The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1865-05-11
tenant General Grant and Secretary
Stamton-Who Ranks?

Those Of cur headers who have seen the per-
formances Of Rarey, the horse-tamer, will re-
member that his system consisted in simply
tying up the horses leg and placing the animal
upon its side. After this was once done there
was no further trouble The most vicious horse
became perfectly quiet and gentle A portion
of Rarey's own placidity seemed to be infused
into the animal that had been rearing and kick
ing and biting go madly few moments before
The firm but modest horse-tamer accomplished,
in his cool, easy way, what hundreds of less tai
ented operators had not dared to attempt
There have been many EXPLANATIONS of won
der and surprise at the fact that Secretary
Stanton, who has tried to control everybody
else, and has had difficulties with every
body else, has always seemed to get
along very well with Lieutenant Gene
raj Grant, agreeing with him about
everything, carrying out bis plans with great
energy and vigor, accepting his judgment upon
every disputed point, and insisting that his
wishes shall be consulted in all things that
affect the army-that is to say, the govern
ment II Is not generally known, however,
that General Grant once Rareyfled Mr.. STAN
ton, and that this accounts for the phenomena
which have 80 astonished the public. AS o
matter of history we will give the anecdote.
When General Grant was about to leave
Washington to enter upon that sublime cam
paign which began with the battle of the Will
derness and ended with the downfall of the
rebellion, he called upon Secretary Stanton to
say goodby. The Secretary was anxiously
awaiting him. During the two and halt years
that President Lincoln and Secretary Stanton
had managed the Eastern armies 1t was the
first point in their plans TO keep Washington
heavily garrisoned with troops. Large bodies
of men were stationed in the Notifications
around the city, and other large bodies were
kept within supporting distance. Now that
Grant had come into power Stanton wanted to
see that the defence of Washington was not
overlooked. Accordingly, after few prclimi-
naries, the Secretary remarked
"Well, General, suppose you have left us
enough men to strongly garrison the iorts?"
"No," said Grant, coolly; 81 can't do that"
"Why mott" cried Stanton, jumping nervously
about "Why not? Why nots''
"Because have already sent the men to the
'front.'" replied Grant, calmly.
"That won't do" cried Stanton, more nervous
than before. "ns contrary TO my plans. can't
allow IL. I'll order the men back"
~ shall need the men there" answered
Grant, "and you can't order them back"
"Why not2" inquired Stanton again. "Why
not? Why not"
~ believe that rank The Secretary in this
matter" was tho quiet reply.
Every well, "'said Stanton, little warmly,
"wefl see the President about that III have
to take you to the President"
'That's right" politely observed Grant; "thc
President ranks us both"
Arrived at the White House, tho General and
the Secretary asked 10 SEQ the President upon
important business, and In few moments the
good natured face Of Mr.. Lincoln appeared.
"Well, gentlemen" said the President, with
genial smile, "what do you want with mes"
General" said Stanton, stifly, estate your
case"
~ have no case to state" replied General
Grant; "Pm satisfied as IL Isl" thus outGanking
the Secretary, and displaying the same strategy
in diplomacy as in war.
"Well, WE'LL" said the President, laughing,
estate your case, Secretary"
Secretary Stanton obeyed; General Grant
said nothing; the President listened very atten.
lively. When Stanton had concluded, the Presi.
dent crossed his legs, rested his elbow on his
knee, twinkled his eyes quantity and said
"Now, Secretary, you know we have been
trying to manage this army for two years and
half, and you know we haven't done much with
it. We sent over the mountains and brought
Mister Grant-as Mrs. Grant calls him-to
manage 1t for us, and now guess we had bet
ter let Mister Grant have his own way"
From this decision there was no appeal.
Nobody ranked the President So General
Grant went of with the army, and Secretary
Stanton went back to his Office. That applca-
ton Of Grants Rarey-like tactics made Stanton
the hardest working Secretary, and one Of the
most gentlemanly officials in Washington, and
it fully accounts for the admirable relations
which have since existed between him and the
Lieutenant General. IL shows also that Grant
knows how TO manage men as well as armies.
His shrewdness is equally available in the Cabi-
net and in the field. What is strategy in war
becomes tact in diplomacy. Lieutenant Gen.
eral Grant, like Field Marshal Wellington, will
be one of the chief advisers of the government
both in war and in peace; and as he holds his
position for life, his experience in public affairs
will constantly increase and will be Invaluable
to every President
observation-disclosures Is turning its face to
these shores, stimulated by the magnificent
prospect opening to us in the future. Emigra-
ton seems now the order Of the day, and,
curiously enough, IL is working both ways-into