The Ulysses S. Grant Thread

[M E Wolf]

Dear SamGrant and List Members:

In the book Under Both Flags -A Panorama of the Great Civil War published in 1896 (the book itself is 112 years old)--I was surprised to see Eulogy of General Grant. The eulogy was delivered by Colonel Charles Marshall at Grant's tomb.

Colonel Marshal was the military and confidential secretary to General Robert E. Lee (CSA) and is/was a great nephew of the Chief Justice of the US Surpreme Court --John Marshall. Resident of Baltimore, [1896]
recognized member of the Bar [Law] there. He was at Grant's tomb as one of the Confederate Veterans from New York.

The eulogy is very lengthy and in 10 font which covered two pages of this book. But, to put it into a total sum of the message--General Lee respected General Grant very much. Colonel Marshall relates his first hand witnessing the exchanges between these Generals during the surrendering process at Appomatox. What struck Col. Marshall was General Grant's immediate references to "American" blood should not be spilled from this moment forward. It was evident that there was many an opportunity to flaunt the victory of the Civil War, humiliate and such. But, General Grant did not and would not allow such to happen. General Grant immediately saw the men of the Confederates as American again. General Grant immediately used terms instead of prisoner--he used 'guests.' The Union officers and men did not ever speak an ill word from that day--each recognized each other as a brave American who fought for what they thought was right. Because of General Grant's immediate start into healing both sides, it was seen, recognized as such and this is why he was so endeared to General Grant. These behind the scenes interaction between Grant and Lee; as to begin the healing as soon as the end of the war was important to General Grant and met the hope of General Lee; for his army to rejoin the United States. General Lee and his army were bitter, deflated and expected the worst. General Lee left sad but knew that the intentions of General Grant were honorable and wanted to see the past left and all men to become Americans immediately--no more Blue and Gray--Just Americans. There was dignity and respect coming to and from the surrendering of the army.

The author who was witness to Colonel Charles Marshall's Eulogy of General Grant, was never published in permanent form. He further stated what a tragic thing it wasn't, as it was something future generations could use as an inspiration. [I will have to agree it is a loss].

What I got out of it: 1. General Grant regardless under order or self inspired saw the bigger picture. 2. Knowing the 'spirit' of the Confederacy, to humiliate and rub their nose into the defeat--no US military would have enough men, guns and supplies to keep them under control in the long run--hate and revenge lives a long life. 3. General Grant bent over backwards as to make sure General Lee was comfortable in surrendering the army, as well as to immediately feed, supply and assist the former members of the Confederate army. They were treated as guests. The members of the defeated army were assisted as best as possible, as to return home.

Just some thoughts.

Sincerely,
M. E. Wolf

[5fish]

A learned and maybe many on this board may know this about Grant. He like to draw and paint in water color. I found this site about Grant and it had some painting and drawing by him.

The painting shown and the brief story implies that Grant drew and painted a lot at West Point and when he was in his Twenties.

I wonder if he kept drawing and painting during the civil war and if any survived to this day.

It is a fact about the man that surprised me for I have read many brief bio's about Grant but this is the first to mention about the artist in Grant....

I knew that everyone was surprise how good of a writer an author he was after his memoirs were published...