign— Chattanooga

Chickamauga.— Rosecrans Defeated there.— Preparations for a New Campaign.— General Grant moves up the Mississippi.— Again at Vicksburg, Caring for his Command.— A Board and Medal of Honor.— General Sherman on the March for Chattanooga.— General Grant meets the Secretary, of War.— Enlarged Command.— The Enemy Alarmed.— Affected Mirth.— Chattanooga Relieved.— Preparations for Decisive Battle.— The Bloody Contest.— General O'Meara 366

CONTENTS.

Chapter XIX

THE ENEMY RETREATING.— GENERAL GRANT RECEIVES THE RANK AND COMMAND OF LIEUTENANT-GENERAL.

The Pursuit of the Enemy. — Reprisals and Skirmishes. — Battle at Ringgold. — Longstreet at Knoxville. — His Retreat. — Congratulations by the President.— Thanksgiving. — General Hardee succeeds Bragg. — General Grant's Health. — General Scott's Opinion of him. — Expressions of Popular Regard. — The Proposition and Discussion in Congress of the Rank of Lieutenant-General. — Mr. Washburne's Speech. — The Bill Passed. — General Grant Appointed to the Command. 400

Chapter XX. A New Campaign— New Honors

A new Campaign. — Congressional Action. — Deserters from the Enemy. — Loyal Citizens protected. — Army Supplies received. — General Grant inspects his Department at St. Louis. — Popular Demonstrations of Admiration. — Characteristics. — General Grant is notified of bis appointment to the Rank of Lieutenant-General. — Interesting Correspondence with Sherman on the subject. — His Tour of Inspection. — Enters upon his new Duties 414

Chapter XXI. General Grant And The Army Of The Potoma C.—its Leading

GENERALS.

A Ball-room on the Battle-field. — General Grant's idea of such Warlike Preparations. — A Fancy Officer. — The Pause and Crisis. — The Opening Campaign and its Field. — Incidents. — Sketch of Major-General George Gordon Meade. — Major- General Philip Henry Sheridan 434

Chapter XXII. The Leading Generals In The Campaign

Sketches of Major-General William Tecumseh Sherman. — Major-General George H. Thomas. — Major-General Hugh Judson Kilpatrick. — Major-General Oliver 0. Howard. — Major-General James Birdseye McPherson 457

CONTENTS.

n

Chapter XXIII. The Army In The Wilderness

The Order to March. — The Grand Advance. — The Wilderness. — The Meeting in Battle of the Hostile Armies. — The Fighting of Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. — The Midnight March. — The Enthusiastic Welcome of the Lieutenant-General by the troops. — Sabbath, May *l th. — The Death of Generals Sedgwick and Hays. — A Splendid Charge by Hancock's Troops. — Coolness of General Grant. — A Pause in the Race for Richmond. — Telegrams from the Seat of War. — The Struggle Renewed. — Severe Battle. — The Field. — The Fortunes of the Day.. 484

Chapter XXIV. The Deepening Conflict

The Struggle renewed. — General Grant's skillful Movements of his Army. — Cold Harbor. — The grand March to the James River. — Assault on Petersburg. — Incidents. — Burnside's Mines. — Naval Victories. — General Grant and the Grandmother of General McPherson. — General Sherman and Affairs in the Southwest 490

Chapter XXV. The' Closing Scenes Of The War

The vast Combinations of the Lieutenant-General unfolding. — The Hollowness of the Confederacy. — General Sheridan's Successes. — General Thomas. — General Sherman's startling Campaign. — The Beginning of the New Year. — General Lee. — Fort Steadman. — The closing Battles and Scenes of the Rebellion. — V General Lee's Flight.— The Pursuit.— The Surrender.— Sherman and Johnston. — Johnston surrenders. — The remaining Rebel Forces follow 521

Chapter XXVI. General Grant's Movements After The Surrender

General Grant visits Burlington and Philadelphia. — A munificent Gift. — General Grant's Acceptance of it. — Returns to Washington. — Capture of Jeff. Davis. — The Grand Review. — General Grant makes a Tour to New York and New England. — Goes to the British Provinces. — Incidents at Quebec. — Journey to the West. — Scenes along the Route. — At President Lincoln's Tomb. — Among his Old Friends. — General Grant's Character. 55G

CONTEXTS.

Chapter XXVII. Reports Of Generals Meade, Sheridan, Sherman, And Grant

General Meade's Report of the Potomac Army. — General Sheridan's Account of his Splendid Achievements. — The Story of the Unrivaled Sherman's Great March. — General Grant's Final and Great Report of the closing Campaign of the "War 573 llUttKtittU.

(ON STEEL.)

Lieutenant-Genebal ULYSSES . S. GRANT.

Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, Seceetaey of Wae.

