The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1885-04-11

Pherson could go to the hospitals anc
put his hand tenderly and gently or
the head of his wounded men coulC
take little child on his knee in the
midst Of glittering throngs and fondle
1t with all fathers love. His heart is
a deep fountain, swayed by filial piety
domestic love, and a sublime devotion
to the public veal. He is faithful in
friendship, untarnished in honor, kind
in feeling, and generous and noble in
impulse. He never violated d conf
dence or betrayed cause entrusted to
his keeping. What a revelation in the
simple words of his wife, "Mr. Grant
is as good as he can be-" Absolutely
he seems destitute Of the little plques,
and passions, and weaknesses, and pre-
JUDGES of ordinary men.
HIS MAGNANIMIIY.
From the time he entered the office
of Governor Yates at Springfield until
he received the sword of Lee at Apo
mattoX Court House, his sole ambition
was to crush the rebellion. He spurred
every man to his best. No finer mag
nanimity was ever seen than that which
he exhibited to his officers in high COM
mand. No one rejoiced more than
ne in every laurel won by Sherman and
Meade, Thomas and Sheridan, and
the rest. Planning their campaigns,
and putting at their disposal every re-
source which the government could
furnish, he was content to wait behind
his entertainments in front of Richmond
until the final issues brought to light
the master-mover of the all-conquering
forces.
But while he was thus broadly and
grandly magnanimous, no weakness for
friends could blind his eyes or pervert
his Judgment. The public service
never suffered because he insisted on
retaining in command incompetent or
unworthy men. His will was master of
all his powers. and held him to his
country's needs.
He was severe and impartial in dis
cipline, and no man, however high in
position or controlling in influence,
could brave it with IMMUNITY. Up to
the time when General Grant took
command of the Army of the Potomac
it had had no commander who was
strong enough to put every man in his
place and exact from him full and faith
full service.
But from the moment that army
moved and fought under the eye OF
Grant, every officer knew that to crit,
else or oppose the commander, Or to
fall in efficiency, or endeavor to do his
best, would bring down upon him an
iron hand which would crush him. His
will was equal to anything which his
Judgment approved and his convictions
enforced. 1t was understood that
when his plans were matured nothing
but necessity would prevent their exc
cution.
HIS COURAGE.
II only remains, in closing TIL;
sketch, to say few words in regard tc
his admirable courage. When other:
trembled for the result Of a battle he
simply pulled his cigar, giving no sign
of perturbation or alarm. When Buel
near the close OF the first days fight a
Shiloh, came upon the field with his re
serves and asked Grant what provision
he had made IN case of defeat, 81 an
not going to be defeated" said Grant
"But in case you Should be-" pressed
the timid Buel. "7he1r," pointing tc
the boats in the river, was his only re
ply. "But the boats would not take
10000 men, and you have 10000
said Buel. "lVhen | retreat there vii
be boats enough to accommodate m,
army was the answer. 1t was tina
terrible persistency of purpose which
rolled the rebel army back upon Cor
NTH the next day and won the battle
1t was the same clear grit which said IL
reply to the note of the rebel com
mander at Fort Donelson, "The onl
terms | have to offer are those of I'm
conditional surrender. l propose t.
move Immediately on your works.
That answer brought down the rebe
flag with a run and the surrender Of al
army of 10000 men. Under the sam
incisive and steady persistency he said
after the terrible battles of the Wilder
ness, Il intend to fight it out on thi
line if it takes all summer" Their
was never a moment of hesitation
never a question of success, until tn
rebellion went down in the surrende
of Lee.
If we analyze the elements Of Gen
eral Grants courage we shall find then
two-told. The first was the elemen
of intelligence. He saw, clearly. tn
end to be gained and then, as clearly
passed in review the means necessar
to its attainment With him courag
is no blind, logged impulse, pursuin
or holding on to his antagonist again:
whatever odds. On the other hand,
is intelligent and holds to its purpos
because his hand holds the force
which will conquer success. He ha
an insight into men and their motives
and thus deals with them intelligentll
He estimates the opposition to b
overcome, and SO clearly and surel
does he make his combinations thu