The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-09-26

Was the value OF Grants achievement at
vicksburR appreciated at Washington Onthe
contrary. tho old controversy between him and
Hallock was revived. Col. Church suggests
that it had Its origin partly in differences OF
temperament and partly in differences of POI
sition. Halleck had practiced as q lawyer. and
perhaps had acquired something of the lawyers
chronic disposition to get an extension
Then, too. he was in Washington. where polit-
zeal and personal considerations were infiuen-
tial. Besides, he must wait until he could con-
duct the campaign according to the rules OF war,
and what seemed to Halleck u fitting oppor-
tunity never came. The fact is brought out, on
tho other hand. that Grant, who was for Inn
mediate action, proposed at once, after Vicks-
burg. to strike for Mobile, to capture that
place. to ascend the river extending from 1t north
into the heart Of Alabama, and thus to open
connection with tho chain OF posts stretching
across Tennessee. This would have again di-
vided tho Confederacy. and practically limited
the war TO Virginia. Georgia, and the Caro-
linas. In the judgment Of the present biog-
rapher. this plan was entirely feasible, and its
success, in all likelihood, would have soon end
ed the war. Halleck, however. trembled before
grand operations involving risks, and. instead Of
embarkingu upon great ventures, preferred to pad
die in the safer waters Of secondary
Instead Of keeping together the victorious army
of Vicksburg, he ordered IT scattered. 1t was
not until Rosecrans was overthrow at Chicka-
manga. on Sept. 20, 1868. that Grant received
an urgent call to take command of the
troops in eastern Tennessee. He replied
at once to the appeal, although, having
been thrown by q vicious horse, he had
three ribs broken and one side paralyzed. He
was carried on a litter to Cairo. whence he was
conveyed by rail to Chattanooga. On tho fol-
loyyipU DAD oath mud OSth Nnyemhar 12R2
took place the remarkable series of battles
which ended in tho achievement OF a complete
victory over Bragg. The Union loss In the So
ries of attacks was 5.s24, and that Of the Con-
federates 1854. including 6.l42 prisoners.
They also lost AZ pieces of artillery md 1000
small arms. This was tho greatest capture
made in tho open field up to that time. Sixty
thousand men had been engaged on the Union
side, along a front OF thirteen miles; the en-.
envy had $4,000 men, and tho advantage of
holding a strongly intrenched position.
Grant had thus brought to a triumphant
conclusion the series of operations which
began with the occupation of Chatta-
nooga. In holly contested engagements. he had
managed to push back the Confederate force step
by step from their fortified lines on the ridges
fronting Chattanooga. and he had ultimately
dealt them one Of the most staggering blows
they had yet received. The Confederate view
of tho result was shown by the prompt removal
Of Bragg from his command. THE Southern
people," said the Richmond Examiner, never
had greater reason to be serious and anxious
than at this moment" Into an enemy's hands
had passed tho control Of the great natural
arsenal Of East Tennessee. whence the Con-
federates drew their lead. nitro. and coal, the
grand magazine containing their chief supplies
OF corn and ninetenths of all their bacon.
From fhia hour Grant xrns ahoyo dot - , n ton
In q letter to him dated Dec. 8. 1868. President
Lincoln said: Understanding that your lodg-
ment at Knoxville and Chattanooga is now Sc
cure, l wish to tender to you and all under your
command my more than thanks. my profound.
est gratitude, for the skill. courage. and per-
severance with which you aud they. over 30
great difficulty. have effected that important
object. God bless you ALL" The thanks OF Con-
gress were rendered in a joint resolution, which
directed that a gold medal be given to Grant for
Vicksburg and Chattanooga. Even Halleck WAS
finally convinced OF Grants superlative ability,
and yielded to the ~lattcr's judgment without
discussion.