Majoe-Geneeal W. T. Sherman. Majoe-Geneeal Geo. G. Meade. Majoe-Geneeal P. H. Sheeidan. Majoe-Geneeal J. B. MoPheeson. Majoe-Geneeal Geo. H. Thomas. Majoe-Geneeal O. O. Howaed.

Majoe-Geneeal Jtjdson Kilpateick.

(ON WOOD.)

Bieth-Plaoe of Geant, at Point Pleasant, Ohio.

SlJEEENDEE OF POET DONELSON.

Battle of the Wildeeness.

Battle of Pittsbeeg Landing.

SlJEEENDEE OF YlCESBEEG.

Battle at Chattanooga.

SUEEENDEE OF Lee TO GEANT.

The Geant and Sheeman Testimonials.

Til K

GRANT AND SHERMAN TESTIMONIALS.

LIFE AKD CAMPAIGNS

OP

LIEUTENANT-GENERAL GRANT.

Chapter I. The Family And Boyhood Of General Grant

The Grants Emigrate from Scotland.— Their Home in America.— The Removal to the Far West.— Residence in Ohio.— The Orphan Boy.— The Widow takes her Family to Maysville, Kentucky.— Jesse Marries.— The New Home.— Birth of Ulysses.— The Origin of his Name.— Anecdotes of the Boy.— Struggles to Secure an Education. — The Appointment to a Cadetship in the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Lieutenant-General Grant is of Scotch descent. More than a century ago, his ancestor came to the shores of America, then comparatively a wilderness, and settled in Pennsylvania ; while a brother who emigrated with him went on to Canada.

By honest industry, our hardy pioneer supported his growing family upon his forest-girdled clearing, until the Revolutionary War called him to its field of strife. After bravely following the flag of the rising Republic, he returned with the dawn of peace to his home in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. -Here Jesse R. Grant was born in January, 1794. Five years later, his father started for the more attractive lands in the far-off valley of the West. With few roads of any kind, it was an enterprise both difficult and perilous, to reach the savage wilds of the vast region watered by the Mississippi and its tributaries. Much of the journey was made in a rude boat down the river-tides —strange, wild sailing, between forest-bordered banks, in whose gloom, startled by the humble "craft," the graceful 2

LIFE AND CAMPAIGNS OF GENERAL GRANT.

deer and the no~ble bird "broke the still-life of primeval nature. Not a State had been formed out of the immense territory which was called the Northwestern, whose boundaries on the one hand were the Alleghany, and on the other the Rocky Mountains. The French had claimed it under the name of Louisiana. A large portion of this rich country was the wide hunting-ground of the Indians.

In 1804, when the Reserve became partially settled, Mr. Grant removed to Deerfield. Here he died, leaving Jesse fatherless. To use his own words : —

u I was left a poor orphan boy at eleven years of age, with none to guide my way through the world. I saw that I was destined to get my living by the sweat of my brow, and that it was necessary to select some calling that promised to pay the best ; so I learned the tanning business. I followed that until I was sixty, and then retired."

Thus did Jesse, from the earliest childhood inured to pioneer life, with God' s blessing, carve his way alone, to an honorable position in society, and to wealth.

When the last war with England threw the country into excitement, and unsettled to some extent its business, the family removed to Maysville, Kentucky. In 1815, with the termination of hostilities, Jesse, returning to Portage County, Ohio, commenced the business of tanning in Ravenna. Fever and ague, once the scourge of the West, compelled young Grant to go South again in 1S20. A few months later he returned to Ohio. This charming region had already attracted enterprising people from the colonies East. An interesting peculiarity in the climate is alluded to by early residents in their accounts of the country ; and that is, the cool evenings. So much of the land was shaded by forests, that the ground did not get warm during the day ; and soon as the sun dropped behind the green ocean of verdure, the air was quite as cold at midsummer there, as in our autumn here. This made the shining bosom of the wide rivers especially cheering to those whose humble dwellings stood on the banks. Among these, was the house of an immigrant from Pennsylvania, who came two years before. His daughter, Hannah Simpson, who was born only twenty-five miles from Philadel-

HIS BIETH AND CHILDHOOD.

phia, in Montgomery County, a woman of character and prudent economy, won the heart of Jesse. In June, 1821, they were married. Their first home was at Point Pleasant, on the Ohio River, in Clermont County, Ohio. It is a beautiful spot, below the mouth of Indian Creek. Little Miami River separates Clermont County from Hamilton, whose principal town is Cincinnati, justly called the " Queen City " of the West.

In this new home by the Ohio, a son was born, April 27th, 1822. The humble dwelling is still standing. Writes the original owner: " It is a small one-story frame cottage. It was not worth more than two or three hundred dollars before the war. But every victory gained by the General, or a promotion, adds, in the owner's estimate, another hundred dollars to the price of the cottage." Strangers not unfrequently stop, on their way down the river, to see the recently unknown and unnoticed home.

