The National tribune., 1892-12-01

is according to fact, as the record shows, that
Grant was also summoned from Chattanooga to
Louisville to confer there with Secretary
Stanton. and the conference was held, Stanton
returning TO Washin Grant TO Chattanooga.
Soon after Grant was summoned TO Washing
ton Before going lie wrote a letter TO Gen.
Sherman, saying that as the Lieutenant
Generally bill had become a law he pre-
sumed the summons meant that the Presi-
dent would confer the rank on him. To
this Grant added that if by accepting the
title and power he was TO be kept in Wash
inpton he would decline the offer and continue
in a subordinate position where he was or any
where else. In replying 10 this letter Sherman
advised Grant TO keep clear of Washington and
remain IN the West-any way, not TO suffer him.
self to be corked up at the Capital. In Grant
Sherman protested unlimited confidence,
though he was half inclined TO doubt whether
his military education fully qualified him for
the largest field of operations. 1t has been
more than limited many times that Sherman
thought he was himself better qualified for the
largest Geld Of operations than Grant: which
opinion if ever it was entertained, was doubt
less revised by reason Of subsequent events, in
which both Grant aud Sherman were act rs.
To Washington Grant FASTENED, and although
there is no record Of the fact, there was a con-
ference at which only Lincoln, Stanton, and
Grant were present-a noble sitting for any
artist capable Of throwing upon canvas, in the
spirit Of the times the theme which the men
on the occasion represented. Grant had been
named 10y Lincoln for the Iieutenant-Ge
eralcy. Grant was stranger in the East
though bis name was known and spoken every
where. In substance Lincoln said TO him:
Now, Grant, take the armies; do your best
and pot the rebellion down In the shortest
time"
-Pausing an instant. Grant made this re-
-. IL 81 7
and the words Of the President:
Mr. President, / will take the power and
the responsibility on the single condition that
] shall be permitted to have my own way, aud
not be intefered with, nor before ! am ready
to do so, will co mmunicate to anyone what
my plans are, how or when i will execute
them, and one shall attempt to supervise
me or interfere in any manner with my opera
tons"
Then there was silence for an instant, which
Stanton broke by saying: "No, General, that
will not do; ] viii not agree to it; you must
submit your plans and your methods 10 the
War Department"
Another silence ensued. which Grant broke
by addressing Lincoln thus: If that is to be
cannot accept the Lieutenant Generally, and
will 90 back TO the boys and do my bes
as q subordinate"
Then followed another silence more pro
tracted than either of the others. While
Grant aud Stanton were speaking, Lincoln
listened and weighed not only this moment
Gus question but the words Of Grant and Stan
ton. Rising from his seat, he walked with thu
greatest deliberation TO the window and
drummed on the glass. Then turning auC
facing Stanton he spoke these words, which
considering the stupendous Importance of The
question which they decided, were prob
ably equal in importance TO any spoken dur
ing the war:
"Mr. Secretary, think the General is right
He must have his own way. 1t is but reason
able that he should ask ii. Go ahead, Genera
Grant and be sure you put the rebellion
down. Don't fail All that the Government
can command you shall have TO supper
you. Both the power and the responsibilit,
are yours! Stanton. / think Gen. Grant
right" The conference ended. History tell
the rest.
Grant had his way, and as speedily as posi-
bic took steps TO execute his plan. 1t nowher
appears that there was ever an attempt b
anyone 70 interfere with his plan or chang
his action. Had il been otherwise; had th
conditions on which he accepted the Leuter
ant-Generalcy not been agreed to, who can te
how it would have been; where, how and b
whom would the rebellion have been pu
down? More pertinent still is the question
Would it have been put down at all?
In Sherman's letter TO Grant already r,
ferred to, the writer told Grant that with I'll
people Of the South his word was more potter
tial than promise of the Government, eve
when enacted into law by Congress II
terms of Lees surrender declared by Gran
and promptly accepted by the South, justife
the confidence which the South had in b
word.
Nothing so well illustrates Grants traits
this narrative, substantially true as it doub
less is, though it is unsupported in some pa
ticulars by any published record yet it
fortified by contemporary facts, and by Il