Cavalry Charger
Major
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2017
Just wanted to touch base regarding my new role here.
First, let me begin my saying it is a privilege. Thank you to the site owners for placing their trust in me.
Secondly, why would someone who lives nearly 17,000 kms from Grant's final resting place want to host a forum on Grant?
Last year, I travelled those nearly 17,000 kms to visit Grant's tomb. My visit there was unexpected in terms of the lack of number of visitors. The tomb was quiet and peaceful. And, in many ways, the Visitor's Centre there carried all the humility of Grant with very little pomp and ceremony. The back cover blurb on McFeely's book at the centre tempted me to buy it. The young woman managing the store recommended others. There were so many biographies, I found it impossible to make a choice there and then. Probably one of my biggest regrets. But, I'm not done yet What I did pick up was a book on Grant's campaign at Vicksburg, so I'm sure there will be more to come on that.
I also had the unexpected and fortunate experience of being able to raise a glass to the General in Grant's Bar at Ebbitt's Grill in Washington. Yep! There is an iconic image of the general hanging at one end of the bar and I sat at the bar with Ulysses, shared a few thoughts, and raised my glass to him
Anyway, back to my second point. Why would I want to host this forum? Because Grant fascinates me. He has from the moment I arrived here on the site. And the biggest hook to generate my interest was not the battles he fought and won, but his wonderful relationship with his wife Julia, and hers with him. Their sense of committment and loyalty drew me in, and I have learned so much more since then.
Having said that, there is always more to learn. I have many topics lined up for discussion, and will rely on those who have studied Grant in depth to contribute their knowledge and understanding. I will raise questions, many that I do not know the answer to, in order to learn more and develop a greater sense of appreciation of Grant.
And that is my aim as host. To raise the profile of Grant in general, as General, and the ways he made a contribution to his country.
And what led me here originally were the letters of an ordinary soldier, who died in service of Grant, the Union army and his country.
Once again, thanks for having me. I hope I do a good job.
First, let me begin my saying it is a privilege. Thank you to the site owners for placing their trust in me.
Secondly, why would someone who lives nearly 17,000 kms from Grant's final resting place want to host a forum on Grant?
Last year, I travelled those nearly 17,000 kms to visit Grant's tomb. My visit there was unexpected in terms of the lack of number of visitors. The tomb was quiet and peaceful. And, in many ways, the Visitor's Centre there carried all the humility of Grant with very little pomp and ceremony. The back cover blurb on McFeely's book at the centre tempted me to buy it. The young woman managing the store recommended others. There were so many biographies, I found it impossible to make a choice there and then. Probably one of my biggest regrets. But, I'm not done yet What I did pick up was a book on Grant's campaign at Vicksburg, so I'm sure there will be more to come on that.
I also had the unexpected and fortunate experience of being able to raise a glass to the General in Grant's Bar at Ebbitt's Grill in Washington. Yep! There is an iconic image of the general hanging at one end of the bar and I sat at the bar with Ulysses, shared a few thoughts, and raised my glass to him
Anyway, back to my second point. Why would I want to host this forum? Because Grant fascinates me. He has from the moment I arrived here on the site. And the biggest hook to generate my interest was not the battles he fought and won, but his wonderful relationship with his wife Julia, and hers with him. Their sense of committment and loyalty drew me in, and I have learned so much more since then.
Having said that, there is always more to learn. I have many topics lined up for discussion, and will rely on those who have studied Grant in depth to contribute their knowledge and understanding. I will raise questions, many that I do not know the answer to, in order to learn more and develop a greater sense of appreciation of Grant.
And that is my aim as host. To raise the profile of Grant in general, as General, and the ways he made a contribution to his country.
And what led me here originally were the letters of an ordinary soldier, who died in service of Grant, the Union army and his country.
Once again, thanks for having me. I hope I do a good job.
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