^Am's&ili LFr -I^WrW? ^mm'r ' -' THE BLUE and THE GRAY GopyrightN^. COPYRIGHT DEPOSn^ THE BLUE and THE GRAY By Janet Jennings Author of •ABRAHAM LINCOLN. THE GREATEST AMERICAN' "Lord God of Hosts, be with us pet. Lest we forget — lest we forgetl ' / Copyright, 1910 By Janet Jennings Cantwell Printing Company, Madison, Wis. !CLA275672 4 V N 1 CONTENTS. i Page k Winchester— Shenandoah 9 President— Lieutenant-General -„ 24 Atlanta to the Sea - - - 43 Petersburg— Richmond - 60 Waterloo of Lee's Retreat - 80 Appomattox— Surrender - - 101 Sherman—Johnston - - - - 126 Grand Review— Commanders - 136 Reader of Men— Statesman - - 157 Tributes - 172 Chapter X - Sheridan's Ride Sherman's March to the Sea - 197 199 . Star-Spangled Banner - - 201 Looking down the mists of forty-five years — then seeing through a glass darkly — now seeing with clear vision, the men who wore the Blue and the men who wore the Gray — with Grant and Lee at Appomattox. To these men, brave under two flags, now loyal to one flag, this little book is dedi- cated. PREFACE To write of the most stupendous Civil War ever waged by a Nation would be above and beyond ordinary aspiration, how- ever patriotic, if it were not for the hope and belief that the aim of this little book- made plain in simplicity and directness — will appeal to the Army Veteran — Union and Confederate — and will inspire in younger generations tliat spirit of steadfast loyalty, perfect justice, and unexampled magnanimity, which inspired the great leaders of men who saved the Union. Years pass quickly. On the one hand, there was the waste basket — on the other, always the thought holding back treasured facts and incidents, slowly but .surely fa- ding into a memory. And now, giving permanent form to "odds and ends," no doubt with many faults, it is my sincere desire to give the best at the smallest cost, to readers who are not likely to have access to more complete works. This is made possible by the courte- The Blue and the Gray ous and freely given permission in the use of quotations, for which I make grateful acknowledgment. I am especially grateful to General Fred- erick D. Grant for the privilege of quoting from his father's "Personal Memoirs/^ in the assurance, 'Whatever is satisfactory to the Century Company will be entirely satis- factory to my family and myself," and add- ing, "I feel quite sure your book will be very interesting and trust that it will be a great success/' In quoting more fully from the "Per- sonal Memoirs" thaa at first plaoned or intended, I have had in mind the force- ful interest and historic value given by the use of General Grant's own words — and also, believing that it will hold the reader to a clear and true understanding of the life and character of our greatest soldier. I appreciate, far more than a few words express, the similar favor in the courteous permission of the Century Company to quote from General John M. Schofield's "Forty-Six Years in the Army," selecting The Blue and the Gray his character study af General Grant, so just and true, that it will be prized as a perfect tribute. With equal courtesy, permission is given by the Young Churchman Company to quote from Colonel Mcholas Smith's "Grant, the Man of Mystery," and the pub- lishers of the "Life of General Philip H. Sheridan," by Colonel Eichard J. Hinton and Frank A. Burr. With such helpful encouragement, this little book cannot fail to prove stronger, better, and more worth while— not to ex- tenuate war, but to advocate peace. Janet Jennings. McKinley Place, Monroe, Wisconsin, THE BLUE and THE GRAY CHAPTEE I. Winchester — Shenandoah. The battle of Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864, is also known as the battle of Win- chester — ^immortalized by Thamas Buchan- an Eead in the famous poem, "Sheridan's Eide/' G-eneral Sheridan was an abrupt, im- pulsive, tender hearted man, and a singular- ly modest man. It was seldom that he would talk of himself, an.d only when in just the right mood. One morning, several years before his fatal illness, sitting in his office at the War Department in Washington, he looked' over to a pictiire tHat had been placed on an easel for his approval, and in a tone of dissent said: [9] The Blue and the Gray "Oh^ no. It wasn't half as pretty as that. 1^0 artist can ever paint a battle. It can't be done at the time. Then, there is something else to be done, and the soldiers do it. The painters keep out of the way, until if s over, and of course the scene is changed — ^the action gone. Why, a battle is too horrible to be painted. The men and horses who live through it can be painted. But they can't be placed on canvas as they are in action, on the field. My black horse, Eienzi, was painted a number of times when he was alive, and since he has been up there, in the Museum, on Governor's Island." After a little pause he told the story of Winchester. "My headquarters were at Front Eoyal. The Secretary of War sent for me to come to Washington. Just as I was about to start, I got a dispatch, sent by General Wright in command of the 6th Corps. It had been taken off a Confederate signal flag on Three-Top Mountain. It was this: To General Early: [10] The Blue and the Gray Be ready to move as soon as my forces join yon and we will crnsh Sheridan. LoNGSTREET^ Lient-Greneral. "I thought at first this was a ruse. Early was np to tricks. But to be on the safe side, I sent my Cavalry back to General Wright at Cedar Creek, with instructions how to use the troops in case of attack. Then I left for Washington; got there on the morn- ing of the 17th, saw the Secretary, started back at noon the same day for Winchester, arriving the next night. That was the night of the 18th. The following morning I heard artillery firing, and I mounted my horse, rode out of town a couple of miles, to see what it meant." The General got up and made several quick strides across the room. "Well, I saw what it meant, and mighty d d quick, too. First, it was clouds of dust — then on they came — men, horses, wag- ons — all fast enough. I took in the situa- tion like a flash. My Army had been turned the wrong way." Again he left his chair, and walked two [11] The Blue and the Gray or three times across the room, more rapidly than before. The light on his face revealed intense feeling, as if he felt the very at- mosphere of that desperate moment, at Winchester. "I swore some — probably never swore bet- ter in my life. But I didn't lose any time giving orders — first to halt and park the wagon trains. There was one Brigade at Winchester. I stretched that Brigade as quick as lightning across the country, to stop my men's retreat. Then calling to two or three of my Staff to come on, I put the spurs to Eienzi, and rode like the very d 1, for life or death, to the Front. For miles I swung my hat like a madman, and shouted: Tace the other way, boys! Oh, for God's sake and the old flag, boys, face the other way !' " He was walking up and down the room as he talked. "Oh, they knew that black horse, through all the dust. And I can tell you they did face the other way. Above the din and roar and dust, there was the shout and the cheers [12] The Blue and the Gray of thousands^, that seemed to reach the very- Heavens above, repeating my cry: 'For God's sake and the old flag^ boys, face the other way!'" His eyes were shining, and his voice was far from steady, as he continued: ' * On they went to the Front, and on, and on, and faster! And how they did fight! Splendid and brave men, as ever went into battle. They all got there on time, too. Mighty few of them that didn't take a hand in the fight. They were not to blame for the panic. Had my orders been carried out, the thing never could have happened." When he sat down there was a smile on his face that expressed much satisfaction as he added: "That was the last of old Early in the Valley. Jubal didn't have much of any occupation after that." His graphic recital made a finer picture of the battle of Winchester than any artist could ever paint, and as lasting as memory itself. There was a suspicious moisture in my eyes that might have been tears — and in [13] The Blue and the Gray the few moments of silence — ^looking at the picture, the General repeated, "Oh, no, not half as pretty as that/^ When I was leaving he said, gently : "Don^t use this little story now. Time will soften the bitterness and sorrow of the war. Then it will be all right." The glory of the Shenandoah was always around Sheridan. Its brightness dimmed the later glory of his achievements in the Virginia campaign, making the last words in the following telegram a prophecy. It was after the battle of Pront Eoyal, and Fisher's Hill, coming close upon Opequan. City Point, Ya., Sept. 23, 1864. Major General Sheridan: I have just heard of your second great victory, and ordered one hundred guns in honor of it. Keep on, and your work will cause the fall of Eichmond. U. S. Grant, Lieut-General. From the White House there was flashed over the wires another message: Major General Sheridan: [14] The Blue and the Gray Have just heard of your great victory. God bless you all — officers and men. Strong- ly inclined to come up and see you. A. Lincoln. One month later and this telegram — so characteristic that it would be recognized without the signature of the writer — ^was received by the Secretary of War in Wash- ington : In the Field. Gaylesville, Ala., Oct. 21, 1864. We have heard of General Sheridan^s great victory at Cedar Creek. We can^t af- ford to burn gun powder, but our m^n can make it up in yelling, which is just as good. W. T. Sheeman^ Major General Commanding. The following day, October 22, another message from the White House went over the wires : With great pleasure I tender to you and your brave Army the thanks of the ISTation, and my own personal admiration and grati- [15] The Blue and the Gray tude^ for the month's operations in the Shen- andoah Valley, and especially for the splen- did work of October 19, 1864. A. Lincoln. The battle of Cedar Creek practically end- ed the struggle in the Shenandoah Valley. General Grant — who had united the Army of the Potomac and the Army of the James before Petersburg — also telegraphed from his headquarters at City Point to the Secre- tary of War in Washington : I had a salute of one hundred guns from our Armies here, fired in honor of Sheridan's last victory. Turning what had bid fair to be disaster, into glorious victory, stamps Sheridan what I have always thought him — one of the ablest of Generals. U. S. Grant^ Lieut-General. In his Personal Memoirs, written twenty years after the war. General Grant says: "On the 15th day of September, I started to visit General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley. My purpose was to have him attack Early and drive him out of the Valley and [16] The Blue and the Gray destroy that source of supplies for Lee's Army. I knew it was impossible for me to get orders through Washington to Sheridan to make a move, because they would be stopped there, and such orders as Halleck's caution (and that of the Secretary of War) would suggest, would be given instead, and would, no doubt, be contradictory to mine. I, therefore, without stopping at Washing- ton, went directly through to Charlestown, some ten miles above Harper's Ferry, and waited there to see General Sheridan, having sent a courier in advance to inform him where to meet me. "When Sheridan arrived, I asked him if he had a map showing the positions of his Army and that of the enemy. He at once drew one out of his side pocket, showing all roads and streams and the camps of the two Armies. * * * Before starting I had drawn up a plan of campaign for Sheridan, which I had brought with me; but seeing that he was so clear and so positive in his views and so confident of success^ I said noth- 2 [17] The Blue and the Gray ing about this, and did not take it out of my pocket. "Sheridan^s wagon trains were kept at Harper^s Ferry, where all his stores were. * * * Knowing that he, in making prep- arations to move at a given day, would have to bring up wagon trains from Harper's Ferry, I asked him if he could be ready to get off by the following Tuesday. This was Friday. He said he could be off before day- light on Monday. I told him then to make the attack at that time and according to his own plan; and I immediately started to re- turn to the Army about Eichmond. * * * Sheridan moved at the time he had fixed upon. He met Early at the Crossing of Ope- quon Creek, and won a most decisive victory — one which electrified the country.'' Of the battle of Cedar Creek, General Grant says : "This victory pretty much closed the campaigning in the Valley of Virginia. All the Confederate troops were sent back to Eichmond, with the exception of one division of Infantry and a little Cavalry. * * ♦ Early had lost more men in killed, wounded [18] The Blue and the Gray and captured in the Valley, than Sheridan had commanded from first to last/' In the spring of the same year, .March, 1864, when General Grant was commissioned Lieutenant General, in command of all the Armies, he looked about for a Cavalry lead- er. Sheridan was the Colonel of a Cavalry regiment — ^the 2nd Michigan — but practical- ly unknown to the country. General Grant, however, had already seen "how much there was in him." Of the selection of Sheridan, General Grant says: "In one of my early interviews with the President, I expressed my dissatisfaction with the little that had been accomplished by the Cavalry so far in the war, and the belief that it was capable of accomplishing much more than it had done if under a thorough leader. I said I wanted the very best man in the Army for that command. Halleck was present and spoke up, saying : ^How would Sheridan do T I replied: 'The very man I want.' The President said I could have anybody I want- ed. Sheridan was telegraphed for that day [19] The Blue and the Gray and on his arrival was assigned to the com- mand of the Cavalry Corps." On the 27th of February, 1865, (General Sheridan and his Cavalry left Winchester, marched up the Valley of the Shenandoah to Staunton, destroying the railroad from that place to Charlottesville and Gordons- ville, within sixteen miles of Lynchburg. He also destroyed the railroad connecting Eich- mond with Lynchburg, and disabled the James Eiver Canal, cutting off the Confeder- ate supplies from that quarter. It was on this march that General Custer's division made a brilliant attack near Waynesboro and gave the finish to General Early's Army, then in an intrenched position, resulting in the capture of eleven pieces of artillery, horses and caissons complete, two hundred teams with subsistence, seventeen battle flags, and sixteen hundred officers and en- listed men. Custer's attack was so sudden and made with such magnificent daring, that the Confederate soldiers actually cheered when they threw down their arms and sur- rendered. [20] The Blue and the Gray General Early barely escaped capture by flight into the town. So mnch of his artil- lery had been taken by Sheridan that some of the last captured guns were marked : "To General Sheridan, Care of General Early," as if the irony of fate had destined them for Sheridan anyhow. The almost impassable condition of the roads from heavy rains compelled a delay of two days at Charlottesville. While thus de- layed, General Sheridan learned that large forces of the Confederates were concentrat- ing at Lynchburg, including Pickett's In- fantry and Fitzhugh Lee's Cavalry from Richmond. He then decided to join the Army of the Potomac before Petersburg. With this in view, Sheridan first sent his prisoners back to Winchester, replaced his worn out mules with horses taken from Early, and pushed rapidly on toward Rich- mond, making the destruction of the rail- road communication between the Confed- erate Capital and Lynchburg more complete and extending the destruction of the Canal within a short distance of Richmond. Con- [21] The Blue and the Gray tinuing his march round on the North to the Pamunkey Eiver, Sheridan crossed at White House and found the supplies await- ing him, which had been sent there by Gen- eral Grant. At Frederick's Hall Station, some dis- tance above Hanover Court House, General Custer's division made a dash for the tele- graph office, capturing dispatches which told of General Early's whereabouts and of his intention to move up with his Cavalry on Sheridan. Custer at once sent a regi- ment after Early, captured the most of his force, including his Staff and Orderlies, and the second time on this march Early himself barely escaped capture, now seeking safety in flight to Eichmond. His campaign in the Shenandoah was ended, with the loss of his entire Army. General Sheridan's march was made against great odds, in the nature of incessant rains, swollen streams, swamps and bad roads. All along the way hundreds of ne- groes or "contrabands," as they were called, followed and willingly worked their way for [22] The Blue and the Gray food and freedom. On the 26th of March, only a month after leaving Winchester, Sher- idan had reached and crossed the James Eiver and formed a junction with the Army of the Potomac, under General Grant, be- fore Petersburg. On this, one of the most remarkable marches in military history, fighting the enemy and contending with the elements for a month, Sheridan's loss was not over one hundred men, and some of these were left by the way because unable to bear the fatigue of travel. It was a fitting sequel to Sheridan's Shenandoah campaign, which, for rapid, effective work, in a series of bril- liant victories, is without a parallel in any war. While General Sheridan himself felt that his work in the Shenandoah might "cause the fall of Eichmond," his inarch and unit- ing with General Grant's Army proved that he had "builded better than he knew." [23] CHAPTEE II. President — Lieuten ant-General. It was on the 9th of March, 1864, that General Grant went to Washington and re- ceived from the hand of the President, in the presence of the Cabinet, the Commission of Lieutenant- General. He was accom- panied by his Staff and his eldest son, Fred- erick D. Grant, a lad of fifteen, who was with his father most of the time during the war, learning even then to be a soldier — ^now Major-General in the United States Army. When the President presented the commis- sion he said: "General Grant, the nation's appreciation of what you have done, and its reliance upon you for what remains to be done in the ex- isting great struggle, are now presented with this commission, constituting you Lieuten- ant-General in the Army of the United States. With this high honor, devolves upon you, also, a corresponding responsibility. As the country herein trusts you, so, under God, it will sustain you. I scarcely need to add [24] Gen. Grant, at Headquarters, City Point, 1865 The Blue and the Gray that, with what I here speak for the I^ation, goes my own hearty personal concurrence." General