The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1864-05-14
Saturday Morning. May "a, 1864.

GENERAL GRANT IN CAMP-A Sketch Of
his Personal HdbitS-Iacidents in the Field
Washington, 30th. A military friend who
has Just passed some days at the headquarters
In Culpepper, has given me an account of his
visit and of the habits of the Lieutenant Gen.
eral that / am glad 10 transcribe. General
Grant messes with his staff in house in the
village and at his table sits familiarity every
member of his military family. The expenses
of the mess are divided among the ten, not in
equal proportions exactly, but In manner
that is satisfactory to all. There Is not the
slightest attempt at show or parade in the fur
nitnre and equipage; everything is for use and
economy Of trouble and space. The crockery
is scanty and of the plainest, and the fare,
though sufficient In quantity, is just as home
ly as that of any thrifty aud careful mechanic
in your city. A chop with cup of coffee for
breakfast; bit Of roast beef, with potatoes
and "hard tack" confronting dish OF pork
and greens" served for the O'Clock dinner,
which was concluded without pastry or des-
sert A cup OF tea aud bit of bread and but
ter at IL o'clock finished up the day. The
beds were simply camp cots, some with aud
Others without mattresses; and all the toilet
apparatus anywhere visible were few tin
washbasins, moderate supply Of towels,
bit of looking-glass and horn comb. At the
table neither distilled liquor nor wine is per-
mitted. The General will not haveeither about
MIN, LOT nls own Oh Olnefs use.
The inventory Of the Generals baggage
when he made his brilliant campaign ia the
rear of Nicksburg is, take it, wel-remem-
bered-a briar-wood telescope and tooth
brush. La what relates to personal adorn-
ment and, outside OF the necessity OF eating
and drinking. personal comfort, he has not
greatly enlarged his possessions. His three
stars indicate his exalted rank, but to say
nothing Of the charm which, in soldiers eyes,
these glittering marks Of rank possess, doubt
Ii there is u commissariat officer in his army
who is as plainly clad as he. His clothes are
worn threadbare, and, despite the steady
brushing Of his servant, they will have an ull-
tidy look--due, no doubt, to the Generals
habit OF going everywhere and seeing every
thing for himself The General understands
the relation between cleanliness and godliness;
but in his opinion practically eyinced, there
is as much Of either in a flannel shirt, as-n
one Of linen, Of drawingroom immaculate
ness.
Your readers are not to believe that / am
describing careless or indolent man, or one
who does not know the difference between the
garb of gentleman and that of sloyen.-
The facts are pointed out only as proof that
this mans mind is SO intent upon the great
problem before him, that he has neither the
time nor the inclination to consider miserable
fr.voties. He holds great nations fate in
the palm of his hands; and it, an encourage
ment TO know that every faculty of his mind
Is calmly but profoundly exercised for the ma
tional welfare. All his thought OF carriages
centres in the carriages that bear his field
pieces; his discussion OF the question of eat
ing extends no farther than TO the raiions OF
his men; and he would hate himself If he
could spend minute over the fit or fashion
OF his coat.
General Grant never swears. No man Ia
his camp has ever heard him give utterance
10 profanity 10 any OF its many forms. He
rarely laughs, either but he has sort of grim
humor which is not without its effect Ii is
related as part OF the gossip OF "the 'front.'"
that an officer attached to the Quartermas-
ter's department Of his army, wanted one wet
day to consult with the General-in-chief. He
is believer in the old regime, aud practiced
what under Mcclellan he was taught. lie
had half adoZen miles to 90, more or less, so
he ordered out his close carriage, and ~ ID
was likely that night would come before he
could return, the lamps were trimmed and
hung out, on each side Of the drivers seat
Then, with an escort of twelve dragons he
started, happy, no doubt, in tho belief that he
was proof against the descending rain. Ap-
preaching Cupepper, he met an ordinary
looking man on horseback, attended only by
an orderly. As he passed, he recognized the
Lieut.. General, who, ia spite of the rain, was
making his usual round, in his usual modest
way.
10 descend from his carriage and salute his
chief was but the work OF moment; but
Grant, rritated by the style aud pretension
OF his officer, was ia no hurry to see him gain
the shelter of his carriage roof again.
"Walk along with me little," said the Gen
eral, II want TO talk with you" With POLISH
ed boots aud unexceptionable kids, Mr.. Quar-
termaster did as he was bidden; aud With a
touch of that grimness TO which have refer
red, the General led him through the muddi-
est parts of the road, and did not release him
until he was wet to the skin-as wet as the
General himself lie was then dismissed with
an injunction that will be remembered, though
IT was inierlarded with no oaths.-lN. Y. Eve
Post.