We give the origin of our Western boy's name, in another extract from a letter received from his father : —

" The maternal grandmother was quite a reader of history, and had taken a great fancy to Ulysses, the great Grecian general, who defeated the Trojans by his strategy of the wooden horse. She wished the child named Ulysses. His grandfather wanted to have him named Hiram. So both were gratified by naming him Hiram Ulysses. When I wrote to Mr. Hamer, then a member of Congress from our district, to procure the appointment of cadet, he wrote to the War Department, and gave his name i Ulysses S. Grant.' And we could not get it altered. Simpson was his mother's maiden name. We had a son named Simpson, and Mr. Hamer confounded the two names. We regarded it a matter of but little consequence, and so let it stand."

The absence of fear was always a characteristic of Ulysses. When two years of age, while Mr. Grant was carrying Ulysses in his arms on a public occasion through the village, a young man wished to try the effect of a pistol-report on the child. Mr. Grant consented, saying, "The child has never seen a pistol or gun in his life." The baby hand was put on the lock and pressed quietly there till it snapped, and off went the charge with a lond report, Ulysses scarcely stirred ; but in a moment pushed away the pistol, saying, " Fick it again ! ficlc it again A by-stander remarked : ' ' That boy will make a general ; for he neither winked nor dodged." It is true, such acts in childhood, which attracted no particular attention at the time, are related of distinguished men, as very remarkable, after they have become famous. Still, children usually show talent or genius, if they possess it, for any high achievement in after-life.

At the village school, Ulysses was faithful and diligent. He made excellent progress ; and, if not as brilliant as many others of his age, what is better, lie was "slow and sure."

Though he gave no striking evidences of genius — neither did Washington in early life — there was a beautiful resemblance to the Revolutionary leader's boyhood, in a peculiarity well expressed by one who ought to know : "There was certainly a manly, dignified modest}' in his deportment, which made him at least an uncommon lad."

He patiently committed to memory the dry, hard lessons, unwilling to give up when he came to a difficult question or problem. This was evidently the leading characteristic of the boy. It is related of him, that once he seemed to be fairly bewildered with his task ; and a schoolmate, who saw his perplexity, said to him, "You can't master that."

Ulysses replied : " Cant ! What does it mean f" "Why, it means that — that you can't. TJtere /" This answer was not satisfactory. The young student thought he would find out the exact definition. He took the dictionary and began the search. He readily got to can, bat there was no "cartt" As usual, when beyond his own knowledge, he went to his teacher, and inquired : " What is the meaning of can't I The word is not in the dictionary." The explanation of the abbreviation was soon given. But this was not all, nor the best of it. The affair afforded an opportunity to impress the great truth upon the minds of the school, that perseverance in well doing is the secret of success. Added the instructor : "If

HIS PATIENT INGENUITY AS A TEAMSTER.

in the struggles of life any person should assert that ' you can't' do a thing you had determined to accomplish, let your answer he, 4 The word can't is not in the dictionary.' "

His father has giyen another amusing little incident : —

' £ I will relate another circumstance, which I have never mentioned before, which you may use as you think proper. He was always regarded as extremely apt in figures. When he was about ten years old, a distinguished phrenologist came along, and stayed several days in the place. He was frequently asked to examine heads, blindfolded. Among others, Ulysses was placed in the chair. The phrenologist felt his head for several minutes, without saying any thing ; at length a distinguished doctor asked him if the boy had a capacity for mathematics. The phrenologist, after some further examinations, said : 'You need not be surprised if you see this boy fill the Presidential chair some time.' "

Ulysses early showed his Scotch blood — the substantial, strong qualities of character for which the well-trained families of Scotland are remarkable. No people are calmer in action and more reverent in religious feeling, or surpass them in intelligence and integrity. When twelve years of age, he gave a fine illustration of self-reliance and manliness, along with the ability to manage difficult undertakings, which have marked his whole career.

His father wanted several sticks of hewn timber brought from the forest. The boy had learned already to drive "the team," and liked nothing better than to take the reins. Mr. Grant told Ulysses that he might harness and go for the timber ; men would be there with handspikes to assist in " loading up."

Soon Ulysses was on the way, whip and " lines" in hand.

When he reached the forest, no men were there : for some reason they had failed to appear.

