The most complete and authentic history of the life and public services of General U. S. Grant ...

Front matter

Glass V^(otr.' Book

AS A MAN, THE NOBLEST AND PUREST OF HIS TIMES.

AS A SOLDIER, THE IDOL OF MILLIONS OF PEOPLE.

Introduction

This account of the early life of General Grant is at once full and accurate, for it was obtained from original and authentic sources. The history of his military career is written with that skill and power which, long since, secured for our author the foremost position among American historical writers. The battles in which General Grant was engaged, from that of Belmont to the final surrender of General Lee's army, are described in detail, and with that graphic power which presents the different scenes with all the brilliancy, vividness and distinctness of a painting, and with the life-like accuracy of a photograph. His two administrations as President are described with a master's pen, and his travels round the world, with the receptions and honors conferred on him, exceeding in number and brilliancy those shown to any royal potentate, are set forth with the vivid powers of description for which the author is so distinguished. The trials of his private life, his sickness, wonderful patience in suffering, and his universally lamented death are all depicted with unrivalled pathos and power.

It is the pride and boast of America that this is a country of self-made men. However humble may be the position of a man, it is within his power, in this land of equality and free institutions, to attain the highest honors within the gift of his fellows-citizens. Our history is full of the names of men who, without friends or fortune to aid them, have risen by the force of their own abilities

8 LIFE OF GENERAL GRANT.

to the proudest position in the Republic. Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, Garfield, and their glorious compeers, were all self-made men, and carved out their great successes by their own unaided efforts. Their examples shine out brightly to encourage and cheer others who are struggling onward in the road by which they climbed to greatness.

No career in all our history furnishes a more brilliant example of this than that of General Ulysses S. Grant. Starting as a poor boy, he raised himself to the highest pinnacle of fame. It is but natural that his countrymen should desire to know the means by which this great success was accomplished. To meet this demand the author has prepared this volume, which relates in the most fascinating manner the Hfe of this truly great man. The work is more interesting than a novel, for it is true. It is the story of unconquerable determination and sublime self-reliance, of lofty purpose and inflexible resolve, of incorruptible integrity and moral courage of the highest type, of noble effort and magnificent achievement, of a prolonged and determined struggle, crowned by the most brilliant triumphs.

No more truly did the great Napoleon rise from obscurity to the pinnacle of fame by herculean energy and an indomitable will that carried him over the snow-capped mountains in the piercing cold of mid-winter, than did General Grant, by the same innate, progressive energy, rise from obscurity to the highest position attainable in this the foremost nation of the world. His life, while wrapped in romance like a cloak, had its shadows, its sacrifices and its magnificent successes. It is an inspirin!^^ captivating and thrilling story, and points such a moral as only great deeds can. The young men of the nation should read it, for it may be to them a source of

INTRODUCTION. 9

inspiration. Old men should read it, for it will recall to them holy memories of the deeds of the great men of our past history.

This book differs essentially from the many so-called Lives of Grant now being pubHshed, and should not be classed with them. While recording his, illustrious achievements in the field and his career as President of the United States, it is yet personal, rather than political, and free from partisan coloring, depicting not only the exploits of Grant the soldier, but the entire life of Grant the man, his daily habits and conversation, his thoughts and his motives, as evinced by his acts and words, under all the circumstances of his eventful life.

His record is clearly presented, that all men may see his life has been free from stain, his services honorable and distinguished, and that his claims to the love and confidence of the American people rest upon a solid foundation of genuine merit and faithful service honorably performed. No soldier, since Napoleon I., has accomplished such great results. It is generally admitted that the victories of General Grant saved the Union, and it is not, therefore, surprising that all the world should have done homage to the greatest military genius of the century.

THE WORK SHOWS

How a poor boy secured a good education and fitted himself for the struggle he meant to make in after-life.

How, when the call of his country summoned him to arms, he became a great soldier; how he turned the tide of defeat, and began the series of Union victories that cheered the hearts of his countrymen and caused our brave soldiers to take fresh courage and resolve to conquer or die.