Grant replied : ^'Mr. President : I accept the Commission, with gratitude for the high honor conferred. With the aid of the noble Armies that have fought in so many fields for our common country, it will be my earnest endeavor not to disappoint your expectations. I feel the full weight of the responsibilities now de- volving on me, and I know that if they are met, it will be due to those Armies, and, above all, to the favor of that Providence which leads both Nations and men." President Lincoln and General Grant had never met before, and it was especially fitting that their first meeting should be this occa- sion in the historic White House. General Grant says : "Although hailing from Illinois myself, the state of the President, I had never met Mr. Lincoln until called to the Capital to receive my commission of Lieu- tenant-General. I knew him, however, very well and favorably from the accounts given by officers under me in the West, who had [25] The Blue and the Gray known him all their lives. I had also read the remarkable series of debates between Lincoln and Douglas a few years before, when they were rival candidates for the United States Senate. I was then a resident of Missouri and not a 'Lincoln man^ in that contest, but I recognized his great abil- ity. In my first interview with Mr. Lincoln alone, he stated to me that he had never professed to be a military man, or to know how campaigns should be conducted, and never wanted to interfere with them. * * * All he wanted or had ever wanted was some one who would take the responsibility and act, and call on him for all the assistance needed, pledging himself to use all the power of the government in rendering such assist- ance. * * * The Secretary of War I had met once before only, but felt that I knew him better. While commanding in West Tennessee we had occasionally held conversations over the wires, at night, when they were not being otherwise used. He and General Halleck both cautioned me against giving the President my plans of campaign, [26] The Blue and the Gray saying that the President was so kind-heart- ed, so averse to refusing anything asked of him, that some friend would be sure to get from him all he knew. * * * I should have said that in our interview the President told me he did not want to know what I proposed to do. * * * I did not com- municate my plans to the President, nor did I to the Secretary of War, or to General Halleck." In the previous year, July 13, 1863, a week after the fall of Yicksburg, the Presi- dent had written to General Grant: "I do not remember that you and I ever met personally. I write this now as a grate- ful acknowledgment for the almost ines- timable service you have done the country. I write to say a word further. When you first reached the vicinity of Vicksburg, I thought you should do what you finally did —march the troops across the neck, run the batteries with the transports, and thus go below; and I never had any faith except a general hope that you knew better than I, that the Yazoo Pass Expedition, and the [27] The Blue and the Gray like, could succeed. When you got below and took Port Gibson, Grand Gulf, and vi- cinity, I thought you should go down the river and join General Banks; and when you turned Northward, East of the Big Black, I feared it was a mistake. I now wish to make the personal acknowledgment that you were right and I was wrong." The surrender of Vicksburg included 31,600 men, 172 cannon, about 60,000 mus- kets, and a large amount of ammunition. Probably never before was so great a vic- tory won, at so small a sacrifice of life. When General Pemberton, in command of Vicksburg, proposed an armistice, with a view to terms for surrender, all communica- tions were under a flag of truce, and General Grant says: "It was a glorious sight to officers and men on the line where these white flags were visible, and the news soon spread to all parts of the command. The troops felt that their long and weary marches, hard fighting, ceaseless watching by night and day, in a hot climate, exposure to all sorts [28] The Blue and the Gray of weather, to diseases, and worst of all, to the gibes of many JSTorthem papers that came to them, saying all their suffering was in vain — that Vicksburg would never be taken — were now at an end, and the Union sure to be saved/^ Of the first meeting with General Pem- berton, he says: "At three o^clock Pemberton appeared at the point suggested in my verbal message, accompanied by the same officers who had borne his letter of the morning. Generals Ord, McPherson, Logan, and A. J. Smith, and several officers of my Staff, accompanied me. Our place of meeting was on a hill- side, within a few hundred feet of the Con- federate lines. JSTear by stood a stunted oak tree, which was made historical by the event. It was but a short time before the last ves- tige of its body, root and limb, had disap- peared — ^the fragments taken as trophies. Since then the same tree has furnished as many cords of wood in the shape of relics, as the 'True Cross.' * * * Pemberton and I had served in the same division [29] The Blue and the Gray during part of the Mexican War. I kne^' him very well, therefore, and greeted him as an old acquaintance." This interview ended with an agreement that General Grant would send a letter giv- ing the final terms, by ten o'clock that night — in the meantime both sides holding the truce. General Grant then called together his Corps and Division Commanders, in- formed them of the substance of the inter- view, accepting suggestions, but holding the power of deciding entiiely in his own hands — and adds: "This was the nearest approach to a 'Council of War' I ever held." The result was that his letter with final terms for the surrender of Vicksburg was sent to Pemberton against the almost unanimous judgment of the Council. During the siege, all Confederates were known as "Johnnies," and Union soldiers as "Yanks," and there was much friendly sparring between the picket lines. A Con- federate would call: "Well, Yank, when [30] The Blue and the Gray are you coming into town ?" Sometimes the reply would be: "We intend to celebrate the Fourth of July there/' The Yicksburg paper — printed on the plain side of wall paper — said the best recipe for cooking a rabbit was — "First ketch your rabbit." The last number of the paper^ issued on the Fourth of July, announced: "The rabbit is ketched/' On the Fourth of July, Vicksburg sur- rendered — the Confederate troops marched out of the garrison, stacked arms, and re- turned to remain until all were paroled. They passed between two lines of Union soldiers, in silence. Under Greneral Grant's instruction, there was not a cheer or a word, from the victors, that would hu- miliate or give pain to the fallen foe. It was a week before the paroles were com- pleted, and the Confederates occupied their old camps behind the intrenchments — no restraint upon them, except that by their own Commanders — and "the men of the two Armies fraternized as if they had been fighting for the same cause." [31] The Blue and the Gray The great victory at Gettysburg was won on the same day. But it was the fall of Vieksburg that sealed the fate of the Con- federacy. General Edward P. Alexander of the Confederate Army, declared that Gen- eral Grants Vieksburg campaign was the most brilliant strategy of the whole war. "The signs look better. The Father of Waters again goes unvexed to the sea." The victory at Gettysburg — ^the fall of Vieksburg — ^the clean sweep of the Missis- sippi, followed in quick succession. A spirit of rejoicing was abroad in the North, ready for "National Thanksgiving, Praise and Prayer,'^ and the foUlowing Proclamation was issued July 15, 1863 : "It has pleased Almighty God to hearken to the supplication and prayers of an afflicted people, and to vouchsafe to the Army and the Navy of the United States, on the land and on the sea, victories so signal and effec- tive as to furnish reasonable grounds for augmented confidence that the Union of these States will be maintained and their Constitution preserved, and their peace and [32] The Blue and the Gray prosperity permanently secured. But these victories have been accorded not without sac- rifice of life, limb and liberty, incurred by brave, patriotic and loyal citizens. Domestic affliction in every part of the country follov^s in the train of these fearful bereavements. It is meet and right to recognize and confess the presence of the Almighty Father, and the power of His hand equally in these triumphs and these sorrows. Now, therefore, be it known, that I do set apart Thursday, the sixth day of August, next, to be observed as a day for National Thanksgiving, praise and prayer; and I in- vite the people of the United States to as- semble, on that occasion, in their customary places of worship, and in the form approved by their own conscience, render the homage due to Divine Majesty for the wonderful things He has done in the Nation's behalf, and invoke the influence of His Holy Spirit to subdue the anger which has produced, and so long sustained, a needless and cruel re- bellion; to change the hearts of the insur- gents; to guide the counsels of the govem- 3 [33] The Blue and the Gray ment with wisdom adequate to so great a national emergency ; and to visit with tender care and consolation, throughout the length and breadth of our land, all those who, through the vicissitudes of marches, voyages, battles and sieges, have been brought to suf- fer in mind, body or estate; and finally, to lead the whole Nation through the paths of repentance and submission to the Divine will, back to the perfect enjoyment of Union and fraternal peace. A. Lincoln. On April 30, 1864, several weeks after the interview following the presentation of the Commission of Lieutenant- General, the President wrote to General Grant: "Not expecting to see you before the spring campaign opens, I wish to express in this way my entire satisfaction with what you have done up to this time, so far as I under- stand it. The particulars of your plans I neither know nor seek to know. You are vigilant and self reliant; and, pleased with this, I wish not to obtrude any restraints or constraints upon you. [34] The Blue and the Gray "While I am very anxious that any great disaster or capture of our men in great num- bers shall be avoided, I know that these points are less likely to escape your attention than they would mine. If there be anything wanting, which is within my power to give, do not fail to let me know it. "And now, with a brave Army and a just cause, may God sustain you.'^ General Grant was deeply touched by this letter. He cared little for praise or fame. But these words from the great heart of the President made an impression upon him, and the following day — a quiet Sunday afternoon — ^he wrote his answer: "Your very kind letter of yesterday is just received. The confidence you express for the future and satisfaction for the past in my military administration is acknowledged with pride. * * * i have never had any cause of complaint * * * against the adminis- tration or the Secretary of War, for throwing any embarrassment in the way of my vigor- ously prosecuting what appears to be my duty. * * * J have been astonished at [35] The Blue and the Gray the readiness with which everything asked for has been yielded, without even an explana- tion being asked. Should my success be less than I desire and expect, the least I can say is, the fault is not with you." The President's abiding faith in General Grant was steadfast from beginning to end, and never at any moment disturbed by doubt or criticism. Whether writing to him or talk- ing about him, there was always this lumin- ous faith and absolute confidence in the great soldier. In reply to an invitation to a mass meeting in New York city, June 4, 1864, just a month before Vicksburg surrendered, Mr. Lincoln said: ^'I approve of whatever may tend to strengthen and sustain General Grant and the noble Armies now under his direction. My previous high estimate of General Grant has been maintained and heightened by what has occurred in the remarkable campaign he is now conducting, while the magnitude and difficulty of the task before him do not prove less than I expected. He and his brave sol- diers are now in the midst of their great trial, [36] The Blue and the Gray and I trust that at your meeting you will so shape your good words that they may turn to men and guns, moving to his and their support.'^ When Congress revived the grade of Lieu- tenant-General the 29th of February, 1864, it went back to George Washington, who alone had been Commissioned with this rank from 1798 to the time of his death in De- cember, 1799. General Winfield Scott held this rank, only by brevet, for ten years pre- ceding his death in 1866. Though no name was mentioned in the Act of Congress, it was well understood that it would be the promo- tion of General Grant. With his promotion of Lieutenant-General, in command of the Armies of the United States, General Grant at once began to direct the various commands. East and West, and prepare for the spring campaign. The day after receiving his Commission from the President he went to the headquarters of General Meade, commanding the Army of the Potomac, at Brandy Station, ISTorth of the Eapidan, He also promptly advanced General [37] The Blue and the Gray Sherman to his own late position, and Gen- eral McPherson to Sherman^s, and General Logan to McPherson^s — these changes being made on his recommendation, without hesita- tion or delay at the White Honse. In fact, the President was as ready to do this as General Grant to recommend it. Of his visit to Gen- eral Meade he says : "I had known General Meade slightly in the Mexican war, but had not met him since ■until this visit. I was a stranger to most of the Army of the Potomac — I might say to all except the oflScers of the Eegular Army, who had served in the Mexican war. There had been some changes ordered in the organiza- tion of the Army before my promotion. * * * Meade evidently thought I might want to make still one more change not yet ordered. He said to me that I might want an officer who had served with me in the West, men- tioning Sherman, specially, to take his place. If so, he begged me not to hesitate about making the change. He urged that the work before us was of such vast importance to the whole Nation that the feeling or wishes of no [38] The Blue and the Gray one person should stand in the way of select- ing the right men for the positions. For himself, he would serve to the best of his ability wherever placed. I assured him that I had no thought of substituting any one for him. As to Sherman, he could not be spared from the West. "This incident gave me even a more favor- able opinion of Meade, than did his great victory at Gettysburg, the July before. It is men who wait to be selected, and not those who seek, from whom we may always expect the most efficient service." General Meade had been in supreme com- mand of the Army of the Potomac for nearly a year — except from the authorities at Wash- ington. And now. General Grant, always generous and considerate, made General Meade's position as nearly as possible what it would have been if he had been in Wash- ington, or any other place away from Meade's command. He gave all orders for the move- ments of the Army of the Potomac to Gen- eral Meade to have them executed. [39] The Blue and the Gray When the responsibility of directing 600,- 000 men in the Armies of the Union and 600 war ships was laid upon General Grant, the eyes of the civilized world were fixed upon him. Many were in donbt as to the result. But there were two men whose faith in final victory was as fixed as the foundation of the hills — Lincoln and Grant. Each believed in the other. On General Grant's return to Washing- ton after his visit to General Meade, he pre- pared to leave, without delay, for West Ten- nessee, to meet General Sherman. Prepara- tions, however, were in full swing to give a dinner and reception in his honor, at the White House — and also, he was to be re- ceived by Congress. But he could not be persuaded to stay over, though urged to do so by the President and Mrs. Lincoln. Fi- nally he said: "The time is very precious just now, and really, Mr. President, I believe I have had enough of this show business." There had been a reception at the White [40] The Blue and the Gray House the evening before the day of receiv- ing his Commission, and in spite of going in quietly and unannounced, there was no escape from crowds of enthusiastic friends and admirers. He could face the whole Confederate Army, but had to retreat from "this show business.'' The dinner and reception were given, but the guest of honor was speeding away to his duties in the field — having neither time nor desire for social ovations — the man who "fights," as Mr. Lincoln said — "setting the bells of time ringing in a better day for the Union." It seems incredible, but is none the less a fact, that while the President had called on the people to return thanks and pray- ers, aud guns were fired in honor of Gen- eral Grant — who had up to this time won the only decisive victories for the Union — politicians and '* higher-up" jealousies in the Army were clamoring for his removal with a persistent injustice having no par- allel in the history of modern warfare. The President was beset on all sides, and [41] The Blue and the Gray Colonel McClure of Philadelphia, one of the very influential public men, called on Mr. Lincoln and urged him, "in the name of the people," to remove General Grant. Colonel McClure told of this interview: "I appealed to Lincoln for his own sake to remove Grant at once, and in giving my reasons simply voiced the protest from the loyal people of the land against Grant's con- tinuance in command. * * * When I had said everything that could be said from my standpoint, we lapsed into silence. Lin- coln remained silent for what seemed a very long time. He then gathered himself up in his chair and said, in a tone of earnestness that I shall never forget: " ^I can't spare this man ; he fights.' That was all he said, but I knew that it was enough and that Grant was safe in Lincoln's hands against the countless hosts of ene- [42] n General Sherman 1865 CHAPTBE III. Atlanta to the Sea. The following autumn, when General Sheridan^s brilliant achievements swept "JubaFs occupation" out of the Shenandoah Valley, General Sherman's campaign was no less effective in Georgia — "smashing things to the sea.''