Lt. Col. Robert C. Buchanan fined Grant wine bottles for Grant's late returns from White Haven. Commanded by Colonel Stephen W. Kearny, the barracks was the nation's largest military base in the west. Grant was happy with his new commander but looked forward to the end of his military service and a possible teaching career. 2.2 Marriage and family. In Missouri, Grant visited Dent's family and became engaged to his sister, Julia, in 1844. Grant was happy with his new commander but looked forward to the end of his military service and a possible teaching career. 2.2 Marriage and family. In Missouri, Grant visited Dent's family and became engaged to his sister, Julia, in 1844.