10 LIFE OF GENERAL GRANT.

How he won a great and glorious name as a general in the service of his country ; how he mounted from rank to rank until he finally attained the prolid position of Commander-in-Chief of the National Armies.

How he led our brave soldiers to victory on many hard-fought fields, and finally suppressed the Rebellion.

How, without solicitation, or any effort on his part, he was nominated for the Presidency of the United States, and triumphandy elected.

How he was inaugurated President amidst the rejoicings of the people, and with the most imposing ceremonies ever witnessed in the Capitol of the nation.

How by his able and patriotic administration of the national orovernment he won the confidence and affection of the whole people.

How a noble and well-spent life has brought honor and fame to a true and earnest man, thus holding out one of the most glorious examples ever offered to the young men of our country.

The splendor of General Grant's reception in the many countries through which he traveled in his remarkable journey around the world was owing to his great fame as a soldier. Wherever he went he was received by people and sovereigns with royal honors, and was in all respects the most honored traveler that ever accomplished the journey around the world. The distinguished American ex-President, though traveling as a private citizen of the United States, made the most remarkable journey in history, seeing more, and being more honored and admitted to closer confidence by Emperors, Kings and Rulers, than any other person who has undertaken to seek instruction and recreation by extensive travels through foreign lands. The whole journey was like a

INTRODUCTION. \l

romance, and the countries through which General Grant traveled exerted themselves to show him all they have wordi seeing. Who of crowned monarchs could have made the circuit of civilizadon with so many disdnguished marks of honor? Who of contemporary military men would have excited so much interest in all quarters of the globe ?

The work not only relates the travels and experiences of General Grant, but it is full of carefully prepared descripdons of the famous cides and sights of Europe, Asia and Africa, and abounds in informadon respecdng the people, manners and customs of the old world. It is, therefore, a work of great value, giving as it does a life-like picture of the places and people visited by the great commander in the course of his travels.

The author's indmate knowledge of the man whose life he relates has rendered him peculiarly suited to the task he has undertaken. He has embraced every means of thoroughly acquaindng himself with his subject, and it is confidendy asserted that he has produced a work that will win 'ts way into every household.

LAST HOURS OF GENERAL GRANT.

BY HIS PASTOR,

REV. J. P. NEWMAN, D.D.

In writing of the last hours and religious faith of General Grant, Rev. Dr. Newman said :

" I arrived at Mt. McGregor Tuesday afternoon, at 6 P. M.

*• While with the family at dinner, in the hotel, General Grant was removed from his sick room, wherein he had spent so many weary and suffering days and nights, into the drawing-room, which afforded purer air and more agreeable surroundings.

The change was necessary, both as a diversion to the illustrious sufferer and for the convenience of his faithful attendants. From seven till nine he sank rapidly, without any apparent signs of recovery, but retained his consciousness and the clearness of his intellect. He was surrounded with his family and physicians, and, at Mrs. Grant's request, we all bowed around the General's chair, and offered our supplications for strength and comfort in that supreme moment.

" The General indicated his appreciation of the sacredness of the ceremonies by clasping his hands as in reverential prayer. All were deeply moved, as all feared the end had come. But, to the surprise and delight of the physicians and the family, the General greatly revived by nine o'clock, and indicated his wish to write. As quickly as possible, in response to the wish, an elegant writing board, often used by the departed, was placed upon the arms of his chair. A solitary wax taper burned before him. He adjusted his glasses; and then, with a trembling hand, wrote with his pencil on the tablet before him. His face wore an expression of anguish, and his thin lips seemed to pronounce the words he wished to write. He hesitated for a moment ; but he gathered up his soul in strength for the supreme effort. Having written down half the page, he traced each line with his pencil to see that each line expressed his thought, and then crossed the fs and punctuated the sentences. But he had not written all that he desired. Again he called upon himself for additional strength, and finished the communication. It was addressed to his noble son, the Colonel, and contained the wish that, wherever the General might be buried, Mrs. Grant should have a resting place by his side in death.

