The record-union., 1899-07-28

to induce public. men of the past and
present to reveal just what they
thought of their relatives, the revela-
tions might furnish some most inter-
esting side lights on certain famous
careers. =
To Walpole is attributed. the bitter
exclamation:
Relatives are tails to already over
loaded kites
This may be unwelcome truth, since
history contains many Instances where
cousins and aunts have proved treach-
erous stumbling blocks for ambitious
leaders,
General Grant was at Memphis in
command of the army Of the west, and
just before his elevation to the COM
mand of all the armies of the Union.
when he received word that his father
I was about to make his headquarters
visit. The news did not please him.
His staff noticed his perturbation, but
passed it by without comment. One
night shortly before the arrival of his
sire he sent for General Dickie, his
chief of cavalry. General Dickie after
ward became Chief Justice of the Su-
preme Court of Illinois, and, strangely
enough died at Atlantic City on the
same day that Grant passed away at
McGregor.
To Dickie General Grant said:
Il have sent for you as a personal
friend. My father is coming to visit
me, and what 1 have got to tell you
about that visit is not pleasing to me,
but something must be done. Some
nlA al 10 nd
lators have gained an unwarrantable
influence over the old man, and he is
really coming down here to use his in
Huence over me to gain favors for
them. This cannot be done. I do not
wish to wound his feelings. I do not
wish him to know that I understand
the object of his visit. I have pre-
pared plan of action which I wish
you to aid me in carrying out"
General Dickie understood the char
acter of Grant as few men did. He
promised his aid General Grant then
said:
You are relieved from all duty from
this time on until the departure Of my
father. The instant he arrives I wish
you to take him to your tent and en-
tertain him there. Keep him there
all the time. Under no circumstances
allow him to be with me alone while
he is here
General Dickie Immediately made
preparations for the old gentleman,
and when he came received him with
open arms. He was very anxious to
see bis son, but glad to take Dickie's
headquarters for his own, and pleased
with the cordiality displayed toward
him. AS soon as he was settled he
made vigorous efforts to have per-
sonal interview with his son, but
something always happened to pre-
vent.
Whenever he turned Dickie was by
his side. General Grant called on him
daily, but never alone. If he went
to the Generals quarters he always
found him occupied. If he tried to
meet him in Dickie's tent Dickie was
sure to be around, and personal con-
versation was an inpossibility. At the
end of four or five days the old gen.
tleman was very restless, but there
was no chance for him to protest and
no chance for him to get closer than
public audience with his son. For
nearly ten days he made the effort,
but failed, and then left for home,
happy as to the entertainment he had
received. but dismayed at his inability
to see his son alone. AS soon as he
was gone Grant restored General
Dickie to cavalry duty, but never re-
! ferred again to the purpose Of his
fathers visit. General Dickie.told the
story shortly before his death to Chi
cago lawyer, but it has never been
printed until now.
In a semi-public letter written by
General Grant after his retirement
from the Presidency there occurs the
| lines:
whatever mistakes I have made in
my public life, / have never erred for
my own gain. What / have done for
the Republic has been from a sense of
duty, and not with any thought as to
what it would profit me. Many un-
kind things have been said and Writ
ten of me by those who least know
how 1 have been situated, but my acts
have been inspired by the highest
sense of fealty to my country and Gov
nt."-Chicago Times-Herald.