Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1870-06-10
First impressions of Grant.

Alexander H. Stevens gives the follow
ing account of his Introduction 10 Cen
eral Grant in the second volume OF his
constitutional View of the the Late War
between the States" We copy from adj
vance sheets:
At City Point we were Immediately
taken to Head Quarters oftho Comman-
der.in- Chief. Here, for the first time,
met Gen. Grant himself. and. will say in
the first place. that | was never so much
disappointed in my life, in my previously
formed opinions, OF either the personal
appearance or bearing of any one, about
whom had read and heard so much
Tho disappointment, moreover, was lnev'
cry respect favorable and agreeable. was
instantly struck with the great simplicity
and naturalness OF his manners, and the
entire absence Of every thing like atfec-
tation, show, or even the usual military
air or mien of men in his position. He
was plainly attircd, sitting in log-cabin
busiy writing at small table by 4 kerr
oscne lamp. 1t was night when we ar
rived There was nothing in his appear
ance or surroundings which indicated bis
official rank. There were neither guards
nor aids about hm. Upon Col. Bab-
cocks rapping at his door, the response.
Come in," was given by himself in "
tone of voice, and with Il cadence, which
can never forget.
His conversation WAS easy and fluent,
without the least effort or restraint. In
this, nothing was SO closely noticed by
me as the point and ,ersencss with which
he expressed whatever he said. He did
not seem either to court or avoid conver-
sation but whenever he did speak, what
he said was directly to the point and COW
cred the whole matter with few words.
saw before being with him long. that he
was exceedingly quick in perception,
direct in purpose. with 4 vast deal more
of brains than tongue, rs ready rs that
was to his command.
| We were here with Gen. Grant two
davs. He furnished Us with comfortable
quarters on board of one of his dispatch
boats. The more | became acquainted
with him, the more became thoroughly
impressed with the very extraordinary
combination of rare clements of charac-
ter which he exhibited. During the time
he met us frequently, and conversed free
ly upon various subjects, not much upon
our mission. saw. however, very clear
ly that he was very anxious for tcrml-
nation of our war, and the return ofpeace
and harmony throughout the country. 1t
was through his instrumentality mainly,
that Mr. Lincoln finally consented 10 meet
us at Fortress Monroe.
Upon the whole the result of this first
acquaintance with General Grant. begin
ming with our going to, and ending with
ourreturn from Hampton Roads, was the
conviction on my mind, that taken all in
all, he was one Of the most remarkable
men had ever met with, and that his
career in life. if his days should be pro-
longed, was hardly entertained upon;
that his character was notyet fully devel-
oped that he himself was not aware OF
his own power, and that if he lived he
would in the future exert controlling in
iuence in shaping the dcstinies of his
country. either for good or evil. Which
it would DO time and circumstances alone
could disclose. That was the opinion OF
him then formed, and it is the same which
has been uniformity expressed by me
ever since.