, 1865-07-14
Grant and stanton.

When Gen. Grant was about to leave
Washington to enter upon the campaign
which began with the battle of the Wilder
ness and ended with the downfall of the re-
bellion, he called upon Secretary Stanton to
say goodbye. The Secretary was anxiously
awaiting him. During the two and half
years that President Lincoln and Secretary
Stanton had managed the eastern armies, it
was the first point in ther 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 in supporting dis
tance. Now that Grant had come into
power, Stanton wanted to see that the de-
tense of Washington had not been over
looked. Accordingly, after few prelimin-
aries, the Secretary remarked:
"Well, General, suppose that you have
left us enough men to strongly garrison the
forts ?"
oNo," said Grant, coolly; 81 can't do
that"
"Why not?" cried Stanton, jumping
nervously about "Why not? Why not %
"Because have already sent the men
to the front replied grant calmly.
"That won't do" cried Stanton, more
nervous than before. dts contrary to my
plans. I can't allow it. I'll order the men
back"
81 shall need the men there" answered
Grant, Sand you can't order them back"
"Why not?" inquired Stanton again.
"Why not? Why not 2"
81 believe that l rank the Secretary in
this matter" was the quiet reply.
Very well" said Stanton, a little warm
ly, "we'll see the President about that. I'll
have to take you to the President.
"That's right" politely observed the
Generals the President ranks us both"
Arrived at the White House, they asked
to see the President upon important bust.
ness, and in few moments the good-na.
tured face of Mr.. Lincoln appeared.
"Well, gentlemen, said the President,
with genial smile, "what do you want
with me 2"
General" said Stanton, stifiy estate
your case"
81 have no case to state" replied Gen.
Grant; Pm satisfied as it Isl" thus out
fanking the Secretary, and displaying the
same strategy in diplomacy as in war.
"Well, well, said the President, laugh
ing, estate your case, Secretary"
Mr.. Stanton obeyed General Grant said
nothing; the President listened very atten.
lively. When Stanton had concluded, the
President crossed his legs, rested his elbow
on his knee, twinkled his eyes quantity, and
said:
"Now, Secretary, you know that we
have been trying to manage this army fol
two years and half, and you know We
haven't done much with it. We sent ovel
the mountains and brought Mister Grant
as Mrs. Grant calls him-to manage it fol
US, and now guess we had better let Mr.
Grant have his own way"
From this decision there was no appeal
Nobody ranked the President. So Genera
Grant went off with the army, and Secretary
Stanton went back to his Office
The result was that General Grant ac
complished what he never could have done
had Stanton been allowed to continue on
in his jealous interferences, and wove a
victor-wreath for his brow which might 9th
erwise have been clouded by disaster and de-
feat. "Time at last makes all things even,'
and Secretary Stanton's name must hence
froth bear load of that same kind of obi
um which, prompted by his jealousy or hi'
cowardice, he has SO ruthlessly caused to b.
heaped upon the names Of others in interfe
renoes with their plans. His retiracy from
the Secretaryship will be regretted by few
people of any party in the nation.