^ I am now quoting General Grant more fully for the reason that above all the crit- ics, he knew best how great was General Sherman's work in the Civil War. Of General Sherman's Army and "March to the Sea," General Grant says: "The Southern papers in commenting upon Sher- man's movements pictured him as in the most deplorable condition — stating that his nien were starving, that they were demoral- ized and wandering about almost without object, aiming only to reach the sea coast, and get under the protection of our iN'avy. These papers got to the North and had more or less effect upon the minds of the people, causing distress to all loyal persons. * * * [43] The Blue and the Gray Mr. Lincoln, seeing these accounts, had a letter written asking me if I could give him anything that he could say to the loyal people that would comfort them. I told him there was not the slightest occasion for alarm — that with the 60,000 such men as Sherman had with him, such a commanding officer as he was, could not be cut off in the open coun- try. He might possibly be prevented from reaching the point he had started out to reach, but he would get through somewhere and would finally get through to his chosen des- tination, and even if worst came to worst, he could return North. I heard afterward of the President saying to those who would inquire of him as to what he thought about the safety of Sherman's Army, that Sherman was all right. "Grant says they are safe with such a General, and that if they cannot get out where they want to, they can crawl back by the hole they went in at." The only military force that was then op- posed to General Sherman's forward march was the Georgia Militia. At the capital — Milledgeville — the Governor, who had been al- [44] The Blue and the Gray most defying Jefferson Davis, now left sud- denly, also the Legislature and all State offi- cers. General Sherman said : "The Governor was careful to carry away all of his garden vegetables, and left the archives of the State to fall into our hands. '^ General Grant further says: "While at Milledgeville, the soldiers met at the State House, organized a Legis- lature and proceeded to business precisely as if they were the legislative body belonging to the State of Georgia. The debates were exciting, and were upon the subject of the situation the South was in at that time, par- ticularly the State of Georgia. They went so far as to repeal, after a spirited and acri- monious debate, the ordinance of secession. H: H« H: "Sherman's Army, after all the depletions, numbered about sixty thousand effective men. All weak men had been left to hold the rear, and those remaining were not only well men, but strong and hardy, so that he had sixty thousand as good soldiers as ever trod the earth; better than any European soldiers, because they not only worked like a machine, [45] The Blue and the Gray but the machine thought. European Armies know very little what they are fighting for, and care less. * * * The men are brave and the officers capable, but the majority of the soldiers in most of the nations of Europe are taken from a class of people who are not very intelligent, and who have very little interest in the contest in which they are called upon to take part. Our Armies were composed of men who were able to read, men who knew what they were fighting for, and could not be induced to serve as soldiers, except in an emergency when the safety of the Nation was involved, and so necessarily must have been more than equal to men who fought merely because they were brave, and because they were thoroughly drilled and inured to hardships. "On the 15th of November, the real march to the sea commenced. * * * Sherman's orders for this campaign were perfect. Be- fore starting he had sent back all sick, dis- abled and weak men, retaining nothing but the hardy, well-inured soldiers to accompany him on his long march in prospect. His ar- [46] The Blue and the Gray tillery was reduced to sixty-five guns. The ammunition carried with them was two hun- dred rounds for musket and gun. Small rations were taken in a small wagon train, which was loaded to its capacity for rapid movement. The Army was expected to live on the country, and to always keep the wag- ons full of forage and provisions against a possible delay of a few days. * * * At- lanta was destroyed so far as to render it worthless for military purposes before start- ing, Sherman himself remaining over a day to superintend the work. "The organization for supplying the Army was very complete. Each Brigade furnished a company to gather supplies of forage and provisions for the command, to which they belonged. Strict injunctions were tissued against pillaging or otherwise unnecessarily annoying the people ; but ever3rthing in shape of food for man and forage for beast was taken. The supplies were turned over to the Brigade commissary and Quartermaster, and were issued by them to their respective commands precisely the same as if they had [47] The Blue and the Gray been purchased. The captures consisted largely of cattle, sheep, poultry, some bacon, cornmeal, often molasses, and occasionally coffee or other small rations. "The skill of these men, called by them- selves and the Army, '^bunmiers,' in col- lecting their loads and getting back to their respective commands, was marvel- lous. When they started out in the morning they were always on foot, but scarcely one of them returned in the evening without being mounted on a horse or mule. * * * ]\|any of their exploits would fall under the head of romance — indeed, I am afraid that in telling some of their experi- ences, the romance got the better of the truth. * * * In one instance it was reported that a few men of Sherman's Army passed a house where they discovered some chickens under a dwelling. They immediately pro- ceeded to capture the chickens to add to the Army's supplies. The lady of the house, who happened to be at home, made appeals to have the chickens spared, saying they were a few she had put away to save. * * * The [48] The Blue and the Gray soldiers seemed moved at her appeal, but look- ing at the chickens again, they were tempted, and one of them replied: ^The rebellion must be suppressed if it takes the last chicken in the Confederacy/ and appropriated the last chicken. "Another anecdote characteristic of these times has been told. The South prior to the rebellion kept bloodhounds to pursue runaway slaves who took refuge in the neighboring swamps, and also to hunt convicts. Orders were issued to kill all these animals as they were met with. On one occasion a soldier picked up a poodle, the favorite pet of its mistress, and was carrying it off to execution when the lady made a strong appeal to him to spare it. The soldier replied: 'Madam, our orders are to kill every bloodhound.^ 'But this is not a bloodhound,' said the lady. 'Well, Madam, we cannot tell what it will grow into, if we leave it,' said the soldier as he went off with the poodle. Notwithstand- ing these anecdotes and the necessary hard- ships they would seem to imply, I do not believe there was much unwarrantable pillag- 4 [49] The Blue and the Gray ing, considering that we were in the enemy's country." With the exception of a "pretty severe engagement" with Confederates, under the command of General Wheeler;, ahont one hundred miles from Milledgeville, there was little resistance to the Union troops, before reaching Savannah. General Wheeler — "Lit- tle fighting Joe'' — ^who was afterward in Congress, and one of the most loyal of men — was driven towards Augusta as the Con- federates supposed, General Sherman was aiming for that point. General Wade Hamp- ton, afterward in Congress also, was at' Augusta trying to raise Cavalry, and General Bragg had been sent to Augusta with troops, all three to unite against Sherman. It was too late, however, to do the work expected, and the Confederate, General Hardee, who was in command of Savannah, had probably less than ten thousand men. Of Savannah and conditions there General Grant says : "The country about Savannah is low and marshy, and the city was well intrenched from the river above to the river below, and [50] The Blue and the Gray assaults could not be made except along a comparatively narrow causeway. For this reason assaults must have resulted in serious destruction of life to the Union troops, with the chance of failing altogether. Sherman therefore decided upon a complete investment of the place. When he believed this invest- ment completed, he summoned the garrison to surrender." The siege of Savannah began on the 10th of December. On the night of the 21st, Savannah was evacuated, General Hardee first blowing up the N'avy Yard, destroying some iron-clads, and other property, at the same time leaving au "immense amount of stores untouched, consisting of cotton, rail- road cars, workshops, numerous pieces of ar- tillery, and several thousand stands of small arms." On the 26th, Mr. Lincoln telegraphed to General Sherman: "When you were about leaving Atlanta for the Atlantic Coast, I was anxious if not fearful; but feeling that you were the better judge, and remembering that 'noth- [51] The Blue and the Gray ing risked, nothing gained/ I did not in- terfere. Now, the undertaking being a suc- cess, the honor is all yours/' In regard to who planned this perfectly planned campaign — "March to the Sea" — General Grant decides beyond all question or doubt in the following concise statement: "As there was some discussion as to the authorship of Sherman's March to the Sea, by critics of his book when it appeared before the public, I want to state here that no ques- tion upon that subject was ever raised be- tween General Sherman and myself. Cir- cumstances made the plan on which Sherman expected to act impracticable, and as com- mander of the forces he necessarily had to devise a new one which would give more promise of success; consequently he recom- mended the destruction of the railroad back to Chattanooga, and that he should be author- ized then to move, as he did, from Atlanta forward. His suggestions were finally ap- proved, although they did not immediately find favor in Washington. Even when it came to the time of starting, the greatest ap- [52] ^ The Blue and the Gray prehension as to the propriety of the cam- paign filled the minds of the President's ad- visers. This went so far as to move the Pres- ident to ask me to suspend Sherman's march for a day or two until I conld think the mat- ter over. My recollection is — ^though I find no record to show it — that out of deference to the President's wishes^ I did send a dis- patch to Sherman asking him to wait a day or two, or else the connections between us were already cut, so that I could not do so. However this may he, the question of who de- vised the plan of march from Atlanta to Sa- vannah is easily answered. It was clearly Sherman, and to him also belongs the credit of its brilliant execution. It was hardly possible that any one else than those on the spot could have devised a new plan of cam- paign to supersede one that did not promise success. I was in favor of Sherman's plan from the time it was first submitted to me. My Chief of Staff, however, was very bitterly opposed to it and, as I learned subsequently, finding that he could not move me, he ap- pealed to the authorities at Washington to stop it." [531 The Blue and the Gray A month before General Sherman started on the ''March to the Sea" the most for- midable Confederate force in that part of the South was commanded by General Hood. On October 11, General Grant said in a dispatch to General Sherman: "Does it not look as if Hood was going to attempt the invasion of middle Ten- nessee? * * * If he does this, he ought to be met and prevented from get- ting North of the Tennessee Eiver. * * * If yon were to cut loose, I do not believe you would meet Hood^s Army, but would be bushwhacked by all the old men and little boys and such railroad guards as are still left at home. * * * jjood would prob- ably strike for N"ashville. * * * jf there is any way of getting at Hood's Army, I would prefer that, but I must trust to your own judgment. * * * j g^jj^ afraid Thomas, with such lines of road as he has to protect, could not prevent Hood from going North.'' General Sherman's reply, dated the same day, from Kingston, Georgia, says: [54] The Blue and the Gray "Hood is now on the Coosa Kiver, South of Eome. With the twenty-five thousand men, and the bold Cavalry he has, he can con- stantly break my roads. I would infinitely prefer to make a wreck of the road, and of the country from Chattanooga to Atlanta, including the latter City, send back all my wounded and worthless, and with my effect- ive Army, move through Georgia, smashing things to the sea. * * * Instead of my being on the defensive I would be on the offensive; instead of guessing at what he means to do he would have to guess at my plans. The difference in war is full twenty- five per cent. I can make Savannah, Charles- ton, or the mouth of the Chattahoochee. Answer quick, as I know we will not have the telegraph long. W. T. Sherman^ Major General. City Point, Virginia, Oct. 11, 1864, 11 :30 P. M. Your dispatch of today received. If you are satisfied the trip to the sea-coast can be made, holding the line of the Tennessee [55] The Blue and the Gray Eiver firmly, you may make it, destrojdng all the railroad south of Dalton or Chatta- nooga, as you think best. U. S. Grant^ Lieutenant-General. The original design was to "cut the would-be Confederacy in two again," as it had been cut once by gaining possession of the Mississippi Eiver. General Sherman's plan virtually effected this object. General Grant, always quick and generous in appre- ciation of others, adds: "General Sherman's movement from Chat- tanooga to Atlanta was prompt, skillful and brilliant. The history of his flank move- ments and battles during that memorable campaign, will ever be read with an interest unsurpassed by anything in history." Hood succeeded in crossing the Tennessee Eiver, but General Thomas was ready for him, and disposed of his Army at the battle of Nashville, December 15 — a two days battle — defeating and driving the Confederates from the field in confusion, leaving most of their artillery and many thousand prisoners. [56] The Blue and the Gray From the Snd day of December to the 15th, General Grant had been urging General Thomas to "get husf' with Hood, sending one dispatch after another. December 2nd he telegraphed: "You can move out of Nashville with all your Army and force the enemy to retire or fight upon ground of your own choosing — You will suffer incalculable injury upon your railroads if Hood is not speedily disposed of." December 5th — "Hood should be attacked where he is. Time strengthens him in all possibility as much as it does you.'^ De- cember 6th — "Attack Hood at once, and wait no longer for a remnant of your Cavalry. There is great danger of delay resulting in a campaign back to the Ohio River." De- cember 8th — "Why not attack at once? By all means avoid the contingency of a foot race to see which, you or Hood, can beat to the Ohio. * * * N'ow is one of the finest op- portunities ever presented of destroying one of the three Armies of the enemy. * * * Use the means at your command and you can do this, and cause a rejoicing that will re- [57] The Blue and tlie Gray sound from one end of the land to the other/' December 11th — "If yon delay attack any longer the mortifying spectacle will be wit- nessed of a rebel Army moving for the Ohio Elver, and yon will be forced to act, accept- ing such weather as you find. Let there be no further delay. I am in hopes of receiving a dispatch from you today announcing that you have moved. Delay no longer for weath- er or reinforcements.'' And so it went on for two weeks. Then came action on the part of General Thomas, and relief to General Grant, to the Adminis- tration, and to the whole North. In a dispatch to General Thomas, Decem- ber 15th, General Grant says: "I was just on my way to Nashville, but received a dispatch detailing your splendid success of today ; I shall go no further. Push the enemy now and give him no rest. * * Your Army will cheerfully suffer many pri- vations to break up Hood's Army. * * * Do not stop for trains or supplies, but take them from the country as the enemy have done. Much is now expected." [58] The Blue and the Gray General Thomas had been so slow as to cause very great anxiety. General Grant says : "Before the battle of Nashville I grew very impatient over, as it appeared to me, the unnecessary delay. * * * After urg- ing upon General Thomas the necessity of im- mediately assuming the offensive, I started West to superintend matters there in person. Beaching Washington I received G^nerai Thomas' dispatch, announcing his attack up- on the enemy, and the result as far as the battle had progressed. I was delighted. All fears and apprehensions were dispelled." While General Grant held to his view that instead of the delay. General Thomas should have promptly moved out with his whole force, giving battle to Hood, yet in the end General Thomas' final defeat of the Confed- erate force was so complete, that it will be accepted as a complete vindication of that distinguished officer's Judgment. [59] CHAPTER IV. Petersburg — Richmond. In the early part of March, 1865, Jef- ferson Davis and General Lee decided on a plan to abandon the Richmond and Petersburg lines, and, as soon as the roads would admit. General Lee was to move to Danville, unite with General Johnston and attack General Sherman. Johnston^s army was then in front of Sher- man. But when this plan might have been carried out, the abandonment of Richmond was opposed by the Confederate politicians. Another plan of General Lee was to enlist the slaves and make soldiers of them. This was at once put down by the slave interests of the Confederacy. And now the time for doing either had passed. By the arrival of Sheridan, General Lee's contemplated re- treat to Danville was cut off. General Grant had settled down before Petersburg and Rich- mond, where his steady patience and hold on tenacity would enable him to wait until lack of subsistence compelled General Lee to sur- [60] General Sheridan 1865 The Blue and the Gray render; or his indomitable pluck would lead him to attack General Lee and prevent him from getting away to join Johnston. Sus- pecting General Lee of this intention. Gen- eral Grant had, as early as the middle of March, issued instructions to the Army of the Potomac, in anticipation of a general movement, though not fully ready for it un- till the last days of the month. Of this ad- vance General Grant says: "I was very impatient for the time to come when I could commence the spring campaign, which I thoroughly believed would close the war. * * * Qj^q q^ ^j^q most anxious periods of my experience during the rebellion was the last few weeks before Pe- tersburg. * * * J fg][-|. jT^Q^ ii^Q situation of the Confederate Army was such that they would try to escape at the earliest practicable moment, and I was afraid, every morning, that I would awake from my sleep to hear that Lee had gone and that nothing was left but a picket line. * * * j ]jxiew he could move much more lightly and more rapidly than I, and that, if he got the start, he would [61] The Blue and the Gray leave me behind, so that we would have the same Army to fight again further South, and the war might be prolonged another year. * * * I could not see how it was pos- sible for the Confederates to hold out much longer where they were. * * * j jjnew from the great number of desertions that the men who had fought so bravely, so gallantly and so long for the cause which they believed in — and as earnestly, I take it, as our men believed in the cause for which they were fighting — ^had lost hope and become despond- ent. Many of them were deserting and mak- ing application to be sent North, where they might get employment until the war was over, when they would return to their South- ern homes.'