The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1885-06-17

/
An interesting story of General
Grants magnanimity at the close OF
the war, and his keen sense of honor,
comes to the Times from its New
York correspondent. The war was
over, General Lee and his half star
we'd Confederates had returned to
their desolate homes on their parole
of honor. The victorious armies un-
der Grant and Sherman were en-
Icamped in and around Washington
and jeff Davis was in Fortress Mon
roe.
General Grant and Rawlins were
playing a game of billiards in the
National hotel and two civilians
were indulging in that pastime 90
an opposite table. A major entered
the room in hurry and whispered
to Grant. The latter laid his cue on
the table, saying: "Rawlins, don't
disturb the balls until / return" and
hurried out. One of the civilians
said to the other Pay for the game
and hurry out; there is something
up"
In front of the hotel stood a mount
ed sentinel. Grant ordered the SOL
dier to dismount, and springing into
the saddle rode up the avenue so
fast as to attract attention. The first
civilian questioned the soldier as to
the cause but was answered with a
look of surprise of one who knew
nothing. On being told of the Cen
erals breakneck ride it was decided
to 60 the War Department and learn
the cause, if possible. Colonel Bar
roll, of the Second regular infantry,
was, disbursing officer in the quar-
termaster's department, and to the
Colonel one of the civilians went for
information. Asking him if he knew
the reason of General Grants hasty
action and if he had seen the hero
of the hour around the department,
Colonel Borroll answered yes" but
was surprised at anybody's know
ledge of the event. When told of
what transpired the colonel said:
We'll, as you are aware of the
coming of General Grant | will tell
you all about it, providing you
promise not to repeat it.
Secretary Stanton sent for mein
reference to the execution Of certain
orders, and while listening to the in
structions General Grant came in.
The Secretary greeted the General
with a pleasant "Good morning."
which the latter returned and said:
"Mr. Secretary, l understand that
YOU have issued orders for the ar
rest of General Lee and Others. and
l desire to know if such orders have
been placed in the hands of any
officer for execution"
III have issued writs for the ar
rest of all the prominent rebels, and
officers will be dispatched on the
mission soon," replied the Secre-
tary.
"Mr. Secretary, when General Lee
surrendered to me at Appomattox, |
gave him my word and honor that
neither he nor any of his followers
would be disturbed so long as they
obeyed their parole of honor. |
have learned nothing to cause me to
believe that any of my late adver-
saries have broken their promises,
and have come here to make you
aware of the fact, and would also
suggest that those orders be cancel
ed"
General Grant are you aware
whom you are talking to? | am
the secretary of war"
Quick as flash Grant answered
back: 81 am General Grant. Issue
those orders at your peril" Then
turning on his heel Grant walked
out as unconcerned as ifnothing had
happened.
1T is needless to say." continued
Colonel Barroll, ''that neither Lee
nor any of his soldiers were arrested
l was dismissed from the presence
of the secretary with the remark
that my services in connection with
arrest of the leading rebels would be
dispensed with until he took time
to consider, and l now await the re-
suit of his decision"
Like some cases in law. that de-
cision Of the great war secretary was
reserved for all time, but whether
the game of billiards was ever play
ed to an end has never been definite
ly known.