Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1889-12-12
CAMPFIRE STORIES.
GENERAL GRANTS CAREER.
Amid Many Disappointm he was Pa
tfent and Uncomplaining.

Amid Many Disappointments he was Pa
tient and Uncomplaining.
At late meeting in St. Paul of the
Minnesota Commandery of the Loyal
Legion an interesting paper, entitled,
with General Grant from Galena to
Vicksburg," was read by General A. L
Chetlain, of Chicago, who was an old
and intimate friend of General Grant.
That portion of General Grants career,
including the sixty days after the break
ing out of the war has been seldom
touched upor, and little was said about
it in the Generals autobiography.
THE idea has been prevalent" said
General Chetlain, that General Grant
was at Galena when the war broke out,
poor and obscure, and was suddenly lift
ed up by political power and hoated
like a bubble from Galena to Vicks-
burg. from Vicksburg to Appomattox,
and from AppommatOx to the White
House. The fact is that he struggled
against influences of which few people
had any knowledge, but he never COM
planned, patiently waiting until his time
came. In the spring of 1860 l met for
the first time at Galena Ulyssus S.
Grant, ex-Captain of the United States
regular army, who had recently taken
place in the store of his brother, Simp-
son Grant. The salary was small and
barely sufficient for the support of his
family. lie had led a quiet life, but
was a free and intelligent talker, and
frequently entertained his neighbOrs
with stories of his experiences in the
Mexican war. He was not an active pol
itician, but took keen interest in the
affairs of the country. When the call
for troops came mass-meeting was held
at Galena and resolutions, proposed by
Hon. +. b. Washburne, were adopted
pledging support to the Government
and flag Another meeting was held to
raise a military company and Captain
Grant presided.
Il was the first volunteer to respond,
and it was the first company organized
in the Northwest outside of Chicago.
Grant declined the Captaincy, as, having
been in the regular army, he thought
he should have something better, and
was chosen. Captain Grant went with
the company to Springfield, bearing
with him letter from Mr.. Washburne
to the Governor, recommending that he
be appointed to some position where his
military education and experience
would make him valuable. He was fin
ally offered clerical work in the Adju-
tant-General's office and accepted, being
willing to do any thing. But he grew
disguised with this position, and one
day said to me: 4 am going back to the
store tonight. You have boys in the
company who can do this work But |
persuaded him to remain.
"A regiment was then being formed
and l suggested Grant as Colonel. The
other officers were willing, but prom
inent politician who wanted the posi-
ton opposed him on the ground that he
had to leave the regular army on ac-
count of his habits. 1 could say moth
ing. of course, and Captain John Me-
Arthur was elected Colonel. Grant was
then detailed to take charge of Fort
Yates, and then became mastering Of
fcer on the Governors staff. He went
to st. Louis to see If he could OBJ
tain an appointment IN Missouri, but
nothing could be obtained there. He
stopped with me at Caseyville on his
way back to Springfield and then COM
planned that an educated military man
with experience could not get a suitable
appointment in the volunteer service,
while civilians could secure them with
out any trouble.
81 am not conceited,' he said, but l
believe l could command regiment of
volunteer troops. l am willing to try,
any way Abiding to his old army
friend, Captain George b. Mcclellan, he
said: Among all the regular army Off
GERS in the volunteer regiments | look
upon him as the brightest, and he is
sure to make his mark in the war
Grant went to Springfield, and after
mastering in several companies went
back to Galena disappointed and humil-
lated. He visited Ohio but could get no
appointment there, and reluctantly re-
turned. AS a last resort he wrote to the
Adiutant General of the United States
rendering his services, and saying he
felt competent to command a regiment.
No reply was ever received. June 10 he
was rendered the Colonelcy of regi-
ment at MattOon, afterwards the Twen-
ty-frst Illinois, and June % it was mus
tered into the Government service.
"He was a poor man and the query
arose how to purchase horse and uni
form. For this purpose he asked his
father for loan of $500, but was refus-
ed. His fathers partner, E. A. Collins,
heard of it, and, though an anti-war
Democrat, quietly sent him check for
the amount. President Lincoln then
announced that seven Brigadier Gener-
ais would be taken from Illinois. Grant
was named as one of them by Hon.
f. B. Washburne, and was the only
person unanimously agreed upon by the
other congressman. He was appointed
MAY b, 1861. 1t is worthy of note as
showing the singular and admirable
character of the man that amid all his
disappointments he was patient and I'M
complaining. He had no inordinate am
bition, but his whole desire was to serve
his country"
General Chetlain then traced his ca
reer at Belmont, Fort Donelson, Shiloh
and Vicksburg. He referred at length
to the unceasing efforts OF General Hal
leck and others to belittle and humil-
late Grant until the capitulation Of
Vicksburg. when Grant became the hero
of the war and all opposition to him
was withdrawn. Even General Halleck
.hen telegraphed kiS congratulations,
and always thereafter treated General
Grant with respect. Ia closing the
speaker said: His splendid career
marks him as one of the greatest if not