Wyandot County Republican. [volume] (Upper Sandusky, Ohio) 1869-1903, 1870-06-17
From A. H. Stephens Constitutional View of the
War.
First interview Between GIANT and
A. H. Stevens, at City Point, Va.

In pursuance of letter we were
met ON the evening OF the same day,
at that part of the lines at which we
had, in the meantime, been notified
to appear at 4 O'Clock, by an escort
under the conduct of Lieutenant
Colonel Babcock of General CRAFTS
staff, and were conveyed by railroad
to City Point. Upon reaching that
place we were Immediately taken to
the Head Quarters of the Comman-
der-in- Chief. Here, for the first time,
met Grant himself.
MAJ. HESTER. What impression
did he make upon you on first ac-
How did he compare
with General Lee in your estima
ton.
Mr.. STEPHENS. Why, sir, the idea
of drawing comparison between
them did not occur to me. l should
just as soon have thought of draw
ing a comparison between Louis Ma
poleon and Washington. But in an
swer to your question, as to what
impression he made upon me, will
say, in the first place, that I was
never so much disappointed in my
life, in my previously formed opin-
ions, of either the personal appear
ance or bearings Of any one, about
whom had read and heard so much.
The disappointment, moreover, was
inc very respect favorable and agree
able. was instantly struck with
the great simplicity and perfect nat
uralness of his manners, and the en-
tire absence of everything like affec-
tation, show or even the usual mill
tary air or naiep of men in his posi-
ton. He was plainly attired, sitting
in log cabin, busily writing on a
small table, by a Kerosene lamp. 1t
was night when we arrived. There
was nothing in his appearance or
surroundings which indicated his
official rank. There were neither
guards nor aids about him. Upon
Colonel Babcock's rapping at his
door, the response, "Come in," was
given by himself, in tone of voice
and with q cadence, which I can
never forget.
His conversation was easy and
fluent without the least effort or
restraint. In this, nothing was so
closely noticed ty me as the point
and terseness with which he express
sed whatever he said. He did not
seem either to court or avoide con
versation, but whenever he did
speak, what he said was directly to
the point, and covered the whole
matter in a few words. 1 saw before
being with him long, that he was
exceedingly quick in perception, and
direct in purpose, with vast deal
more of brains than tongue,as ready
as that was at his command.
We were here with General Grant
two days, as the correspondence re
ferred to shows. He furnished us
with comfortable quarters on board
one of his dispatch boats. The more
1 became acquainted with him, the
more became thoroughly impressed
with the very extraordinary COM
bination OF rare elements of char
acter which he exhibited. During
the time he met us frequently, and
conversed freely upon various sub
jects, not much upon our mission.
saw, however, very clearly, that he
was very anxious for the proposed
Conference to take place, and from
all that was said / inferred-wheth-
er correctly or not do not know
that he was fully apprised off pro-
posed object. He was, without
doubt, exceedingly anxious for a
termination Of our war, and the re-
turn ofpeace and harmony through
out the country. 1t was through
his instrumentality mainly, that Mr..
Lincoln finally consented to meet us
at Fortress Monroe, as the CORES
pondence referred to shows.
But in further response to youl
inquiry, I will add: that upon the
whole the result of this first acquain.
tance with General Grant, beginning
with our going to, and ending with
our return from Hampton Roads
was. the conviction on my mind
that, taken all in all, he was one ol
the most remarkable men had evel
met with, and that his career in life
if his days should be prolonged, was
hardly entered upon; that he him
| self was not aware of his own now
err, and that if he would in the futur,
exert a controlling influence il
shaping the destinies of this countr,
either for good or for evil Whicl
it would be, time and circumstance
alone could disclose. That was tn
opinion of him then formed, and i
is the same which has been uniform
ly expressed bv me ever since. This
Major Heis,er, is all / can now sa
, in answer to your question.