^ The time had come when General Lee saw that he could hold out no longer. Every line of supply had been destroyed or cut off by the Union troops. He must either surrender or fight his way through General Grant^s lines, in the hope of reaching Johnston. It was a forlorn hope, for even if he succeeded in this, the hours of the Confederacy were al- [62] The Blue and the Gray ready numbered and the end would be post- poned but a little while. To gain time, in order not to leave his present position until the roads were in a more favorable condi- tion, Greneral Lee ordered the attack on Fort Stedman, on the right of the Union lines. By this attack he hoped to compel General Grant to draw from his left wing, weaken- ing that point by concentrating on his right. If successful in destroying General Grant's left wing it would be easier for General Lee to reach the Danville and South Side rail- road, making his retreat and reaching Johnston, more possible. To accomplish this, General Lee placed about half of his army under command of General John B. Gordon, who was to make the assault on Fort Stedman, where the opposing lines were less than two hundred yards apart, and the pickets but fifty yards apart. The attack was well arranged and made on the night of the 24th of March, and the next morning, about 5 o'clock, the Fort was captured by General Gordon's troops. General Gordon held Fort Stedman four hours, when it was [63] The Blue and the Gray recaptured by General Hartranft, and this attempt of General Lee to break through the Union lines was defeated. General Grant, seeing indications of increased un- easiness in General Lee, determined not to delay, and, taking the initiative, ordered the move on the 29th of March, from City Point. Of the condition of the roads General Grant says: "On that date I moved out with all the Army available, after leaving sufficient force to hold the line about Peters- burg. It soon set in raining again, how- ever, and in a very short time the roads be- came practically impassable for teams and almost so for Cavalry. Sometimes a horse or mule would be standing apparently on firm ground, when all at once one foot would sink, and as he commenced scrambling to catch himself, all his feet would sink, and he would have to be drawn by hand out of the quicksands so common in that part of Virginia and other Southern states. It be- came necessary, therefore, to build corduroy roads every foot of the way as we advanced, to move our artillery upon. The Army had [64] The Blue and the Gray become so accustomed to this kind of work, and were so well prepared for it, that it was done very rapidly." On the day of his arrival from the Shenan- doah General Sheridan went to General Grant's headquarters at City Point and re- ceived his instructions for the move to com- mence on the 29th. Of this General Grant says : "After reading the instructions I had given him, Sheridan walked out of my tent, and I followed to have some conversation with him by himself, not in the presence of anybody else, even a member of my Staff. In preparing his instructions, I contemplated just what took place; that is to say, cap- turing Five Forks, driving the enemy from Petersburg and Richmond, and terminating the contest before separating from the enemy. But the Nation had already become restless and discouraged at the prolongation of the war, and many believed that it would never terminate except by compromise. Knowing that unless my plan proved an en- tire success it would be interpreted as a dis- 5 [65] The Blue and the Gray astrous defeat, I provided in these instruc- tions that in a certain event General Sher- idan was to cut loose from the Army of the Potomac and his base of supplies, and liv- ing upon the country, proceed South by the way of the Danville railroad, or near it, cross the Roanoke, get in the rear of John- ston, who was guarding that road, and co- operate with Sherman in destroying John- ston; then with these combined forces to help carry out the instructions which Sher- man already had received, to act in co-opera- tion with the Armies around Petersburg and Richmond. I saw that after Sheridan had read his instructions he seemed somewhat disappointed at the idea, possibly, of having to cut loose again from the Army of the Potomac, and place himself between the two main Armies of the enemy. I said to him : ^General, this portion of your instructions I have put in merely as a blind,' and gave him the reason for doing so, heretofore de- scribed. I told him that as a matter of fact, I intended to close the war right here, with this movement, and that he should go no 1661 The Blue and the Gray farther. His face at once brightened up, and slapping his hand on his leg, he said: *I am glad to hear it, and we can do it/ * * * Sheridan was not, however, to make his movement against Five Forks until he got further instructions from me." General Grant's plan to, "close the war right here," was just what General Sheridan wanted and believed would prove the final and successful effort. He was so jubilant over the prospect of success that, after the move- ment had commenced, General Grant says: "Sheridan rode up to my headquarters, then at Dabney's Mills. He met some of my Staff officers outside and was highly jubilant, giving reasons why he believed this would prove the final and successful effort. Al- though my Chief -of -Staff had urged very strongly that we return to our position about City Point and the lines around Peters- burg, he asked Sheridan to come in and see me, and say to me what he had been saying to them. Sheridan felt a little modest about giving advice where it had not been asked, so one of my Staff came in and told me that [67] The Blue and the Gray Sheridan had what they considered impor- tant news, and suggested that I send for him. I did so^, and was glad to see the spirit of confidence with which he was imbued. Know- ing, as I did from experience, of what great value that feeling of confidence by a Com- mander was, I determined to make a move- ment at once, although on account of the rains, which had fallen after I had started out, the roads were still very heavy." When General Grant moved out from City Point on the 29th, General Sheridan in co-operation, moved the same day from Han- cock Station, where he had gone into camp on the 27th, after his march from the Shen- andoah, having had but one day to rest his troops. General Sheridan moved South on the Weldon and Petersburg road to Malone's crossing, then West to Dinwiddle Court House, where he arrived the same afternoon about 4 o'clock. According to instructions from General Grant, Sheridan was to make a raid on the South Side railroad. Late that night he received further instructions from [68] The Blue and the Gray General Grant who said: "I now feel like ending the matter, if it is possible to do so. * * * I do not want you, therefore, to cut loose and go after the enemy's roads at present. In the morning push around the enemy if you can and get in his right rear. We will act together as one Army here, until it is seen what can be done with the enemy." The contemplated raid was abandoned, and General Sheridan at once prepared to act in concert with the Infantry, under Gen- eral Grant's command, the object being to turn the right flank of General Lee's army. On the following morning Sheridan found the enemy in strong force on the White Oak Eoad, near Five Forks. General Lee, sus- pecting Sheridan's designs on the South Side railroad, ordered Fitzhugh Lee's Cavalry from its position on the extreme Confederate left, over to Five Forks, to unite with Pick- ett's and Bushrod Johnson's Infantry and attack Sheridan. That General Grant thoroughly appreciated the grave situation of Sheridan's position at this time, was evident from his frequent The Blue and the Gray communication with him the whole day of the 30th. He at first directed Sheridan to send his Cavalry back to Humphrey's Sta- tion for forage, sa5dng the rain would pre- vent active operations that day. But his next communication^ a few hours after, said : "Your positions on the White Oak road are so important that they should be held, even if it prevents sending back any of your Cav- alry to Humphrey's Station to be fed," and he then adds that fifty wagon loads of forage will be sent to Sheridan, and increased if necessary. In a third dispatch the same day he repeats the instruction not to send any Cavalry back to Humphrey's Station. In a fourth dispatch, also the same day. General Grant said : "If your situation in the morning is such as to justify the be- lief that you can turn the enemy's right with the assistance of a Corps of Infantry, entirely detached from the balance of the Army, I will so detach the 5th Corps and place the whole under your command for operation. Let me know as early in the morning as [70] The Blue and the Gray you can your judgment in the matter, and I will make the necessary orders." General Grant, in his reliance on Sheridan at this critical hour, must have felt the prophetic force of his own words in their electric flash to the Shenandoah six months before : "Keep on, and your work will cause the fall of Eichmond." The battle of Dinwiddle Court House was fought the next day, March 31st, by Sheri- dan with his three divisions of cavalry against the large odds of Fitzhugh Lee^s and Rosser's Cavalry, with Picketf s and Bushrod Johnson's Infantry. Though de- feating the Confederates in this fight by driving them back for a time, Sheridan in his dispatch to General Grant that evening said: "This force is too strong for us. I will hold on to Dinwiddle Court House un- til I am compelled to leave. Our fighting today was all dismounted." At 10 P. M. that night General Grant sent back this message : "The 5th Corps has been ordered to your support. In addition I have sent McKenzie's Cavalry. All these forces, [71] The Blue and the Gray except the Cavalry, should reach you by 12 o'clock tonight. You will assume command of the whole force sent to operate with you, and use it to the best of your ability to de- stroy the force which your command has fought so gallantly today." The battle of Five Forks fought on the first day of April was a continuation of the previ- ous day's fighting at Dinwiddle Court House. The Confederate troops, in addition to Fitz- hugh Lee's and Eosser's Cavalry with Pick- ett's and Bushrod Johnson's Infantry, had been reinforced by W. H. F. Lee's and Lo- mer's Cavalry, the whole commanded by Lieut-General Anderson. Sheridan, himself in command attacked the Confederate In- fantry at daylight and drove them back to their strong line of earthworks on the White Oak Eoad. It was a daring attack, and fought by troops brave to desperation. Though expecting his reinforcements every moment, Sheridan attacked and held back this ver}^ superior force with but three divi- sions of Cavalry, until about eleven o'clock, when the 5 th Corps, which should have been [72] The Blue and the Gray there at midnight, and McKenzie's Cavalry arrived. At four o'clock that afternoon^, Sheridan assaulted and carried the Confeder- ate works, capturing 6,000 prisoners, many pieces of artillery, wagons, etc., and putting to flight the rest of the Confederate force. Thus was General Lee's last hope of fighting his way out irretrievably defeated by General Sheridan. It was followed by General Grant's assault on Petersburg the next morn- ing, Sunday, April 2nd, and then it was that General Lee telegraphed to Jefferson Davis in Eichmond: "My lines are broken in three places. Eichmond must be evacuated tonight." Mr. Davis was at church when the dispatch was handed to him. He quickly laid down his prayer book, left the church, and went at once to his home, where he is- sued an order for the evacuation of Rich- mond, and made hasty preparations for leav- ing the City. That afternoon the President of the Con- federacy, Vice-President, and Cabinet, with scant preparation, took their departure from [73] The Blue and the Gray Eichmond. At eight o'clock in the evening General Ewell, in command, began to move the Confederate troops out, first ordering the firing of the magazine, which caused great destruction of property. The explosion set fire to many buildings, and the Court House, old State House, Mechanics' Institute, of- fices of the newspapers — Enquirer and Dispatch — were among the buildings burned. Commissary stores were also destroyed, heads of whiskey casks were knocked in and the liquor poured out on the ground. This gave the soldiers free access to the liquor and the rear guard of Ewell's army staggered, rather than marched out on the evacuation of Eichmond that Sunday night. The formal surrender of Eichmond was made to General Weitzel at 8 o'clock Monday morning, April 3rd, about the same hour that General Grant took possession of Petersburg. General Weitzel went up to Eichmond from his position at Bermuda Hundred, and the brief ceremony took place in the City Hall. Captain Langdon and Lieut, de Peyster, of General Weitzel's staff, raised the Stars and [74] The Blue and the Gray Stripes on the Capitol, where, on the 18th of March the Confederate Congress had ad- journed in great haste, the members leaving for their homes, lest they should be prevented from going, by the Union forces. Lieut, de Peyster, who was a young Artil- lery officer, but twenty years of age, had car- ried the flag on the pommel of his saddle for several days. He was determined to be the first to restore the Stars and Stripes to their old place on the Capitol in Eichmond. When the flag was run up on the pole, there was great cheering by the Union troops and the colored people. But if there were others glad to see the Star Spangled Banner take the place held by the Confederate flag for four years, they made no sign of it. Of the evacuation of Eichmond, General Grant says : "A dispatch from General Weit- zel notified me that he had taken possession of Eichmond. The City had been deserted by the authorities, civil and military, without any notice whatever that they were about to leave. In fact, up to the very hour of the evacuation, the people had been led to be- [75] The Blue and the Gray lieve that Lee had gained an important vic- tory somewhere around Petersburg. * * * The City was on fire. Our troops were di- rected to extinguish the flames, which they finally succeeded in doing. * * * rpj^^ fire had been started by some one con- nected with the retreating Army. * * * I presume it was the work of excited men, who were leaving what they re- garded as their Capital, and may have felt that it was better to destroy it, than have it fall into the hands of the enemy. There was evidence of great demoralization in Lee's army, there being still many men and even officers, in the town." When General Grant went into Petersburg he telegraphed the President, who had re- mained at City Point, to join him there. Of this meeting he says: "I had started all the troops out early in the morning, so that after the National Army left Petersburg, there was not a soul to be seen, not even an animal to be seen in the streets. There was absolutely no one there, except my Staff Officers, and, possibly, a small escort of [76] The Blue and the Gray Cavalry. We had selected the piazza of a de- serted house, and occupied it until the Presi- dent arrived. I would have let him know what I contemplated doing, only while I felt a strong conviction that the move was going to be successful, yet it might not prove so; and then I would have only added another to the many disappointments he had been suf- fering for the past three years. But when we started out he saw that we were moving for a purpose, and bidding us Godspeed, re- mained at City Point to hear the result. "About the first thing that Mr. Lincoln said to me, after warm congratulations for the vic- tory, and thanks both to myself and to the Army which had accomplished it, was : *Do you know. General, that I have had a sort of sneaking idea for some days that you in- tended tO' do something like this ?' Our move- ments having been successful up to this point, I no longer had any object in concealing from the President all my movements, * * * Mr. Lincoln knew that it had been arraaged for Sherman to join me at a fixed time, to co- operate in the destruction of Lee^s Army. [77] The Blue and the Gray * * * ^}iQjx our conversation was at an end^ he mounted Ms horse and started on his return to City Point, while I and my Staff started to join the Army, now a good many miles in advance." General Grant's plan of campaign against General Lee suggested the challenge of the two Eoman Generals — "If thou are a great General, come down and fight me." "If thou are a great General, make me come down and fight thee/' Four times out of five — for the Army of the Potomac had fought on five distinct lines — Grant, by a single march, had made Lee come down and fight him. * * * No other plan could have succeeded, or as Sec- retary Stanton expressed it — "Gabriel would have been blowing his last horn, before the old tactics of the Army of the Potomac could have forced the surrender of Lee and his Army." There were cold and unjust criticisms in the North, of General Grant's Virginia campaign — but adding greater in- terest to the views of Europeans, more espe- cially the English, and the press of London. [78] The Blue and the Gray The London Times — the Tory organ of Eng- land — could hardly believe in the possibility of his success^ but finally said: ^^Grant is invincibly obstinate, he has uncontrolled command, he has exacted the unreserved support of his Government, and he has seen the Southern Army retire before him. But if he ever reaches Richmond with an Army, he will have achieved a miracle of success." The reputation of General Lee was so ex- alted in England, that any success over him was regarded as marvellous. The battles of May, 1864, brought forth from the London Times this admission: "While a single day of the battles of Grant in Virginia could be matched or excelled by the record of battles in the Old World, there were never in the history of man, four such battles fought, as those comprised in seven successive days, ending with the 12th of May." [79] The Blue and the Gray CHAPTEE V. Waterloo of Lee^s Retreat. G-eneral Grrant had