To understand Grant requires an understanding of the historical context in which he lived, the personalities that surrounded him and most importantly, an innate understanding of the man himself. To know Grant superficially is common, but to appreciate his character in its many nuances is another thing entirely. Truly understanding Grant is not an avocation for lazy men, it takes research and a discerning eye. I t's important to eliminate the stereotypes that Grant was a butcher, a drunkard or an imbecile. These descriptions are products of Hollywood or from the pens of men who never him.
Some criticism comes from neo-Southern Confederates.
Yet it's almost impossible to find negative comments about Grant from Confederates who actually fought in the Civil War, because the southern soldiers of the Ante-bellum era respected their adversary and did not speak derisively of him. The original issues of Confederate Veteran magazine contain positive, even glowing, references about Grant. It was not socially acceptable to denigrate him until the 1920's, when the majority of Rebel veterans were already in their graves. In the field, during the Civil War it was impossible to be immaculately groomed, and Grant was a casual man, unconcerned with outward appearances. But he was not dirty or ill-kempt.