The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1885-04-15

associations IN WHOM he had been
thrown on the Pacific coast, there
was an opportunity for him to enter
upon a new life, and to abstain
theneeforward from this ruinous in
dulgence. He returned to the east
and having rejoined his family, who
had remained at his fathers during
his absence on the Pacific, he remov-
ed to the vicinity of st. Louis, where
his father-in-law had given his wife
a small farm, and his father had
stocked it. Captain Grant put IN
practice his resolution to abandon
all intoxicating drinks, and labored
zealously on his farm for four years.
President Coppee speaks of having
met him at st. Louis in his farmers
rig, whip in hand, and having enjoy
ed very pleasant interview with
him, at which Joseph J. Reynolds,
Don Carlos Buell. and Major Chap
man of the cavalry were all present.
He adds IF Grant has ever used
spirits, as is not unlikely, | distinct
ly remember that, upon the proposal
being made to drink, Grant said,
L will go in and look at you, for l
never drink anything and the 9TH
ef officers who saw him frequently,
afterward told me that he drank
nothing but water"
But be was not destined to sue
ceed as a farmer. He was steady
industrious and economical, but 1t
was all in vain. In 1858 he relin-
quished the farm. and moved into
st. Louis, and at first undertook
the real estate business with man
named Boogs, but after few months
trial, finding that the business
was not sufficient to support both
families, he relinquished it to bis
partner and sought for something
else, He next obtained position
in the custom house, but the death
OF tine collector who appointed him
caused him to lose that in few
months. He had endeavored while
on his farm to exc out his scanty
income by occasionally acting as
collector, auctioneer, ETC., but with
out any considerable success.
Meanwhile his father bad been
prospering, and had, in connection
with two of his younger sons, estab-
lished leather and harness store
at Galena, Illinois. He now offer
ed Ulysses q position and interest
in this store, which was gladly and
thankfully accepted. For two years
he continued in this business, which
seemed better suited to his tastes
than the farm. 1t is more credible
that, as be himself Is reported to
have said, he had not voted for years
and had taken very little interest in
national affairs.
One thing we know, he possessed
the fine soldierly instinct of honor
and loyalty which was wanting in
so many of his former comrades.
When the Southern troops fred on
the national flag at Sumpter, he
only knew that it was his country
which was assailed, and thence
forward there was no question of
politics
son that morning of April 10,
1861" says lady friend who was
in the family. she laid down the
paper containing the account of the
bombardment, walked round the
counter, and drew on his coat, say
ing: L am for the war to put down
this wicked rebellion. The Coy
ernment educated me for the army,
and though | served faithfully dur
ing one war, l feel still a little in
debt for my education, and am
ready to discharge the obligation.
He went out in the streets of Galena,
aiding in organizing and drilling
company of volunteers, with whom
he marched to Springfield, the cap
ital of the State. He had no am
bition to serve as the commander of
this. and hence declined their romi-
nation of him for captain. Hon. E.
B. Washhurne, then member of
Congress from the Galena DIS
trict, and his firm friend, then and
and since, accompanied him to
Springfield, and introduced him to
Governor Yates; finding that the col
onel of the Dist Illinois volunteer
regiment was entirely unfit for the
position, removed him and tele-
Gran. that he had appoint
ed him to the vacancy. He was On
his way to Springfield at that time,
and Immediately assumed COM
mand. In a short time they were
under most sdmirable discipline,
and an alarm occurring in regard to
a rebel attack upon Quincyy, Hi
nois, he morched thither on foot, a
distance of one hundred ond twen-
ty miles, a feat at that time consid-
cred most extraordinary.
On the 9th of August Colonel
Grant was commissioned brigadier-
general (his commission dating from
the 18th of May), and sent with an
adequate force to Southern Missouri,
where the rebel general, jeff Thomp-
son, threatened an advance.
Soon after receiving h is commits
sion as brigadier-general he took
at Cairo, and while there
secured Paducah, and with it Ken
tueky. In November, 1861 he
fought the battle of Belmont, and
in January, 1862, conducted recon-
noisapce to the rear of Columbus.
Fort Henry fell February 6; ten
days afterward Fort Donelson sur
rendered to him uncond1tionally,
and this was followed by the evac-
uation of Columbus and Bowling
Green. When the rebel command
er at Donelson sent to ask his terms
Grant replied: mo terms except
and immediate sur
render can be accepted. / propose
10 move Immediately upon your
works." From the moment Fort
Donelson surrendered Gen. Grant
had national fame. He was as
signed to the new military district
Of West Tennessee. with ''limits not
Defined" on the 18th of February,
and Sherman to Cairo. They had
hoan of Wesf Point fogethar huf