The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1885-09-05
ANECDOTES OF GEN. GRANT.
THE GREAT LEADERS OHARAO-
TERISTIOS.

IthlSIlUS.
His Repugnance to OstentatiOn-An Incl
dent of the Fort Donelson Attack.
General Grants repugnance to any,
thing like snobbishness or ostentation
was one of his marked characteristics.
Shortly after he settled down in New
York city noted artist desired to paint
his portrait. Consent being gained, the
artist called at the house of for his first
sitting. lie is man whose elegant de-
pertinent and aristocratic bearing are
among his prominent characteristics.
The General received his guest in blunt
and open manner, invited him to the par
lor, where an easel was prepared and the
work begun. There was knock at the
door. "Come in" said the General. 1t
proved to be Mrs. Grant. She wanted
money for marketing. The artist struck
an attitude of heroic indifference at the
easel, while he watched the General pull
out an fashioned, faded and much
worn pocket-book. 1t was tied with a
black string, which he slowly removed,
got the money and handed some to his
wife. The black string, the veteran wal
let, the filthy lucre or something in the
transaction itself shocked the sensibili-
ties of the artist, if the painful express
ions on his mobile face told the truthful
tale, but he managed to resume work.
1t was warm day. The artist perspired.
Presently he went across the room and
pulled bell cord.
"What do you want ?" asked General
Grant.
II rang for servant to bring me a
glass of water" was the reply.
The General got up from his chair and
walked out. In moment or two he re-
turned with goblet of ice water for the
thirsty artist, who was SO confused that
he even forgot to express his thanks. The
General paid not the slightest attention
to his confusion, but went on with the
sitting as if nothing had happened.
One of the stories of Grants impertur-
liability was told after he had taken
charge of the Army of the Potomac. A
visitor to the army called on him one
morning. The General was smoking and
talking to his staff officers. The caller
inquired of him: General, if you flank
Lee and get between him and Richmond,
will you not uncover Washington and
leave it prey to the enemy General
Grant let big wave of smoke roll out
of his mouth as he replied in a Indifferent
way. "Yes, reckon So" Encouraged
in his line of attack on the citadel of in
formation, the visitor continued: "Gen-
eral, don't you think Lee can detach
sufficient force from his army to reinforce
Beauregard and oyerwhelm Butler %
''Not doubt of it," said the General as
calmly as before, while he knocked the
ashes from his cigar with his little finger.
The shocked face of the querist was evil
dence of his perturbation of spirit over
Grants replies, as he propounded third
inquiry: General, is there not danger
that Johnston may come up and rein
force Lee, so that the latter will swing
around and cut your communications
and seize your supplies ?" Very likely
said Grant, as he pulled another wave Of
smoke out of his mouth so as to form a
series of rings. The visitor FASTENED
back to Washington full of the horrible
fate that was admittedly pending over
Grant and the army, while Grant and the
army went On to Richmond.
The Colonel of Western regiment
obtained from General Grant sick fur.
Tough. While he was at home he was
nominated for Congress and proceeded tc
canvass the district, applying meanwhile
for an extension of the furlough til
after election day. General Grant wrote
on the back of the papers: eff Colonel
Blank is able to travel over his district
to electioneer for Congress he is able tc
be with his regiment; and he is hereby
ordered to join it Immediately, or be
dismissed from the service"
General Grant could obey orders as
we'll as give them. He walked down or
the wharf at City Point one day, alb.
sorbed in thought. The inevitable cigar
was in his mouth. A negro guard
touched his arm and said: "No smoking
on the dock, SIR" care those your or
ders'" asked the General, looking up.
Yes, sah." replied the Waterman, cour.
teously but decidedly. every good or.
ders," said Grant, as he threw his cigar
in the water.
The attack on Fort Donelson, which
established Grants fame, is said to have
been decided upon by simple circum-
stance. The day before the attack most
of the troops had marched long dis.
lance, part of it in bitter cold night.
A council of war was called to determine
whether an immediate attack should be
made, or whether the troops should have
day of rest. The officers were in favor
of rest. Grant said nothing, but ap.
peared absorbed in thought. Presently,
when every one had expressed an opinion,
he said: "There was deserter came in
this morning. Let us see him, and hear
what he has to say The man was sent
for and came in. Grant looked in his
haversack and then asked: "Where are
you from?' "Fort Donelson." "Got
six days rations in your haversack, have
you not ?" eyes, SIR when were
they served out?" yesterday morn
ing" ''The same to all the troops ?''
eyes, Sir" The soldier was sent out
and Grant said: Gentlemen, troops do
not have six days rations served out to
them in a fort if they mean to stay
there. These men mean to retreat-not
to fight. We will attack once"
Youthful Smartness and What 1t Cost.
From the Leeds Mercury.
A student at Harrow one day politely
went to the assistance of stout farmer
on horseback in difficulties with a gate
lock. Thank you, my boy" said the
farmer, who was one of the wealthy
Middlesex graziers. "What may your
name be-" ''My names Green" re-
turned the boy, "And what is your