The natural, and, indeed, proper course would have been to return, if, after waiting a reasonable time, the expected help did not come. But, accustomed to all sorts of labor, and inclined to take responsibility from which others

LIFE AND CAMPAIGNS OF GENERAL GRANT.

of his age would expect to Tbe excused, be resolved not to go without the timber. How to get the heavy logs on the wagon was the serious question. Just then his eye rested on a tree fallen over, and leaning against another. This made the trunk an inclined plane, rising gradually upward from the ground. Ulysses saw at a glance how to make the horses do the work intended for the workmen with their handspikes. He hitched the team to each of the logs, and drew one at a time near the tree, and lying parallel with it; i. e., in the same direction, lengthwise. The next thing was to swing the end round upon the inclined plane, and slide it along, till the timbers were at right angles with it, and projecting over it far enough to admit the wagon under them. Then fastening the horses to these ends hanging over the back of the wagon, he dragged them in turn along into it ; just as with your hand you could pull the "see-saw" board, with one extremity resting on the ground, over the fence or fulcrum supporting it, into a vehicle of any kind which stood beneath the end raised from the earth.

Having secured his load, the young teamster mounted it and drove homeward in triumph ; again proving clearly that can't was not in Ms dictionary. When he reined up his team before the door of Mr. Grant, we can imagine the pleasing surprise with which he heard the story of Ulysses.

But the young woodman's prospects were not encouraging. His father's means were limited, and, excepting three months each winter in the common school, he had to assist in the work of the tannery and the home. Besides, books and newspapers for reading were very scarce.

At seventeen, Ulysses began to feel, as did his father, that decisive steps must be taken toward an education. It was often talked over at the fireside, and various plans suggested. The young man's taste for military life, the thorough instruction and economy of the Academy at West Point, suggested the possibility of getting an appointment there. The Congressmen usually controlled the selection of the candidates for admission in the several districts. Political influence and position necessarily have much to

RECEIVES AN APPOINTMENT AT WEST POINT.

do with the clioice among the applicants. But Mr. Grant was hopeful. He wrote a letter to the Hon. Thomas Morris, member of the United States Senate from Ohio, requesting his influence in securing the coveted means of culture. But Mr. Morris was already pledged to another applicant, and informed Mr. Grant of the fact, with the further and cheering intelligence, that the Hon. Thomas L. Hamer, from his own district, had a similar gift at his disposal, the young man selected having failed to accept it. A correspondence was immediately opened between him and the anxious father, resulting in the appointment of Ulysses.

Chapter II. Young Grant's Life And Experience At West Point

ACADEMY.

The Young Cadet leaves Home for the banks of the Hudson. — Passes the Examination. — The Situation of the Military Academy. — Course of Instructiou. — Examinations. — Crimes and Penalties. — Restraints. — Order of Duties. — The Drill and Parade. — Encampment. — U. S. Grant's Experience in the Academy.

With the advent of the summer of 1839, the candidate for academic discipline and honors left his humble' abode on the banks of the Ohio for the Highlands of the Hudson.

Reaching West Point, he addressed himself at once to the preparation for the severe and dreaded examination, scarcely taking leisure to look out upon the landscape, in impressive contrast with that along the rivers of the West.

A description of the remarkably attractive scenery, and some account of the Academy, where the military character of Grant, Sherman, Sheridan, Thomas, and other less distinguished, but gallant and successful officers of the Union army was formed, cannot fail to interest the reader.

West Point is in the town of Cornwall, Orange County, New York, fifty-two miles from the great metropolis. Fort Putnam is more than four hundred feet higher, and looks down upon it. One beautiful plat of land is known as Kosciusko's Garden, in which stands the fine monument of this Polish refugee and patriot, who commanded the post at one time during the Revolution. Here a massive chain was stretched across the river, to keep the enemy' s boats from passing.

The Academy was established by act of Congress, in 1780. There is, perhaps, no better general view of the region than that given by the Rev. Dr. D wight, in 1778, afterward President of Yale College, and then Chaplain in the Revolutionary War, and stationed at West Point. This fact gives to the pen-picture additional value. The

WEST POINT AND ITS VICINITY IN 1778.

"house deserted by its inhabitants" lie refers to, was the " Beverly House," taken by the Government from Colonel Beverly Robinson, a Scotchman, because he joined the loyalists against the rising republic.

Wrote the excellent and distinguished Dwight : —

"Yesterday afternoon, in company with Major Humphreys, I went up to the summit of Sugar Loaf — a mountain near Colonel Robinson' s house. We ascended it with some difficulty, from the steepness of the acclivity, and from the loose stones, which, frequentl} 7 sliding from under our feet, exposed us to imminent hazard of falling. From the summit we were presented with an extensive and interesting prospect, comprising the objects which I have heretofore mentioned, and many others which I had never seen. The point of view was remarkably happy, the mountain being so situated as to bring within our reach the greatest number of objects in the surrounding region, and to exhibit them to the highest advantage. What is almost a singularity, there was not a cheerful object within our horizon. Every thing which we beheld was majestic, solemn, wild, and melancholy.