Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-03-19

Grant, In order "a set the matter
| straight Col, Grant has given the whole cor.
respondence 10 the public, and one Of the let
tiers from Badeau seems 10 finally set at rest
the question of who wrote the book, for in this
Badeau says; Il have no desire, intention or
right 10 claim the authorship of your book,
The composition is entirely your own"
After ten. Grants sudden relapse in 1885,
Con. Badeau, impressed with the magnitude
OF the sale OF the proposed memoirs, and see
ing immense gains, made, as appears in the
correspondence, demand upon Gen. Grant
Ia the effect that he should be paid certain
sum per month and likewise n share in the
profits 10 help the general to build n monu-
ment of enduring fame, The proposition
Gen. Grant evidently regarded as a sugges-
ton that Gen. Badeau should practically
write his book and Gen Grant assume the
credit,
Gen Grant, in long letter under date Of
May 3, 1888, in reply 10 Bndcau's proposition,
says;
"Since pondering over the contents OF your
letter, and more particularly over the con
illusions have drawn from it, and reflections
based upon what you say and my knowledge
of your temper and disposition understand
the letter better than you do. | have con
cluded that yon and | must give up all asso-
citation 50 far rs the preparation of II literary
work goes which is to bear my signature In
all other respects | hope our relations may
continue rs they have always been, pleasant
and friendly 4 Hou say that am
man Of affairs" etc, and can tell simple
story, etc. You imply that IA literary man
must supply some Deficiencies, and that you
are the only man who can do it, If this is
the case, general, do not want a book bear
ing my name 10 90 before the world, which
4 4. L 90.
entitled TO the authorship. ! do not want a
secret between me AMI some one else which
would destroy my honor il il was divulged.
| can not think of holding myself as depend
ent upon any person 10 supply capacity
which am lacking. | may fail but | will
not put myself in any such position.
"NOur letter affords an abundance of other
reasons why you should not help me in my
work, which is to bear my name. But these
are sufficient. / add only what is necessary
to make part of what has been already said
plain, if others than yourself should read this
letter You ask for a contract and demand
81 900 per month in advance until the work is
completed and lOper cent Of the entire profits
arising from the sale of the work after it is
put upon the market This would make you
partner with my family us long ms the book
found sale. This is prepoSterous. Not one
ii'Iilthh HfNS N'ui Ii'l''7lAiph b'th phtNl-
tanned by me. This, with the statements
enumerated in this letter, and others con
tanned in yours, makes it impossible for us to
be associated in a work which is to bear my
name 1t would be degradation for me to
accept honors and profit from the work of an
other man. while declaring TO the public that
it was the product of my own brain.
IL write frankly, because | want you to
know why l can not receive your services
now ON any terms. l hope that it will not
disturb the relations which have heretofore
existed between lis in all particulars Your
prosperity in life will crafty me
This correspondence between us may be
unknown to the world if you choose. L do
not ask secrecy, but the necessity for pub
LEFTY will not occur through any fault of
mine.
Repeating my assurance of the best
wishes for your success in life, and health,
and happiness 10 the end, | subscribe myself
IL, ever, you' friend and well-w sher.
u S GRANT