The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1865-12-15
BIDDEFoRD, ME-, FRIDAY MORNING,
GEN. GRANTS REPORT.

rI ~ NMHlNGTON, Uec.rO.
In submitting his report, Lieut.. Gen. Gran,
says he was impressed from an early period OF
the rebellion with the idea that active and con
tinuous operation Of all tho troops that could
be brought into the field, regardless Of season
or weather, were necessary to success. Our
army, east and west, acted without concert,
like balky team, no two ever pulling together,
enabling the enemy to uso to great advantage,
his interior lines Of Communication; aud II was
a question whether our numerical strength and
resources were not more than balanced by his
advantage and superior position. Convinced
that no place could ba obtained until tho mill
tsry power Of the rebellion was entirely broken
ldstermined, FIRST, to use tho greatest number
Of troops practicable against the armed force OF
the enemy, preventing him from using tho
same force. at different seasons, Of first one and
then another OF our armies, and prevent tho
possibility Of rcpose, and to hammer continual.
y against the armed forces OF the enemy. md
his resources, until by mere attrition, II in no
other way, there should be nothing left to him,
but an equal submission with the loyal section
of our common country to the Constitution, o.
These views, Gen. Grant says, were kept con-
stantly in mind, and orders given, and cam
might have been better in conception and exc
cution, is for the people, who mourn the loss
of friends fallen in battle, and those who have
to pay the pecuniary cost, to say. All | can
say is, that what have done, has been done
conscientiously, to the best OF my ability, and
in what conceived to no for the best interests
Of tho whole country. -.
Gen. Grant then refers to the situation OF the
forces. at the date of his appoint |
nent. The main armies OF the rebels being
by IIoe in Virginia. and Johnston
n Georgia; our forces being commanded by |
Sherman in the West and Meade in Virginia,
Zen, Grant exercising n general supervision OF
he movements Of all thearnies Sherman was
Instructed to break up Johpston's army, 60 in
% the interior OF the enemy's country, and in
lict all the damage to the enemy's war resour.
,es, and ifths enemy showed signs Of joining
lee. to follow him up to the full extent OF his
ability; while he, Grant, would prevent Lees
concentration upon Sherman. .r.J
Gen. Grant then details his instructions Civ
m to Gems. Banks Butler and others, and en-.
ers into detailed account Of tho progress OF
he c,mpaign.
OF Buffers movement against Drury's Bluff,
Gen. Grant says, the time consumed lost to us
tho benefit OF the surprise and capture Of Rich
nond and Petersburg, enabling Bcanregard to
collect his loose forces in North and South Ca
'olina, and bring them to the defence of those
,laces. Subsequently the enemy attacke
Butler, who was forced or drew b,ck into in
renchments between the james and Appoma-
.oy rivers, and his Buffers, army was as COM
,letely shut of from further operations directly
against Richmond, as If it had been in bottle
trongly corkcd. ..,.....
Gen. Grant gives concise and clear exposi.
ion Of all military movements which resulted
n finally crushing the rebellion. and closes with
he statement, that he knows no difference in
he fighting qualities OF the Eastern or West
rn armies. Both have proved THAR valor by
he record, and all sections can congratulate
ach other for having done full duty in rcstor'
ng the supremacy OF the laws. ,....