The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1865-05-16
Lieutenant General Grant and SeCre-
tary StantOn--WhO Ranks?

Those of our readers who have seen
the performances of Rarey, the horse
tanner, will remember that his system
consisted in simply tying up the horse s
leg and placing the animal upon its
side. After this was once done there
was no further trouble. The most vi
cious 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 so madly few moments
before. The firm but modest horse-ts-
mer accomplished, in his cool, easy way,
what hundreds of less talented opera
tors had not dared attempt
There have been many exclams-
tions of wonder and surprise at the
fact that Secretary Stanton, who has
tried to control every body else, and has
had diff culties with everybody else,
has ALWAYS seemed to get along very
well with Lieutenant General Grant,
agreeing with him about everything,
carving out his plans with great ener-
" and vigor, accepting his judgment
upon every disputed point, and insist
ing that his wishes shall be consulted in
ali things that affect the srmy-that is
to say, the government 1t is not gen.
orally known, however, that General
Grant once Rareyfied Mr.. Stanton,
and thatthis accounts for the phenom
ena which have so sstonished the pub
lie. As a matter of history we will
give the anecdote. a
When General Grant was about to
leave Washington to enter upon that
sublime campaign which began with
the battle of the Wilderness and end
ed with the downfall of the rebellion,
he called upon Secretary Stanton to
say goodby. The Secretary was anx-
iously awaiting him. During the two
and a half years that President LinS
coin and Secretary Stanton had man
aged the Eastern armies it was the first
point in their plans to keep Washing
ton 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, af-
ter few preliminaries, the Secretary
remarked
well, General, suppose you have
left us enough men to strongly garrison
the forts p
''No," said Grant, coolly az can't do
that"
eWhy not p cried Stanton, jumping
neryously about Why not Why
notY atA
Because I have already sent the
men to the front" replied Gen. Grant,
calmly.
THAT won't do" cried Stanton, more
nervous than before. Its contrary 70
my plans. can't allow it. III order
the men back
az shall need the men there, answer
ed Grant, and you can't order them
/ back"
"Why mott" inquired Stanton again,
''Why not2 Why not"
81 believe that rank the Secretary
/ IN this matter" was the quiet reply.
Every well, said Stanton, little
warmly, "we'I see the President about
that III have TO take you to the
President" f1
That's right" politely observed
4 Grant, ''ths President ranks as both.
Arrived a. the White House, the
4 General and the Secretary asked 20 see
the President upon important business,
and in q few moments the good natur-
ed face Of Mr.. Lincoln appeared
We'll, gentlemen, said the Presi-
dent, with genial smile, what do you
want with mel
General" said Stanton, stifiy, ''sisto
yosr case.
~ have no case to state, replied
General Grant I'm satisfied as it il !;
thus outHanking the Secretary. and ais
playing the same strategy in diplomacy
as IN VIZ.
well, we'll" said the President
laughing, state your case, Secretary.
Secretary Stanton obeyed, Gen. Grant
said nothing the President listened
very stteatively. When Stanton had
concluded, the President crossed his
! legs, rested his elbow on his knee
twiDkled his eyes quantity and said
Now, Secretary you know We have
been trying 70 manage this army for
two years and hall, and you know We