" The writing-desk was removed ; but, in a few moments he recalled it, and he wrote a short communication to his son, giving some important direction, when the Colonel replied : ' Father, I have attended to that." Again the desk was removed, and again he called for it. The family sought to persuade him not to make another effort, but he was still General, and his wishes were granted, and he wrote another family message.

"The members of the household retired to the verandah. The lights were turned down and all prayed that the Lord would give his beloved sleep. But at 1 1 o'clock, he sent word to us v/ho were sitting on the porch : ' There is no earthly reason why you should sit up. Go and take your rest.' This was uttered in a husky whisper.

"All withdrew, but no one could sleep. The weary hours wore on. Wednesday came, with its fitful transitions. The illustrious sufferer was conscious and calm. As we sat around him, watching each respiration, he suddenly opened his eyes, and whispered : * I hope no one will feel distressed on my account' And thus he sought to direct attention away from himself in his solicitude for the comfort of those he loved. This was the grandeur of his soul. To save others was the mission of his life ; and this ruling passion was strong in death.

"The day had passed, the family had gone to dinner, except the oldest son, who, noticing his father's restlessness in the chair, suggested that he might find more comfort lying upon the bed. It was evidently agreeable, and, forgetting his feebleness, true to his character, he made the effort to rise. His attendants gently lifted him and placed him on the couch from which he was never to rise. He had not then reclined for more than eight months. He was in no danger now of strangulation from the accumulation of mucus, and

LAST HOURS OF GENERAL GRANT. 1 5

he quietly rested ; but within an hour thereafter the end seemed imminent.

"Again we gathered around the husband, father, and friend and, at Mrs. Grant's request, all bowed in prayer while I committed his departing soul to the sheltering-arms of that Divine Redeemer in whom he trusted with a simple and beautiful faith.

'* Again death relaxed his grasp. The feet were cold, and also the hands, but the brow was warm and it was evident that the brain would be the last of him to die.

" Still conscious, his intellect was unclouded. Mrs. Grant pressed his cold hand and said, ' Darling, do you know me?' and he opened his eyes and gave her the look of love. The respirations grew shorter, now forty-four. Within an hour thereafter fifty, then, as the nigh twore on, they increased to sixty-five. The pulse was too rapid to be counted. The mucus gathered in the throat, and there was neither ability to eject it or swallow it, and the respirations caused the death rattle, which was more distressing to those in attendance than to the sufferer.

" His lips were constantly moistened with ice water, now by the wife, now by the daughter, or by the faithful nurse. None of the household slept. All were keeping holy vigils : for all felt sure that as the light of another morning came would also come upon his spirit the light of the morning of his immortality.

"About four o'clock in the morning he opened his eyes in response to my question, ' General, do you know me? ' and, an hour before he expired, again he opened his eyes in response to a similar question by his precious daughter Nellie. This was his last look of earthly recognition.

" At 8 o'clock on Thursday morning of July 23d, all were summoned for the final meeting. Death had conquered the noble brow, and the expressive features were calm. The breath grew shorter, and at 8.08 the dying hero opened his eyes upon the sorrowing group around him ; and then, with a gentle breath, he took his flight from the scenes of earth and time.

" It was his last earthly look on those he loved, and with that farewell vision he ascended to his reward. All were deeply moved, yet all controlled their profound emotions. The beloved wife kissed the calm brow, and then I led hpr to the sofa, whispering a word of hope and comfort, where she soon regained her accustomed composure.

" The great warrior and statesman, patriot, and friend, died as the Christian dieth. He had said to me, * I believe in the Holy Scriptures, and whoever follows them, will be benefited thereby.' His faith in immortality was without a doubt, and he wrote on a tablet: * I pray that the prayers of the people, offered in my behalf, may be so far answered that we may all meet in a better world.' And when I suggested, in the month of April, that he might be restored, and accomplish much for his countrymen by his religious example, his response was, If I am spared, I shall throw all my influence in that direction.

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TSIIEI

LIFE AND PUBLIC SERVICES

OF

General Ulysses S. Grant.

THE NAPOLEON OF AMERICA.