anticipated correctly the movements of Jefferson Davis. About the same hour that the flag was raised in Richmond, Mr. Davis and his Cabinet passed through Burkes ville, going South. General Grant left Petersburg at noon, moving out to Wilson^s Station, on the Richmond and Dan- ville railroad. Burkesville is at the junction of this road with the one leading to Lynch- burg. At the time Mr. Davis passed through Burkesville, Custer's division of Sher- idan's Cavalry had an engagement with the rear guard of General Lee's Army, capturing a large number of men, artillery, battle flags, etc. General Grant had instructed Sheridan to push round and intercept the Confederates at Farmville, as it was supposed General Lee would move through that place on his way to Danville. But Sheridan did not have to go so far out of the way. Jetersville is on the Richmond and Danville railroad, about half way between Burkesville and Amelia Court [80] General Lee 1865 The Blue and the Gray House, where, at the latter place it was at first thought General Lee would make a stand, and where he did make a brief halt to rest his troops. From Jetersville, April 4th, General Sheri- dan telegraphed General Grant: "The Con- federate Army is in my front, three miles distant, with all its trains. If the 6th Corps can hurry up, we will have suf- ficient strength. I will hold my ground unless driven from it. * * * Men are out of rations and some wagons should follow after the 6th Corps. The en- emy is moving from Amelia Court House, via Jetersville and Burke's Station to Dan- ville. Jefferson Davis passed over this rail- road yesterday to Danville." On the following morning, April 5th, Sheridan again telegraphed General Grant: "The whole of Lee's Army is at, or near, Amelia Court House and on this side of it. * * * We can capture the Army of Northern Virginia, if force enough can be thrown to this point, and then ad- vance upon it. * * * General Lee is at 6 [81] The Blue and the Gray Amelia Court House in person. They are out, or nearly out, of rations. They were advanc- ing up the railroad towards Burkesville yes- terday when we intercepted them at this point." General Meade reached Jetersville with the 2d and 6th Corps that afternoon. On the same day General EwelPs command, which left Eichmond on Sunday evening, reached Amelia Court House, where General Anderson's command of Bushrod Johnson's and Pickett's infantry, with Fitzhugh Lee's Cavalry, had arrived in the morning. General Longstreet and General Gordon had arrived the day before. At Amelia Court House, General Lee obtained rations for part of his Army. But his men were already suffering from fatigue and want of food. The rains had made the roads almost impassable for wagon trains. General Meade had been obliged to put large working parties on the roads for three days, to facilitate the march of the Union troops. When but three miles from Jetersville, General Lee had advanced to attack Sheri- [82] The Blue and the Gray dan's Cavalry. But learning that General Sheridan had been reinforced by Infantry, he turned North to the bridge over Flat Creek, five miles distant. Here he crossed at sun- set. He still hoped by a night march to make an advance that would enable him to reach Lynchburg by way of Farmville. He con- tinued his march all night, arriving at Eice's Station at daybreak on the morning of April 6th, where he halted his weary, hungry, dis- pirited troops. One can not think of that night march of General Lee, and his tired, disheartened Army, without seeing a pathos and bravery worthy of honest pity and ad- miration. General Lee's retreat will be re- spected as the last faithful and heroic steps of a great soldier, in the discharge of what he deemed to be his duty. The condition of the Army of Northern Virginia, at this stage of General Lee's re- treat, can best be seen in the following, writ- ten the day preceding his night march : Cavalry Headquarters, April 5, 1865. Lieut.-General Grant : From present indications the retreat of [83] The Blue and the Gray the enemy is rapidly becoming a rout. We are shelling their trains and preparing to attack their Infantry immediately. Their troops are moving on my left flank and I think we can break: and disperse them. Everything should be hurried forward with the utmost speed. If Greneral Ord can be put in below, it will probably use them up. P. H. Sheridan"^ Major General. The pursuit of General Lee's Army was now well under way. The excitement of the Union troops had become intense, rising to a higher pitch as the pursuit lessened the distance between them and the Confederate Army. Every hour made General Lee's cap- ture or surrender more and more a foregone conclusion. His Army must go either to Dan- ville or Lynchburg. But General Grant's movements were such as would cut off re- treat no matter which route General Lee might take. For three, days General Grant had been in pursuit, intercepting, harassing and fighting General Lee's retreat, and every day making [84] The Blue and the Gray large captures of prisoners, artillery, wagons and other army equipments. In the mean- time, he had kept the President, who re- mained at City Point, informed of his move- ments, often telegraphing to Mr. Lincoln, who in turn, sent the news to the Secretary of War, in Washington. On the 5th, General Grant telegraphed to General Sherman in North Carolina: "All indications now are that General Lee will at- tempt to reach Danville with the remnant of his force. Sheridan, who was up with him last night, reports all that is left, horse, foot and dragoons, at about twenty-five thousand, much demoralized. I shall push on tO' Burkes- ville, and, if a stand is made at Danville, will in a very few days go there. If you can possibly do so, push on from where you are, and let us see if we can not finish the job with Lee's and Johnston's Armies. Whether it will be better for you to strike for Green- boro or nearer to Danville, you will be better able to judge when you receive this. Confed- erate Armies now are the only strategic points to strike at." [85] The Blue and the Gray The morning of the 6th, General Grant reached Jetersville, from whence Sheridan had pushed on after the Confederates. The chase was now so close that General Lee's Army was but two hours ahead. The battle of Sailor's Creek was fought that afternoon, General Sheridan in person commanding, against the Confederate force commanded by- General Lee. It was a great victory. The news was flashed all over the North, and at 11 :15 that night General Grant repeated the following dispatch received from Sheridan, to the Pres- ident, at City Point : Thursday, April 6, 1865, 11:15 P. M. Lieut.-General Grant: I have the honor to report that the enemy made a stand at the intersection of Burke's Station Eoad, with the one upon which they were retreating. I attacked them with two divisions of the 6th Army Corps, and routed them handsomely, making a connec- tion with the Cavalry. I am still pressing on with both Cavalry and Infantry. Up to the [86] The Bine and the Gray present time we have captured Generals Ewell, Kershaw, Button, Corse, Du Barre, Hunter and Custis Lee — several thousand prisoners, fourteen pieces of artillery, with caissons, etc. If the thing is pressed, I think General Lee will surrender. P. H. Sheridan^ Major General Commanding. The President telegraphed back to General Grant : "Let the thing be pressed." The next morning, Mr. Lincoln repeated Sheridan's dispatch to the Secretary of War, in Wash- ington. In March, 1861, General Sheridan was thirty years of age, with the rank of Captain. April, 1865, he was thirty-four, a Major- General, and the youngest of our renowned soldiers — in fame surpassed only by two others — Grant and Sherman. On the 7th, General Grant was at Farm- ville, where General Lee spent the previous night. The pursuit was renewed at daylight and kept up all that day. General Lee mov- ing to the Appomattox Eiver and crossing [87] The Blue and the Gray to the ISTorth side on the conunon bridge, at High Bridge. His troops were so hotly- pressed by the 2nd Corps that they had no time to burn the bridge over which their pur- suers immediately followed. General Grant had sent the Union troops on in three de- tachments — one to cross at High Bridge, one near Earmville, and the third, making a de- tour on the west by Prince Edward Court House, to get in front of the Confederates. The battle of Sailor^s Creek, was the Water- loo of Lee's retreat. General Grant was convinced of this, and on Friday, the day after that battle, he wrote the first note of the correspondence on the surrender. Headquarters Armies of the U. S. 5 P. M., April 7, 1865. General E. E. Lee, Commanding C. S. A. : The result of the last week must convince you of the hopelessness of further resistance on the part of the Army of Northern Vir- ginia, in this struggle. I feel that it is so, [88] The Blue and the Gray and regard it as my duty to shift from my- self the responsibility of any further effusion of blood, by asking of you the surrender of that portion of the Confederate States Army, known as the Army of Northern Virginia. U. S. Grant^ Lieut.-General. This note was sent through the picket lines to General Lee about 8 o'clock that evening, by General Humphreys, in command of the 2nd Corps, who at the same time author- ized a truce of an hour, to allow the Confed- erates to carry off their wounded. The op- posing troops were only a few hundred yards apart. General Lee answered the note that evening, and the reply reached General Grant the next morning, just before he moved on from Farmville. April 7, 1865. General : I have received your note of this date. Though not entertaining the opinion you ex- press on the hopelessless of further resistance on the part of the Army of Northern Vir- ginia, I reciprocate your desire to avoid use- [89] The Blue and the Gray less effusion of blood, and therefore, before considering your proposition, ask the terms you will offer on condition of its surrender. E. E. Lee^ General. Lieut. -General U. S. Grant, Commanding Armies of the U. S. This was not satisfactory to General Grant, who, however, regarded it as deserving an- other note, and wrote General Lee as follows : April 8, 1865. General E. E. Lee, Commanding C. S. A. : Your note of last evening in reply to mine of same date, asking the conditions on which I will accept the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia is just received. In reply I would say that, peace being my great de- sire, there is but one condition I would insist upon, namely: That the men and officers surrendered be disqualified from taking up arms against the Government of the United States until properly exchanged. I will meet you, or will designate officers to meet any officers you may name for the same purpose, [90] The Bine and the Gray at any point agreeable to you, for the pur- pose of arranging definitely the terms upon which the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia will be received. U. S. Grant^ Lieut.-General. General Grant, after sending his answer to General Lee, moved on, with General Meade's column, having first written the fol- lowing before starting. Headquarters Armies of the U. S. Farmville, Va., April 8, 1865. To Major General Sheridan: Make a detail from your own command to go with the ambulances of the 5th Corps, to collect in your wounded. I think General Lee will surrender to-day. I addressed him on the subject last evening and received a reply this morning asking the terms I wanted. We will push him until terms are agreed upon. U. S. Grant^ Lieut.-General. Of the condition of the Confederates at this time General Grant says: "Lee's [91] The Blue and the Gray Army was rapidly cnimbling. Many of his soldiers had enlisted from that part of the State where they now were, and were con- tinually dropping out of the ranks and go- ing to their homes. I know that I occupied a Hotel almost destitute of furniture, at Farmville, which had probably been used as a Confederate hospital. The next morning when I came out, I found a Confederate Col- onel there, who reported to me, and said that he was the proprietor of that Hotel, and that he was a Colonel of a Eegiment that had been raised in that neighborhood. He said that when he came along past home, he found that he was the only man of the Eegiment re- maining with Lee's Army, so he just dropped out, and now wanted to surrender himself. I told him to stay there, and he would not be molested. * * * Although Sheridan had been marching all day, his troops moved with alacrity and without any straggling. They began to see the end of what they had been fighting four years for. N'othing seemed to fatigue them. They were ready to move without rations and travel without rest, until [92] The Blue and the Gray the end. Every man was now a rival for the front." General Sheridan, with all his Cavalry, had marched rapidly on, the same day direct to Appomattox Station. At 9 :20 that night he said in a dispatch to General Grant: "If General Gibbon and the 5th Corps can get up to-night, we will perhaps finish the job in the morning. I do not think General Lee means to surrender until compelled to do so.'^ General Sheridan had not yet received Gen- eral Grant's note informing him of the cor- respondence with General Lee. He had good reason to conclude that General Lee would not give up, until forced to do so, by actual •capture. But the end was nearer than "Little Phil" thought, as he soon found when he had an opportunity to "finish the job in the morning." He was now in the immediate vicinity of Appomattox Court House. On the evening of the 8th, General Lee, who had halted for the night, also near Ap- pomattox Court House, called together his Corps Commanders, among them Longstreet, Gordon, and Fitzhugh Lee^ and explained [93] The Blue and the Gray the situation, informing them of his corre- spondence with General Grant. General Gor- don and General Fitzhugh Lee were bitterly opposed to surrender. They held to the hope of making the advance which would yet en- able the Confederates to join General John- ston in North Carolina. General Lee finally consented that Gordon and Fitzhugh Lee should attack Sheridan^s Cavalry at daylight the next morning, if Sheridan was without Infantry. But if Sheridan was supported by any considerable force of Infantry, Gen- eral Lee was to be immediately notified. Though hopeless, it was, nevertheless, the last chance to open the way out for further re- treat. With this hope in reserve. General Lee wrote his second note to General Grant. April 8, 1865. General : I received at a late hour, your note of to- day. In mine of yesterday, I did not intend to propose the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, but to ask the terms of your proposition. To be frank, I do not [94] The Blue and the Gray think the emergency has arisen to call for the surrender of this Army; but as the restora- tion of peace should be the sole object of all, I desire to know whether your proposal would lead to that end. I cannot, therefore, meet you with a view to surrender the Army of Northern Virginia; but, as far as your pro- posal may affect the Confederate States forces under my command, and tend to the restora- tion of peace, I should be pleased to meet you at 10 A. M. tomorrow, on the old stage- road to Eichmond, between the picket lines of the two Armies. E. E. Lee^ General. Lieut.-General U. S. Grant. General Grant received General Lee's reply on the march at midnight, and at daylight the next morning, returned his answer: Headquarters Armies of the TJ. S., April 9, 1865. General E. E. Lee, Commanding C. S. A. : Your note of yesterday is received. I have [95] The Blue and the Gray- no authority to treat on the subject of peace; the meeting proposed for ten A. M. to-day- could lead to no good. I will state, how- ever, General, that I am equally anxious for peace with yourself, and the whole North en- tertains the same feeling. The terms upon which peace can be had are well understood. By the South laying down their arms they will hasten that most desirable event, save thousands of human lives, and hundreds of millions of property not yet destroyed. Se- riously hoping that all our difficulties may be settled without the loss of another life, I subscribe myself, etc., TJ. S. Grant^ Lieutenant-General. At Appomattox, Sheridan's Cavalry was drawn up in line of battle, stretching across the road like a barrier before the advance of General Lee's Army. Gordon and Pitzhugh Lee, according to the plan of the night be- fore, had attacked Sheridan at daylight. But the troops of the 5th and 2nd Corps, under Gibbon and Ord, at the same moment, with wild yells, swept down to the support [96] The Blue and the Gray of Sheridan, and the Confederates fell back in confusion, and retired. Though G-eneral Gibbon and the 5th Corps did not get up the night before as Sheridan expected, they were nevertheless in time to "finish the job in the morning." Shortly after, a white flag was seen at the Confederate Front, and a few moments later General Sheridan and General Gordon, both on horseback, met near the Court House. General Gordon asked for a suspension of hostilities in view of the correspondence on the surrender. But as he had attacked Gen- eral Sheridan an hour before, for the pur- pose of escape, Sheridan insisted on some as- surance of good faith. General Longstreet joined them and corroborated General Gor- don's statement that General Lee was about to surrender. • General Lee was at that moment writing the following reply to General Grant's note, and within the sound of the guns at Appo- mattox, where he knew the last spark of hope had vanished in the defeat of Gordon 7 [97] The Blue and the Gray and Fitzhugh Lee's attempt to break through the Union lines : April 9, 1865. General : I received yours of this morning on the picket line, whither I had come to meet you and ascertain definitely what terms were em- braced in your proposal of yesterday, with reference to the surrender of this Army. I now ask an interview in accordance with the offer contained in your letter of yesterday for that purpose. E. E. Lee, General. Lieutenant-General U. S. Grant, Commanding U. S. Armies. This was written at 9 o'clock in the morn- ing and delivered to General Grant two hours later on the road, about eight miles from Ap- pomattox Court House. Leaving General Meade's colunm early in the morning, Gen- eral Grant and Staff had taken a short cut on the cross-road to Appomattox Eiver, which they forded near Planter's Tavern, there striking the Farmville and Lynchburg road [98] The Blue and the Gray over which Ord's troops had passed a little while before. General Lee's note was senS through Sheridan's lines, and when Lieut Pease, the bearer of the note, reached Gen- eral Grant, he found him sitting on a log by the side of the road, where, with his Staff, he had dismounted to rest. General Eawlins and General Dent