The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1865-09-08

thoughtful, reflective and large-minded man
Such being his condition, one Is reminded OF
the case Of Frederick the Great during the
years he was banished by his father. But
in whatever makes man, Grant, the Amer,
lean Hero. far excels. will say here tha,
he always was temperate, and every way ccr-
rect in his behavior.
A month or 80 berore the Fort Sumter out.
rage, and aiterward, Capt. Grant was nm
easy. lie walked through the streets. to anil
fro in the store, saying nothing. and apPar'
emily was in troubled state Of mind. About
those days the Douglas Guard organized in
the city to counteract the Lincoln Wide
Awakes, and Capt Grant, as military man,
was appointed orderly sergeant. His reply
was that captain in the United States In
fintry was not the one to take such posi-
ton. lie did not go near them. He med
died 30 little with politics that il is to this
day unknown whether he voted for Lincoln
or Douglas.
At last war came; war meeting was
held, and Capt. Grant was appointed Chair
man. Then he went to Mr.. Washburnc and
said he had been educated nt West Point at
the expense of the Government he had re-
signed, expecting never to serve again, but
now he offered his services for what they
were worth. A company was raised in the
town, and under his direction it was equip.
ped and sent to Cairo.
Galena is in tho northwest part Of the
State. Sometimes the wants of this corner
are disregarded. At Springfield there is al.
ways ring Of politicians who are anxious
to provide for their set. II is difficult to do
anything with them. Mr.. Washburne urg
cd Captain Grant to go down and offer his
services. lilo would help him all.he could.
The Captain went down. and after some de-
lay he was set to work drawing up and copy.
ing papers. Alter while hc told them
they could got somebody to do such work as
well M he for dollar day. II was not IN
his line to be kept in corner at desk, see-
ing nobody and doing 80 little. lie was met
coldly; nobody knew him, nobody cared for
him. Other persons then took an interest
in him. among them Mr.. lIoughton and Mr..
Mcclellan, President Of the bank here. The
latter in particular pressed the Captains 3
claims.
Then he was appointed nm Aid Of Gov
Yates. and directed to hunt up the State
arms. lie found about 1900 rusty muskets
He also mustered in usn. Still, so many
were his discouragements and 50 coldly was
he looked upon, that he told his friends he
was not wanted and that he had better go
home.
Tho Importance Of hiring man Of mill
tary knowledge was urged upon the Govern
or. It was proposed he should be the Col.
onel Of tho 2lst Regiment, but another got
it. ....
About this time Capt. Grant went to Ohio
to see his father, when Governor Dennison
was urged to give him an appointment. The
prospect here was good. Then he came back
to Illinois. By this time the 2lst regiment
had become demoralized. The men talked
OF putting the Colonel in the guard-house.
Captain Grant was sent TO them by the help
Of Logan; the men were quieted, and then
our Captain was appointed their Colooel.
The regiment turned out TO be ono OF the
best in the State.
Then Col. Grant came back to Galcna to
get his clothes yes, to get his clothes. lie
had to have uniform. To get It money
was borrowed and security given for the
money The American people can afford to
read this now. Then he went back. On
taking his men he had them march. saying
they would learn four times as last. lie
went to Missouri, and was under Fremont,
Meanwhile his friends. like Cromwell's lit
tic daughter, were indeed very few Mr.
Houghton. editor Of the Gazette, On the 3lst
May, 1861, Describes Col. Grant as the soul
Of honor. and no man breathcs who has a
moro patriotic heart, and our new soldiers
need tho leadership Of q rare man like Capt.
Gmnt June %, the paper says, COM
maud Of an Ohio regiment has been rendered
to Capt Grant, and ID urges his fitness for .
high command. Juno % Is anoticc that
Capt Grant has accepted tho Colonelcy Of
the 9TH District regiment. July 81 states
that Col. Grant is to be promoted to Brig
adiership, and congratulates the service on
the event. Dec. % is an editorial cstimat.
ing the character Of Gen. Grant, and in par
ticular il mentions his modesty. frankncss,
sagacity and strategy. | take these things
from the files Of the paper myself. 7u az
To this stage Of the shero's lifo,, history
does not furnish an example Of any, other
man who has been % suocessful in right
evus cause. -. M. -,ttr-, ri 80 s-I ~ 80
Gen. Grant Is still thoughtful man.
When he speaks he holds down his head and
thinks. Some say he has not forgotten Mex
leo. IL 10 too soon TO estimats his oharac-
ter indeed. very little b known In :
wide brimmed cavalry bat, and in, clothes
a lttle too large, and with, silent tongue,