New Britain herald., 1921-04-27
ILLINOIS H0NORS.
 ULYSSES s. GRANT
Occasion Is 99th Anniversary of
 His Birth

SpIlHsltids Ill., Aplii @ts- hhAS VI courage through which Ulysses $. Grant passed and rebuffs he endured before Illinois hesitatingiy accepted him and sent him into the Civil war. from which he emerged as the victor ious commander-in-chief. are recalled here today on the ninety-ninth ami versary of his birth. ~'- -
 Here it was that the future ,presi- dent took command of his first regi- ment.. the Twenty first Illinois Infan- try. as colonel. This one of the worlds greatest soldiers applied three times in Springfield for a chance to served in tho struggle which he fore saw meant the doom of slavery be- fore his worth was recognized and ap- pointment given him. as... Political coionels' stood in his way. After organizing volunteer company in Galena, H., he left it. rfalizing that his nine years in the regular army should be put at once at the service of the union.
 Galena is celebrating Grants birth day today. This city where General Grant had his home when the war opancd and where he left his wife and children honors the day as it's greatest. Senator J. Thomas Heffin of Alabama is the speaker of this years celebration.
 Even War Governor Richard Yates however. rcpulsed him. "Im sorry to say, Captain" he told the former army man. There is nothing for you to do. Call again. ..
 Remaining in Springfield until his finances ran low, Captain Grant called a second time at Governor Yates office. this time at the governors in- vitation. He was given a desk in the adjutant generals office and put to work drawing lines and filling in blanks. Any boy could do my work" history records him as saying. He remained faithfully at the task, however, and on May IA, 1861. was given title of mastering officer"
 His first duty was mastering in the regiment he was later to command. the Seventh Congressional District regiment at Mattoon. From there he proceeded to two other points, mus tering in soldiers. and on May 20 closed this work and drew a voucher for Si3o. His pay had been at the rate of S3 a day, but he did not re- ceive the money until long after.
 Out of funds. lonesome. poor. and dejected, Captain Grant returndh to Galena. Offering his services then to tho adjutant general at Washington and receiving no response. he came back to Springfield. His reception differed little from that on his first visit. Governor Yates. it is said. did not think of giving him command. Without political influence and with out n chance with the orators and other wire-pullers who crowded about. he was considered a military dead beat by politicians. and a "de- cayed soldier" by citizens. it is record ed by the historian.
 Tt is strange" he told q friend. "that a man of my experience and education cannot secure a command"
 With that he left Illinois. He tried in Ohio. and was almost obtained for the service by that state by offer of the command of the Twelfth Ohio. but telegram drew him back to Springfield 'wilI you accept the command of the Seventh District reg .iment 2" was the dispatch which pro- cured the future president his en- trance into the conflict. 1t came, al- though belated. from Governor Yates.
 This regiment was composed of lusty. bold young men. who had abused the lax discipline of their first commander. one of them knocked Colonel Grants hat off. "Young man. that's not very polite" was Grants only comment at the time. but step by step he frightened discipline until insubordination was dead and the regi- ment was a military unit ready for service.
 The first call came to Illinois from General Fremont, who wanted n regi- ment in northern Missouri.
 "Send me-" was Grants request to Governor Yates.
 No fransportntion." awas the gov ernor's reply.
 "I'u find transportation" the Col onel insisted. and on July ?, 1881, ho issued hia first marching orders.