were also seated on the log and the other officers of his Staff were resting on the ground, eating from the sup- plies carried on the saddle. Their uniforms were travel soiled and bespattered with mud from the "sacred soil," and the brass buttons were no longer bright. Altogether they showed the hardships of practical soldiering. General Grant writes of suffering with sick headache for two days, stopping at a farm house the night before, trying various remedies for relief. He says: "When the officer reached me I was still suffering with the sick headache. But the instant I saw the contents of the note, I was cured." He at once got up, quietly remarked, "This [99] The Blue and the Gray means surrender," and wrote the following reply : April9, 1865, 11:50 A. M. General E. E. Lee, Commanding C. S. Armies: Your note of this date is but this moment received, in consequence of my having passed from the Eichmond and Lynchburg road to the Farmville and Lynchburg road. I am at this writing about four miles West of Walker's Church, and will push forward to the Front for the purpose of meeting you. Notice sent to me on this road where you wish the interview to take place will meet me. U. S. Grant^ Lieutenant-General. Then mounting his horse and followed by his staff, he rode directly on to Appomattox Court House, where General Lee's Army lay waiting — and where the Union troops, still in line of battle, stretched across the path of the Confederates, their glistening bayonets shining like a hedge of silver in the Sabbath sunshine. [100] -^€i^E !w»i^^ ^n ^mSi^^^^W p^im^»~~ "Surrender House" 1865 CHAPTER VI. Appomattox — Surrendek. The surrender took place in the house of Wilber McLean, who lived near the Court House, and had tendered his "best room" for the purpose. It was a two story house, with a veranda across the front, supported by columns which gave it a solid appearance, and fashioned like most Southern houses, with a broad hall through the center. The yard was enclosed by a picket fence and shaded with trees, and the April air was sweet with the scent of apple blossoms. At one o'clock, in the room on the left of the hall, the two great leaders of the Army of the Union and the Army of Northern Vir- ginia met, and shaking hands, seemed in that moment to span the breach opened be- tween the North and South by four years of strife and bloodshed. General Grant was on the eve of his forty- third birthday, which occurred a little over two weeks later. His rugged physique, power [101] The Blue and the Gray of endurance, and fair complexion, gave him the appearance of a younger man. Gen- eral Lee, was about sixteen years older than General Grant and a well preserved, hand- some man, of fine military bearing. The contrast in the two men was striking in more respects than one. General Lee^s uniform was new and bright, as if put on for the first time, and his white gauntlet gloves as fresh and spotless as if just taken from the box. General Grant, who was at no time precise in dress, had come in direct from the saddle. His loose, open coat was travel worn and shabby with hard service. He wore his col- lar turned down and was without his sword, having left that with his Orderly, who did not get in until some time after. Altogether the Union General was as roughly dressed as any soldier in the ranks. The contrast was not more marked in personal make-up and dress, than in manner — the one imper- turbable and diffident to shyness; the other having the inborn, self-contained presence of a man of the world united with the suavity and grace, typical of the cultured Southerner. [102] The Blue and the Gray General Grant says : "I had Imown Gen- eral Lee in the old Army, and had served with him in the Mexican War, but did not suppose, owing to the difference in onr age and rank, that he would remember me. * * * When I left camp that morning I had not expected so soon the result that was then taking place and was in rough garb. I was without a sword, as I usually was when on horseback in the field, and wore a soldier's blouse for a coat, with the shoulder straps of my rank to indicate to the Army who I was. * * * Greneral Lee was dressed in full uniform, which was entirely new, and wearing a sword of considerable value, very likely the sword which had been presented by the State of Virginia. * * * j must have contrasted very strangely with a man so handsomely dressed, six feet high, and of faultless form. But this was not a matter that I thought of until afterward.^' In regard to General Lee's feelings Gen- eral Grant further says: "What General Lee's feelings were I do not know. He was a man of much dignity, [103] The Blue and the Gray with an impassible face. * * * j^ ^^^g not possible to say whether he felt inwardly- glad that the end had finally come, or felt sad over the result, and was too manly to show it. * * * My own feelings, which had been jubilant on the receipt of his let- ter, were sad and depressed. I felt like any- thing rather than rejoicing at the downfall of a foe who had fought so long and valiantly, and had suffered so much for a cause, though that cause was, I believe, one of the worst for which a people ever fought. I do not question, however, the sincerity of the great mass of those who were opposed to us." General Sheridan had come over from his headquarters with General Grant. General John A. Eawlins, General Frederick T. Dent, General Adam Badeau, General Orville E. Babcock, General Horace Por- ter, Colonel Eli Parker, Captain Robert T. Lincoln, officers of General Grant's staff, and General James Longstreet, General John B. Gordon, General Fitzhugh Lee and Col- onel Marshall, of General Lee's staff, were [104] The Blue and the Gray present. Later, other officers on both sides, came in. After the first greeting of the leaders, each recalled his remembrance of the other when they were comrades in arms during the war with Mexico, about eighteen years before. "I hardly expected you to remember me, General. I was only a young Captain in command of a company then,^^ said General Grant. "But, of course, I remember you, and recall your rank as superior to mine, also that you were Chief-of-Staff of General Scott." "Oh, yes," replied General Lee, "I re- member you very well. Though not person- ally acquainted, I assure you I remember Captain Grant and what he was as a soldier then." General Lee's tone implied much more than his words, in his recollection of Captain Grant's service in that war, and plainly conveyed the honest compliment in- tended. There was a pleasant ten minutes' conversation, and General Grant says: "I almost forgot the object of our meeting. [105] The Blue and the Gray * * * General Lee called my attention to the object of our meeting, * * * then we gradually fell off again into conversation." G-eneral Lee referred to the terms of the surrender, suggesting they be written out, and General Grant, saying they would be substantially the same as mentioned in his note of the previous da}^, stepped over to a small table at the side of the room, sat down, and wrote the following terms of surrender : Appomattox C. H., Va., April 9th, 1865. Gen. E. E. Lee, Comd^g C. S. A. General: In accordance with the sub- stance of my letter to you of the 8th instant, I propose to receive the surrender of the Army of N". Virginia on the following terms, to-wit : Eolls of all the officers and men to be made in duplicate, one copy to be given to an officer to be designated by me, the other to be retained by such officer or officers as you may designate. The officers to give [106] The Blue and the Gray their individual paroles not to take up arms against the Government of the United States until properly exchanged, and each compan;^ or regimental commander sign a like parole for the men of their commands. The arms, artillery and public property to be parked and stacked and turned over to the officers appointed by me to receive them. This will not embrace the side arms of officers, nor their private horses or baggage. This done, each officer and man will be allowed to re- turn to their homes, not to be disturbed by United States authority, so long as they observe their paroles and the laws in force where they may reside. Very respectfully, U. S. Grant, Lt.-Gen. In the meantime General Lee had taken a chair near a table in the center of the room. General Grant rose as he finished writing and handing the terms to General Lee, took a chair near and facing him. Gen- eral Lee read the note silently, moving a little to let the light fall directly upon the writing. Then he turned round to the table, [107] The Blue and the Gray wrote the following note of acceptance, and handed it to General Grant: Headquarters, Army Northern Virginia. April 9, 1865. General: I received your letter of this date containing the terms of the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, as pro- posed by you. As they are substantially the same as those expressed in your letter of the 8th inst., they are accepted. I will proceed to designate the proper officers to carry the stipulations into effect. E. E. Lee^ General. Lieut.-General U. S. Grant. At this supreme moment of the surrender, consummated in the silent reading of the terms by General Lee, and the silent reading of his acceptance by General Grant, not a word was spoken. General Eawlins and General Dent stood behind General Grant, each with a hand rest- ing on the back of their chief's chair, and looking over his head at the face of the Con- [108] The Blue and the Gray federate General. Colonel Marshall stood near General Lee, with his right hand on the back of that officer's chair. At Marshall's right stood General Babcock, and a few feet from him were General Seth Williams and Colonel Parker, staading with the side table between them. All were looking intently at the two stars in this dramatic scene, and the dark face of the Indiaa, Colonel Parker, was fiercely expressive in its scowling brows and piercing black eyes. General Sheridan, whose command still remained in line of battle, had gone out a few moments before. When General Lee handed to General GraQt his note of acceptance for the latter to read, General Dent took a step nearer to General Eawlins and whispered — "Eawlins, this is historic." Then going back noiseless- ly to the fire-place, General Dent took from the mantel what he thought was a piece of paper, but what was in fact a torn bit of a pasteboard box, and with a pencil, hastily sketched the positions of the persons in the room. General Lee was the first to break [109] The Blue and the Gray the silence^ by referring to the very liberal terms, which gave to his officers their horses, and which was not mentioned in General Grant's note of the 8th. "Yes, General, you will want all your horses, and the terms are to include the horses belonging to your men also,'' said Gen- eral Grant. "They will need them when they go home, in plowing and putting in their crops." General Lee had not expected this, and he thanked General Grant with much feeling, saying that it would have a happy effect upon his Army. Then General Grant added: "I will have two copies made of these papers, one for you, and one for me. Colonel Marshall and Colonel Parker can copy them now, and we will sign them." Colonel Marshall and Colonel Parker sat down at the side table, the former making two copies of General Lee's note, and Colonel Parker making two of General Grant's. They were then read aloud. General Grant holding the original of his terms, and General Lee holding the [110] The Blue and the Gray original of his acceptance, while Marshall and Parker read from the copies. The sig- natures were immediately affixed, at the same time, each using a separate pen. While the papers were being copied, General Sheridan returned, and General Ord, Quartermaster General Eufus Ingalls, Commissary General Morgan, with other Union officers, came in, and were also present during the reading and signing of the papers. The pens used in the signatures to the official copies were retained as mementoes by Parker and Mar- shall. The table was afterwards purchased from Mr. McLean by General Sheridan, who presented it to Mrs. Custer, wife of General Custer. This was the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia on Sunday, the 9th of April, 1865, and just one week after General Lee began his retreat from Petersburg and Eichmond. The terms were offered and ac- cepted without discussion or change, and the brief, business-like, but impressive ceremony occupied less than one hour's time. General Grant says : "When I put my pen [1111 The Blue and the Gray- to the paper I did not know the first word that I should make use of in writing the terms. I only knew what was in my mind, and I wished to express it clearly, so that there could be no mistaking it. As I wrote on, the thought occurred to me that the of- ficers had their own private horses and ef- fects, which were important to them, but of no value to us ; also that it would be an un- necessary humiliation to call upon them to deliver their side arms. "]^o conversation, not one word, passed between General Lee and myself, either about private property, side arms or kindred sub- jects. * * * rjy-j^Q much talked of sur- rendering of Lee's sword, and my handing it back, is the purest romance. The word sword or side arms was not mentioned by either of us until I wrote it in the terms. There was no premeditation, and it did not occur to me until the moment I wrote it down. If I had happened to omit it, and General Lee had called my attention to it, I should have put it in the terms precisely as [112] The Blue and the Gray I acceded to the provision about the soldiers retaining their horses." The surrender of his Army was necessarily a painful ordeal to General Lee. But no man in the room had so little the air of a conqueror as General Grant, who, as he laid down his pen, turned to General Lee and asked in his quiet, matter-of-fact way: "How are you off for rations, General?" "Pretty badly off. I expected to get some supplies here, but was disappointed," Gen- eral Lee replied, looking over to General Sheridan, who immediately said: "Yes, General, we got in ahead of you last night and helped ourselves to your supplies at the station, without waiting for permis- sion." Every one laughed at General Sheridan for owning up so promptly to his capture of General Lee^s supplies. When the laugh sub- sided, General Grant said: "General Sheridan, can you let General Lee have the rations he needs ?" General Sheridan replied in the affirma- 8 [113] The Blue and the Gray tive^ adding : "You know I'm always pretty well supplied. General." "General Ingalls, when can you have the railroad repaired to get up supplies?'' asked General Grant of his Quartermaster General. "At nine o'clock tomorrow morning, Gen- eral, and the supplies can be up in an hour or two." "Very well. General Morgan," addressing the Commissary General, "you will please send forward to Appomattox in the morning, two hundred thousand rations and furnish General Lee with what he needs for his troops. We shall also want some for our- selves," said General Grant. The bravest men are always most generous. The victorious soldier, in these thoughtful, considerate words, had turned attention to the common duty of providing for the two Armies, and thus relieved the vanquished leader from the embarrassment of his posi- tion. This at once gave a social atmosphere to the occasion, and General Lee said to General Grant: "General, my officers wish to come in and [114] The Blue and the Gray pay their respects to you^ if you will receive them/' "Certainly, General, I shall be happy to see them. And you have hosts of old friends here, who will be glad to meet you again," replied General Grant. The veranda was by this time crowded with officers of the two Armies, Those of General Grant^s staff were first presented to General Lee, whom few of them had ever seen. Naturally there was the same curiosity on their part to see the Confederate leader, that the Confederate officers had to see Gen- eral Grant. Captain Eobert T. Lincoln, speaking of it many years afterward, said : "I remember that I, for one, was curious to see General Lee. When we went in from the veranda looking pretty rough and feeling awfully tired from our week's march, wind- ing up with the ride from daylight until nearly one o'clock that day, I remember well the impression made upon me by General Lee's fine figure in his brilliant uniform of gray and gold. There hadn't been much ceremony among ^us fellows' outside and I [115] The Blue and the Gray thought the introduction quite formal. As the youngest officer with General Grant and lowest in rank, I was at the end of his Staff, and probably was more impressed by Gen- eral Lee^s appearance than the others. At any rate, that part of the scene always comes to my mind more vividly than anything else. There were fifteen on our Staff and General Lee had fourteen on his, so the Staff officers filled up the room, and a good many soon went back to the veranda, where it was cooler and less crowded. After it was over, I remember that I went off and slept the rest of the afternoon. We didn't realize our fatigue until the business was finished.'' General Dent, also many years after, in Washington, in an interview, called to mind the hand shaking among officers out- side, where, not only the veranda but the little yard, was the scene of rejoicing, re- newing of old friendships, and mingling of the blue and gray uniforms. Foes but a few hours ago, they were now friends, and in the reaction of relief and joy, officers, regardless of rank, were as hilarious as school boys and [116] The Blue and the Gray- were "hail fellow, well mef ' with, their jokes and jests. "That enemy, whose manhood, however mistaken the cause, drew forth such herculean deeds of valor," as General Grant had said, now gladly joined with the vic- torious adversary in mutual acknowledg- ment of having, "had fighting enough." General Dent said: "I guess we all had as much fighting as we wanted. I remembetr, after the first excitement of handshaking, I seized a tele- graph operator and sent the news to my wife in New Jersey, without stopping to think whether I had a right to do it or not. The Secretary of War held the dispatch back until he got General Grant's official telegram announcing the surrender^ then he forward- ed mine to Mrs. Dent. Of course the Secre- tary was right. But I was so glad that I didn't think of anything except that the thing was over, and I wanted my wife to know it at once." After the details for paroling the Con- federate troops had been completed. General Grant says: "Lee and I then separated as [117] The Blue and the Gray cordially as we had met, he returning to his own lines, and all went into bivouac for the night at Appomattox. Soon after Lee's de- parture I telegraphed to Washington as fol- lows: Headquarters, Appomattox C. H., Ya., April 9th, 1865,4:30 P. M. Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War, Washington. General Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia this afternoon on terms proposed by myself. The accompanying ad- ditional correspondence will show the con- ditions fully. IT. S. GrRANT^ Lieut.-General. General Grant then adds: "When the news of the surrender first reached our lines, our men commenced firing a salute of a hun- dred guns in honor of the victory. I at once sent word, however, to have it stopped. The Confederates were now our prisoners, and we did not want to exult over their downfall." The following morning General Grant and [118] The Blue and the Gray General Lee met for the last time. Of this meeting General Grant says: "I thought I would like to see General Lee again; so I rode out beyond our lines toward his head- quarters^ preceded by a bugler and a staff oJ0Qcer carrying a white flag. Lee soon mount- ed his horse, seeing who it was, and met me. We had there, between the lines, sitting on horseback, a very pleasant conversation of over half an hour, in the course of which Lee said to me that the South was a big country and that we might have to march over it three or four times before the war entirely ended, but that we would now be able to do it, as they could no longer resist us. He expressed it as his earnest hope, however, that we would not be called upon to cause more loss and sacrifice of life. * * * j then suggested to General Lee that there was not a man in the Confederacy whose influ- ence with the soldiery and the whole people was as great as his, and that if he would now advise the surrender of all the Armies, I had no doubt his advice would be followed with alacrity/' [119] The Blue and the Gray General Grant's management of the Union troops in the pursuit had thrown them around General Lee's retreating forces in almost a complete circle, and General Lee, looking down upon his encompassed Army, admitted the hopelessness of retreat. He calmly talked over the situation and declared the rebellion virtually ended. When they parted, there was no definite promise on the part of General Lee, who said he could not do so without consulting the President of the Confederacy. Of this last meeting with General Lee, General Grant further says : "My Staff and other officers seemed to have a great desire to go inside the Confederate lines. They finally asked permission of Lee to do so for the purpose of seeing some of their old Army friends, and the permission was given. They went over, had a very pleasant time with their old friends and brought some of them back with them. * * * At the house of Mr. McLean, officers of both Armies came in great numbers and seemed to enjoy the meet- ing as much as though they had been sepa- [120] The Blue and the Gray rated for a long time, while fighting hattles under the same flag." When General Grant went back to the Mc- Lean house, General Lee returned to his lines and read his farewell address to the Confed- erate troops: Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia. April 10, 1865. After four years of arduous service, marked by unsurpassed courage and fortitude, the Army of Northern Virginia has been com- pelled to yield to overwhelming numbers and resources. I need not tell the survivors of so many hard fought battles, who have re- mained steadfast to the last, that I have con- sented to this result from no distrust of them, but feeling that valor and devotion could accomplish nothing that could com- pensate for the loss that would have attended the continuation of the contest, I have de- termined to avoid the needless sacrifice of those whose past sacrifices have endeared them to their countrymen. With an increas- ing admiration of your constancy and grate- [121] The Blue and the Gray ful remembrance of your kind and generous consideration of myself, I bid you an af- fectionate farewell. E. E. Lee^ G-eneral. General Gribbon, General Merritt and Gen- eral Griffin were designated by General Grant to carry into effect the paroling of the Con- federate soldiers; and General Longstreet, General Gordon and General Pemberton, named by General Lee to confer and facili- tate the work. This completed, the Army of the Union and the Army of the Confederacy turned their backs on each other for the first time in four long years. Charges were with- drawn from the guns, camp fires left to smoulder in their ashes, flags furled — ^his- toric banners, battle stained reminders of their former selves — officers and men stacked their arms, were disbanded, and set out for their homes. General Grant writes of the small num- ber, only 28,356 officers and men left of the Army of ISTorthern Virginia, to be paroled. * * * He says: "After the fall of Petersburg, and when the Armies of the Potomac and the [122] General Longstreet 1865 The Blue and the Gray James were in motion to head off Lee's Army, the morale of our troops had greatly improved. There was no more straggling, no more rear guards. Men, who in former times had been falling back, were now striv- ing to get to the front. For the first time in four weary years they felt that they were now nearing the time when they could re- turn to their homes with their Country saved. On the other hand, the Confederates were more than correspondingly depressed. Their despondency increased with each returning day, and especially after the battle of Sailor's Creek. They threw away their arms in con- stantly increasing numbers, and djropped out of the ranks in the hope of reaching their homes. I have already instanced the case of the entire disintegration of a Regiment whose Colonel I met at Farmville. As a re- sult of these and other influences, when Gen- eral Lee finally surrendered at Appomattox there were only 38,356 officers and men left to be paroled, and many of these were with- out arms." The official records show that during the [123] The Blue and the Gray two weeks between the forward move of the Union troops, March 29, and the surrender, April 9— about 20,000 of General Lee's troops were captured — to say nothing of the killed, wounded and missing during "the desperate conflicts which marked his deter- mined flight." At the Surrender, General Lee himself frankly stated that his Army was in bad con- dition for want of food, and said that his men had been living for some days on parched corn, exclusively. When asked about the number in need of rations, his answer was, "About twenty-five thousand," proving beyond question that he was well aware of the condition and depletion of the Army of Northern Virginia, and especially of the rapidly thinning ranks by capture and deser- tion after the fall of Petersburg. Two days after the Surrender, General Grant went to Washington, and the same day General Lee went to Eichmond, where his family had remained. He had sent a message to Mrs. Lee to leave the City when it was evacuated, probably feeling that the [124] The Blue and the Gray President of the Confederacy would aid Mrs. Lee in going. But he did not. Both the President and Vice-President of the Confed- eracy looked out for their own safety, while General Lee was yet fighting to keep life in their expiring Government. Mrs. Lee re- mained in Eichmond and the buildings fired by the Confederate soldiers burned around her home, the explosion of a magazine near by causing imminent danger. When the Union troops took possession of Eichmond there was no further danger; and when General Lee returned to his own house he found his family and home pro- tected by a Union Sentry pacing before the door. From the portico of the White House, among the last words of President Lincoln to a rejoicing people were : "No part of the honor for plan or execution is mine. To General Grant, his skillful officers and brave men, all belongs.^' [125] CHAPTER VII. Sherman — Johnston. Donelson to Appomattox is a long stretch, covering three years of terrible war — ^bnt the end close at hand with the surrender' of Johnston in ]^orth Carolina. And then, the loyalty and devotion of General Sherman is returned two-fold by General Grant. Misrepresentation of facts, the feeling of the people stunned by the death of Mr. Lin- coln, uncertain course of the new President, all led to doubt and distrust of General Sherman, and alarm as to his authority to make such terms as he did for the surrender of Johnston's Army — though General Grant says, the terms were only agreed to condi- tionally, because there was both a political and a military question in the terms, and therefore they would have to be approved by the Administration in Washington. On the 27th of March, two days after the President's arrival at City Point, there was a meeting of General Sherman, General Sheri- dan, Admiral Porter, and the President to [126] The Blue and the Gray confer with General Grant about the final movement of the Army. All knew that, about the 2nd of February, the President had met Peace Commissioners from the so- called Confederate States, at Hampton Koads, and what he had said to them. Be- fore there could be any negotiations for peace, they would have to agree to two points — "one, that the Union as a whole should be preserved; the other, that slavery should be abolished." If these two points were conceded, Mr. Lincoln said he was "al- most ready to sign his name to a blank piece of paper and permit them to fill out the bal- ance of the terms upon which we would live together." It is not strange, therefore, that General Sherman, when making terms for the sur- render of Johnston, should be influenced more or less by Mr. Lincoln's attitude of magnanimity toward the South. Emanci- pation had abolished slavery. General Sher- man had just heard of Lee's surrender, and believed the end was at hand that would save the Union — ^the two points above everything [127] The Blue and the Gray else, far which Mr. Lincoln had prayed, planned and worked. General Sherman^s correspondence with General Johnston for the surrender was opened on the 14th of April — ^the day after he received news of General Lee^s surrender, and the basis for peace was sent to Washington for approval, before he knew of the assassination of the President. General Grant says: "Sherman thought, no doubt, in adding to the terms that I had made with General Lee, that he was but carrying out the wishes of the President of the United States. But seeing that he was going beyond his authori- ty, he made it a point that the terms were only conditional. They signed them with this understanding, and agreed to a truce until the terms could be sent to Wasliing- ton for approval. If approved by the proper authorities there, they would then be final. If not approved, then Sherman would give due notice before resuming hostilities. "Some days after my return to Washing- ton, President Johnson and the Secretary [128] The Blue and the Gray of War received the terms which General Sherman had forwarded for approval, a Cab- inet meeting was immediately called, and I was sent for. There seemed to be the great- est consternation lest Sherman would com- mit the Government to terms which they were not willing to accede to> and which he had no right to make. A message went out directing the troops in the South not to obey General Sherman. I was ordered to proceed at once to North Carolina and take charge of matters there myself. Of course I started without delay, and went to Ealeigh, where Sherman was, as quietly as possible, hoping to see him without even his Army learning of my presence. "When I arrived I went to Sherman^s Headquarters, and we were at once closeted together. I showed him the instructions and orders under which I visited him. I told him that I wanted him to notify Gen- eral Johnston that the terms which they had conditionally agreed upon, had not been ap- proved in Washington, and that he was au- thorized to offer the same terms I had given 9 [129] The Blue and the Gray General Lee. I sent Sherman tO' do this himself. I did not wish the knowledge of my presence to be known to the Army gen- erally, so I left it to Sherman to negotiate the terms of the surrender solely by him- self, and without the enemy knowing that I was anywhere near the field. As soon as possible, I started to get away, to leave Sher- man quite free and untrammelled. "At Goldsboro, on my way back, I met a mail containing the last newspapers, and I found in them indications of great excite- ment in the l^orth over the terms Sherman had given Johnston, and harsh orders that had been promulgated by President Johnson and the Secretary of War. I knew that Sherman must see these papers, and I fully realized what great indignation they would cause him, though I do not think his feel- ings could have been more excited than were my own. But like the true and loyal soldier that he was, he carried out the instructions I had given him, obtained the surrender of Johnston's Army, and settled down in his Camp about Raleigh, to await final orders." [130] The Blue and the Gray On the 26th of April, the day after Gen- eral Grant had gone away quietly and nn- observed, General Johnston and his Army of 89,270 men with all equipments surren- dered to General Sherman, who had 60,000 men. Probably not a dozen Union soldiers knew of General Grant's visit, and all be- lieved as they had a right to believe, that with their Commander, they had "fought the good fight" for the Union, and now had won the victory. And, General Grant made this belief not a theory, but a fact, when he telegraphed to the Administration in Wash- ington — "Johnston has surrendered to Sher- man.'^ Is there a similar instance in the records of our Civil War, or aay war, of a senior officer ready to waive rank and independent comimand, tO' give his service and helpful encouragement to a Commander of less rank ■ — comparatively unknown — as Sherman did at Donelson? Is there a similar instance of a Commander of all the Armies having with- in his hand a second surrender, adding to the fame of Appomattox, quietly turning [131] The Blue and the Gray away and leaving the triumph and praise to the other man, as Grant did at Ealeigh? Oh, 1^0. Halleck, McClellan, Hooker, Burn- side, Buell, were all conspicuous Command- ers. But all would have taken "council of ambition," and no one of them would have done anything like it. When General Grant was preparing to go to Washington to receive his Commission of Lieutenant- General from the hand of Presi- dent Lincoln, he wrote to General Sherman, with his Army then near Memphis: "I start in the morning. * * * But I shall say very distinctly on my arrival there, that I shall accept no appointment which will require me to make that City my head- quarters. * * * While I have been eminently successful in this war, in at least gaining the confidence of the public, no one feels more than I, how much of this suc- cess is due to the energy, skill, and the har- monious putting forth of that energy, and skill, of those whom it has been my good fortune to have occupying subordinate posi- tions under me. * * * But what I want, [132] The Blue and the Gray is to express my thanks to you and McPher- son as the men to whom, above all others,, I feel indebted for whatever I have had of success. How far your advice and sugges- tions have been of assistance you know. How far your execution of whatever has been given you to do, entitles you to the re- ward I anx now receiving, you cannot know as well as I do. I feel all the gratitude this letter would express, giving it the most flat- tering construction.'^ * * * General Sherman's reply is dated the 10th of March, the day after General Grant was commissioned to commaud the Armies of the United States: "You do yourself injustice aud us too much honor, in assigning to us so large a share of the merits which have led to your high advancement. You are now Washing- ton's legitimate successor, and occupy a po- sition of almost dangerous elevation; but if you can continue as heretofore to be your- self, simple, honest, and unpretending, you will enjoy through life the respect and love of friends, and the homage of millions of [133] The Blue and the Gray human beings. * * * j repeat, yon do General McPherson and myself too much honor. At Belmont yon manifested your traits, neither of ns being near; at Donelson also, yon illustrated your whole character. I was not near, and General McPherson in too subordinate capacity to influence you. * * * I believe you are as brave, pat- riotic, and just, as the great prototype, Washington; as honest, unselfish, and kind hearted as a man should be; but the chief characteristic in your nature is the simple faith in success you have always manifested, which I can liken to nothing else than the faith a Christian has in his Saviour. This faith gave you victory at Shiloh and Vicks- burg. Also, when you have completed your best preparations, you go into battle with- out hesitation, as at Chattanooga — no doubts, no reserve; and I tell you that it was this that made us act with confidence. I knew wherever I was, that you thought of me, and if I got in a tight place you would come, if alive. * * * ;f^ow, as to the future. Do not stay in Washington. Hal- [134] The Blue and the Gray leek is better qualified to stand the buifets of intrigue and policy." * * * These letters are worthy of the "G-olden Enle," as illustration that from first to last, a supreme sense of justice and unselfish stand for right, marked the relations of Grant and Sherman, as Comrades in Arms. It was the crowning glory of service to their country, and to each other. [135] CHAPTEE VIII. Grand Review — Commanders — ^Last Days. The Grand Review was a two days' review of marching men — ^waving banners — inspir- ing music — from the marble Capitol to the White House, in Washington. Many years after, in Berlin, on the great Tempelhof Field — I witnessed the all day review of twenty-five thousand troops — the *^^flower of the German Army'' — by Unser Kaiser— beloved of the Fatherland— near the ninetieth milestone of his life, who, with Bismarck, had made the German Empire out of the Franco-Prussian War. The splendid physique of the German soldiers — variety of regiments mounted, and on foot — the magnificent uniforms, perfec- tion of every detail, and superb as a whole, made a pageant above comparison with any Army in the world. It was a picture for admiration — wonder — silence; a picture to hold in memory for all time. In Washington, the cheers of thousands [136] The Blue and the Gray reached the very Heavens above — ^the tender, human feeling of the soul went out to the Union Army — the machine that 'Hhouglit" — ^men in worn and shabby uniforms, with battle-stained flags — ^heroes who had saved their country, and were now going home. This was the other picture — not admiration — wonder — silence; but loyalty — sacrifice — gratitude of the Nation — a picture to hold in memory for all time, and through all eter- nity. Here is General Grant^s realistic touch of the Grand Review: "On the 