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V * IAU \ «One always forms rather an exaggerated idea of a hero, and expects to see something beyond the ordinary run of men, if not in personal appearance, at least in the trappings of his rank; but General Grant was distinguished by neither of these, and stood before roe ou that occasion the plainest, most unas-t Burning roan I ever beheld.Grant and Sherman had been two 'of my heroes ever Biuce thoy operated to- j gether in Western Kentucky and Tennessee, although I had no acquaintance with either of them* I had closely scrutinized their operations since the breaking out of the war. I made up my mind that there was more good generalship in these two men than in any oLher two I had read of.In Grant 13w the hold-on, ball-dog courage tht will tell ia the long ran against the beat arranged., tactics, provided numbers and all are equalj and in Sherman I beheld the genius that led to .such achievements during the rebellion*When introduced, Grant took me quietly by the band, aa if I were an old acquaintance, with **How are you. Admiral?11HcAlHflter gave us a small table apart frum. the rest of Lhe company; We aat down to talk, with a wild dnck and a bottle of champagne before us,neither of which Grant touched. While. I was looking earnestly at Grant, trying to make out how much of the man there was under that plain exterior, the General was regarding me to see what amount of work there waa under ail the gilt buttons and gold lace wilk which the navy department had bedizened my coat.The General came at once to the point“Adm'iray1 said he, “what 13. ull this yoirve been writing to me?” •I told him of my interview with the President, and of the latter1 s intentions with regard to McClernatd. Grantlooked serious for a moment only.ilWhen can you move with your fleet? he asked. “To-morrow, or whenever vau wish to start, ^ I replied: -Then,'7 said he, UI will get off at once. Sherman will meet you at-Memphis on the 2Qllr (December) with SO,000 men, all embarked on board transports.—I will leave Holly Springs on the 13th, and march on Grenada with ail my force (about 5D,000 men) This will draw off the rebel army now at Vicksburg to contest my advance, undyouand Sherman can get possession of the- place, as yoa will meet with inferior numbers. I will he in with the rehela if they fell back on Vicksburg.11I told the General that I would bo up to time, and this was all that wa9 ever said on the subject. Grant remained only a half hour longer* and then bade u3 good night, Buying: i:I willatartback to my headquarters at once.'1. It is not my purpose 10 write a history of General Grant’s military career. That; will be done by abler pens than mine,' but I intend to notice titepersanalcharacter of a man who has achieved more in a military way than any other. living General,* * ” A few days after my interview iTith Grant I met General Sherman, and I wrot e to the Secretary of lhe Navy as follows:
Newspaper Details
Fort Wayne Daily Gazette
Fort Wayne, Indiana, US
Sat, Dec 10, 1870
Page 4
Full Page
Clipped by
Badgerlink
WI, USA 27 Nov 2016
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