Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1885-07-29
ing and showing gracefullness only in
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On being told that he was expected
to enter upon his fathers business, he
his distaste in the strongest
terms, and replied that he would like to
be farmer, a Mississippi river trader,
or get an education. Asked if he
would like to 60 to West Point he re-
piled in the affirmative, and in due time
went there. The knowledge of his
was subject of
ridicule among those who knew him,
and it was doubted if, any power could
the 'awkward boy into a
''gentleman and oficer,' or any course
Of study impart an "education.'
Hence it is not going beyond the linn
its of truth to say that his younger
years did not develop traits indicating
possibility of greatness, if we except
just a single one-a certain quiet deter
strange mingling of
oBsT1NACY AND PATIENCE.
Phlegmatic to so remarkable de-
gree that some thought him insensible,
he yet could feel deeply. 1t was rarely
his GOODNESS was ever disturbed, enthu-
siasm appearing to be an almost un-
known quantity. While not unap-
preciative of joke, he was
generally grave and thoughtful, pre-
ferring to be a listener to the CONVEX
sation of men wiser than he, instead of
joining in light and meaningless badi-
mage. His personal courage was of
the highest order, and was shown in
several ways" while at West Point.
He was very slow to anger, and not
quick to perceive injury or insult d.
rected at himself. In later life he said
that it took him full week to become
indignant over the grossest insult, and
that then his anger was toward him.
self for not more quickly perceiving
that he had been misused. That he
was not backward in resenting i'll treat
ment when so palp&ble that it could
not be overlooked is instanced by an
incident at West Point. A cadet, older
and larger than himself, one day ell
bowed Grant out of his place in the
squad. Thinking it an accident, Grant
said nothing until after roll-call, when
he quietly spoke of the matter and
that it be not repeated.
At the first opportunity, to show
his contempt, the cadet repeated
the indignity. With imperturbable
calmness Grant knocked him down,
and to the bully's CONSERVATION and the
delight of his classmates gave him a
sound ''drubbing." While Grant was
not the most popular member of his
class, all liked him in a quiet way,
undemonstrative as he was toward
chem. In his studies he ranked high
only in mathematics, and in this did
not excel. He studied as duty. He
had come there for a specific purpose,
and that purpose must be accomplished,
and
HE STUDIED HARD
enough to carry himself through.
Ambition to reach prominent place
in his class does not appear to have
actuated him during his stay at the
academy. When the war began he is
quoted as quietly saying to his brother
81 think ought to 60 in the service. ;"
He had been educated at the expense
of the country; he could not forget the
fact, and to offer his services he con-
sidered a duty! After some rebuhfs his SER
vice were accepted. Offered a brigadier-
ship he declined. Gov. Yates inquired
of one who knew Grant what he should
do with him. The reply was, ''The
way to deal with him is to ask no ques-
tons, but simply order him to duty.
He will obey promptly" That answer
showed keen insight into Grants char
acter. Order him to duty! He will
obey promptly! And it might have
been added, "And will fulfill orders
If bulldog tenacity has any weight in
the SCALE The actions at Belmont,
Fort Henry and Donelson brought out
the fact that although his perception
might be slow in personal affairs, in
military matters it was in the highest
degree comprehensive and acute. Alb
sent when the fray began at Donelson,
he reached the scene to find it one of con-
usion and disaster. Quietly he declares:
"We must retake that position! '-one
from which they had been driven. At
Shiloh, when the prospect was darkest,
he cheerfully says: II don't despair of
whipping them yet!'' Before Vicks-
burg, when tainted by rebel woman
about the delay in taking the city,
he replies: Il came here to capture
Vicksburg, and 1 mean to do it if it
takes thirty years - That fond wife,
whose faith in him never wavered
through fair or evil report said: 'Mr.
Grant is very obstinate man." And
everywhere that quality is seen pre-
dominating. To a persistency Of pur-
pose, then, must fall large measure
of the success attending his plans.
Many of these plans assert Grant s
right to be classed among the greatest
strategist the world has ever produced,
and afford the second of
THE sTEPPING-sTONEs
whereby he rose to such pre-eminence.
A third may be found in his strict adj
herence to duty. He might suggest to
his superior, but if ordered directly to
the contrary obeyed as promptly and
cheerfully as though carrying out the
movements based on his own judg.
ment. Add to these the most unswerv-
ing personal integrity. maynanimious
forbearance toward those who, on
OCCCtSlOu, DlCCC14J c1oocIl1Cu I'LL,
a long-suffering patience when
practically disgraced by Halleck's as
Stunning command after Shiloh, a pro-
found faith that the calm lights of the
future would vindicate where vindica-
ton was needed, and the elements OF
all his success are in review. There
have been able writer's who commended
that Grant was merely fortunate, that
he absorbed credit due particularly to
Sherman and Sheridan, but it must
appear to the unbiased mind that while
theirs was the credit of special incidents
in the working out Of the problem, his
was the grand plan of which they were
part. Aggressiveness of character
might possibly be distorted into &C
counting for Donelson and Shiloh, but
the tactics of Lookout Mountain, Chat
tanooga valley and Missionary Ridge
are without blemish. Criticism hos
tile to his generalship must needs be
abashed before a record that, covering
period of four years, is one of I'M
varying success.