18th of May, orders were issued by the Adjutant-General for a grand review by the President and his Cabinet, of Sher- man's and Meade's Armies. The review com- menced on the 23rd and lasted two days. Meade's Army occupied over six hours of the first day in passing the grand stand which had been erected in front of the President's House. "Sherman's troops had been in camp on the South side of the Potomac. During the night of the 23rd he crossed over and biv- [137] The Blue and the Gray ouacked not far from the Capitol. Prompt- ly at 10 o'clock on the morning of the 24th, his troops commenced to pass in review. Sherman's Army made a different appear- ance from that of the Army of the Potomac. The latter had been operating where they received directly from the North full supplies of food and clothing regularly. The review of the Army of the Potomac, therefore, was the reviev\^ of a body of 65,000 v^ell- drilled, v^ell-disciplined and orderly sol- diers, inured tO' hardship and fit for any duty, but v^ithout the experience of gath- ering their ov^n food and supplies in an enemy's country, and of being ever on the v^atch. "Sherman's Army was not so well dressed as the Army of the Potomac, but their march- ing could not be excelled. They gave the appearance of men who had been thoroughly drilled to endure hardships, either by long marches, or through exposure to any climate without the ordinary shelter of a camp. They exhibited also some of the order of march through Georgia where the, "sweet [138] The Blue and the Gray potatoes sprung up from the ground/^ as Sherman's Army went marching through. In the rear of a company there would be a captured horse or mule loaded with small cooking utensils, captured chickens and other food picked up for the use of the men. Kegro families, who had followed the Army would sometimes come along in the rear of a com- pany, with three or four children packed upon a single mule, and the mother leading it. "Nearly all day, for two successive days, from the Capitol to the Treasury Building, could be seen a mass of orderly soldiers marching in columns of companies. The National flag was flying from almost every house — the windows were filled with specta- tors^ — the door-steps and side-walks were crowded with colored people and poor whites who did not succeed in securing better quar- ters from which to get a better view of the Grand Armies. The city was about as full of strangers who had come to see the sights as it usually is on Inauguration day, when a new President takes his seat." [139] The Blue and the Gray When the Armies of the Potomac and the James under General Meade, from Bnrkes- ville Junction, Virginia, where they had gone after the surrender, and Greneral Sher- man's Army from the vicinity of Ealeigh, North Carolina, arrived, they went into camp near Washington, to await the "mus- tering out," which would follow the Grand Eeview. Of the soldiers after four years' service. General Grant says: "The troops were hardy, being inured to fatigue, and they appeared in their respective camps as ready and fit for duty as they had ever been in their lives. I doubt whether an equal body of men of any Nation, take them man for man, officer for officer, was ever gotten together that would have proved their equal in a great battle." It was in praise of General Meade, on a previous occasion, that General Grant said: "It is men who wait to be selected — and not those who seek — from whom we may always expect the most efficient service." There is no greater praise than this, and none more true and just^ the world over. In [140] The Blue and the Gray his estimate of Army and Corps Command- ers serving with him, General Grant says: "General Meade was an officer of great merit with drawbacks to his usefulness that were beyond his control. He had been an officer of the Engineer Corps before the war, and consequently had never served with troops until he was over forty-six years of a^gg^ * * * jjq gQ^ clearly and distinct- ly the position of the enemy, and the topog- graphy of the country in front of his own position. His first idea was to take advan- tage of the lay of the ground, sometimes with- out reference to the direction we wanted to move afterwards. He was subordinate to his superiors in rank, to the extent, that he could execute an order which changed his own plans with the same zeal he would have dis- played if the plan had been his own. He was brave and conscientious, and commanded the respect of all who knew him. He was un- fortunately of a temper that would get be- yond his control, at times. * * * No one saw this fault more plainly than himself, and no one regretted it more. * * * jj^ [141] The Blue and the Gray spite of this defect, he was a most valuable officer and deserves a high place in the annals of his country. * * * "Of General Hooker I saw but little dur- ing the war. Where I did see him, at Chatta- nooga, his achievement in bringing his com- mand around the point of Lookout Mountain and into Chattanooga Valley, was brilliant. * * * He was not subordinate to his superiors * * * hig disposition was, when engaged in battle, to get detached from the main body of the Army, and exercise a sepa- rate command, gathering to his standard all he could of his juniors. * * * "Hancock stands the most prominent fig- ure of all the general officers who did not ex- ercise a separate command. He commanded a Corps longer than any other one, aad his name was never mentioned as having com- mitted in battle a blunder for which he was responsible. He was a man of very con- spicious personal appearance. Tall, well- formed and, at the time of which I now write, young and fresh-looking — ^he presented an appearance that would attract the attention [142] The Blue and the Gray of any Army. His genial disposition made him friends, and his personal courage and his presence in the thickest of the fight, won for him the confidence of troops serving under him. 'Ro matter how hard the fight, the 2nd Corps always felt that their commander was looking after them. * * * "General Burnside was an officer who was generally liked and respected. He was not, however, fitted to command an Army. N"o one knew this better than himself. He always admitted his blunders, and extenuated those of officers under him, beyond wliat they were entitled to. * * * "Sedgwick was killed at Spottsylvania be- fore I had an opportunity of forming an esti- mate of his qualifications as a soldier, from personal observation. I had known him in Mexico, when both of us were Lieutenants, and when our service gave no indication that either of us would ever be equal to the com- mand of a Brigade. He stood very high in the Army, however, as an officer and a man. He was brave and conscientious. His ambition was not great, and he seemed to dread re- [143] The Blue and the Gray sponsibility. He was willing to do any amount of battling, but always wanted some one else to direct. He declined the command of the Army of the Potomac once, if not oftener. "General Alfred H. Terry cam^e into the Army as a volunteer, without a military edu- cation. His way was won without political influence up to an important separate com- mand — the expedition against Fort Fisher, in January, 1865. His success there was most brilliant, and won for him the rank of Brigadier-General, in the Eegular Army, and of Major-General of Volunteers. * * * "There were others of great merit — Griffin, Humphreys, Wright and MacKenzie. Grif- fin, Humphreys and MacKenzie were good Corps Commanders, but came into that posi- tion so near to the close of the war, as not to attract public attention. All three served in the last campaign of the Armies of the Potomac and the James, which culniinated at Appomattox on the 9th of April, 1865. The sudden collapse of the rebellion monopo- lized attention to the exclusion of almost [144] The Blue and the Gray everything else. I regarded MacKenzie as the most promising young officer in the army. Graduating at West Point, as he did, during the second year of the war, he had won his way up to the command of a Corps before its close. This he did upon his own merit and without influence." Among these officers, General Bumside had been at one time in command of the Army of the Potomac, and later of the Army of the Ohio. General Hooker also, was in command of the Army of the Potomac for a short time. It was well known that the slow, deliber- ate movements of General Thomas, before the battle of Nashville, caused great anxiety to General Grant, and as he feared, the Con- federate forces under General Hood crossed the Tennessee Eiver, with a pretty good pros- pect of getting North of the Cumberland, into Ohio. None the less, his estimate of General Thomas is just and generous, giving full praise to the "Eock of Chickamauga," as General Thomas was called by his soldiers. "It is due to myself as well as to him, 1 [145] The Blue and the Gray that I give my estimate of him as a soldier. * * * I had been at West Point with Thomas one year, and had known him later in the old Army. He was a man of com- manding appearance, slow and deliberate in speech and action, sensible, honest and brave. He possessed valuable soldierly qualities in an eminent degree. He gained the confidence of all who served under him^ and almost their love. This implies a very valuable quality. It is a quality which calls out the most effi- cient service of the troops serving under the commander possessing it. "Thomas's dispositions were deliberately made, and always good. He could not be driven from a point he was given to hold. He was not as good, however, in pursuit as he was in action. I do not believe that he could ever have conducted Sherman's Army from Chattanooga to Atlanta, against the defenses and Johnston guarding that line in 1864. On the other hand, if it had been given him to hold the line, which Johnston tried to hold, neither that General nor Sher- [146] The Blue and the Gray man, nor any other officer could have done it better. "General Thomas was a valuable officer, who richly deserved, as he has received, the plaudits of his countrymen for the part he played in the great tragedy of 1861-5/' General Grant's estimate of General Sher- idan is full praise for the Cavalry Leader : "Sheridan's pursuit of Lee was perfect in its generalship and energy. * * * As a sol- dier, as a commander of troops, as a man capable of doing all that is possible with any number of men, there is no man living greater than Sheridan. He belongs to the very first rank of soldiers, not only of our country, but of the world. I rank Sheridan with Napoleon and Frederick and the great commanders in history. No man ever had such a faculty of finding out things as Sheri- dan, or of knowing all about the enemy. He was always the best informed man in his command as to the enemy. Then he had that magnetic quality of swaying men, which I wish I had, — a rare quality in a General." General Grant's deeds, more than words, [147] The Blue and the Gray proved his unfailing sense of justice to the soldiers — officers and men. His many friend- ships were loyal and lasting — perhaps above all others in some respects, the confidence, sympathy and perfect trust, holding his close friendship with General Sherman. Colonel Nicholas Smith declares — Donelson ^Vas the beginning of a friendship as beautiful as that of Damon and Pythias, and a love of one for the other as warm and lasting as that sealed by the covenant of David and Jonathan.^^ During the siege of Fort Donelson, Gener- al Sherman was in command at the mouth of the Cumberland River, to forward reinforce- ments and supplies. General Grant says: "At that time he was my senior in rank and there was no authority of law to assign a junior to command a senior of the same grade. But every boat that came up with supplies brought a note of encouragement from Sherman, asking me to call upon him for any assistance he could render, and saying that if he could be of service at the front I might send for him and he would waive rank." [148] The Blue and the Gray When General Grant had written to Gen- eral Buckner in command of the Confederate forces — "No terms except unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted. I pro- pose to move immediately upon your works^' — he had won the first great and decisive victory for the Union — in the surrender that Sunday morning, February 16th, 1862, of Fort Donelson, with 21,000 prisoners, 20,000 stands of arms, 65 cannon, 3,000 horses and a large quantity of commissary stores. The victory was an inspiration to the whole North, and it might be said that it was as great and significant a victory as the "Capit- ulation of Ulm to Napoleon." On Monday, the day following the sur- render of Fort Donelson, President Lincoln made the nomination, promoting General Grant from Brigadier-General to Major-Gen- eral. There was great rejoicing all over the North, and congratulations poured in upon him from the Army, and friends in civil life. Two Army officers, however, were conspicu- ous by their silence — General McClellan, then in command of all the Armies, and General [149] The Blue and the Gray Halleck — thougli up to this time, they had accomplished nothing. Nicolay and Hay, in the Life of Lincoln, write: "While these Generals were discuss- ing high strategy and grand campaigns by telegraph, and probably deliberating with more anxiety the possibilities of personal fame, the simple soldiering of Grant was solving some of the problems that confused scientific hypotheses. ' ' Was it destiny? Despite the slights, the rebuffs, the cold shoulder at every turn — ^the jealousy and envy of those "higher up" — facing embarrassing conditions — ^raw troops, overflowing rivers, heavy rains — where was the faith that this plain man, unassuming as the private in the ranks — almost from obscurity — would "become the first stirring force in the field for the preservation of the Union ?'* The Secretary of War said : "What, under the blessing of Providence, I conceive to be the true organization of vic- tory and military combination to end this war was declared in a few words by General [150] The Blue and the Gray Grant's message to General Buckner: 'I propose to move immediately upon your works." General Grant's opinion at the time, and never changed, was— that ''im- mediately after the fall of Fort Donelson the way was opened to the National forces all over the South- West without much resistance. If one General who would have taken the responsibility, had been in command of all the troops West of the Alleghanies, he could have marched to Chattanooga, Corinth, Memphis and Vicksburg, with the troops we then had, and as volunteering was going on rapidly over the North, there would soon have been force enough at all these centers to operate offen- sively against any body of the enemy that might be found near them. Eapid move- ments and the acquisition of rebellious ter- ritory would have promoted volunteering, so that reinforcements could have been had as fast as transportation could have been ob- tained to carry them to their destination. "On the other hand, there were tens of thousands of strong, able-bodied young men [151] The Blue and the Gray still at their homes in the South- Western States, who had not gone into the Confed- erate Army in February, 1862, and who had no particular desire to go. If our lines had been extended to protect their homes, many of them never would have gone. Providence ruled differently. Time was given the enemy to collect Armies and fortify his new posi- tions; and twice afterwards he came near forcing his ISTorth-Western front up to the Ohio Eiver.^' I have given General G-rant's opinion in full, believing it will appeal to the prac- tical common sense of the Union Veteran. At any rate, there can be no question that "time was given the enemj" — all the time de- sired — given by General McClellan and General Halleck. In regard to Jefferson Davis, when the war was over. General Grant says : "For myself, and I believe Mr. Lincoln shared the feeling, I would have been very glad to have seen Mr. Davis succeed in es- caping, but for one reason: I feared that if not captured, he might get into the trans- [152] The Blue and the Gray Mississippi region and there set up a more contracted Confederacy. The young men now out of homes and out of employment, might have rallied under his standard and protracted the war another year. "Mr. Lincoln, I helieve, wanted Mr. Davis to escape, because he did not wish to deal with the matter of punishment. He knew there would be people clamoring for the punishment of the ex-Confederate President, for high treason. He thought blood enough had already been spilled to atone for our wickedness as a Nation. At all events, he did not wish to be the Judge to decide whether more should be shed or not. But his own lif-e was sacrificed at the hands of an assassin before the ex-President of the Con- federacy was a prisoner in the hands of the Government which he had lent all his talent and all his energies to destroy * * * "Much was said at the time about the garb Mr. Davis was wearing when he was cap- tured. * * * Naturally enough he wanted to escape, and could not reflect much how this should be accomplished provided it [153] The Blue and the Gray might be done successfully. If captured he would be no ordinary prisoner. He repre- sented all there was of that hostility to the Government which had caused four years of the bloodiest war — and the most costly in other respects, of which history makes any record. * * * "All things are said to be wisely directed, and for the best interest of all concerned. This reflection does not, however, abate in the slightest our sense of bereavement in the untimely loss of so good and great a man as Abraham Lincoln. He would have proven the best friend the South could have had, and saved much of the wrangling and bitter- ness of feeling brought out by reconstruc- tion.^' General Grant was right in his belief that the escape of Jefferson Davis would be a relief to the President, who had grave doubts as to whether we had a law under which Mr. Davis could be tried for treason and con- victed. The following little story was re- lated to me by one of the party with Mr. Lincoln on his visit to City Point, in the [154] The Blue and the Gray "last days/' before the surrender. It was on board the Kiver Qneen, with the party returning to Washington. Richmond had been evacuated — Petersburg had fallen — such glorious results had been achieved dur- the President's two weeks' visit at the front, that despite the anxiety and tremendous strain upon him, he was going back to Wash- ington hopeful and rested by the change. His humor showed itself in several amusing stories told in his happiest manner. Sitting on deck, the leaders of the rebellion were discussed, and the probabilities of Jefferson Davis' capture led to the question, whether he could, after all, be tried for treason. "Well," said Mr. Lincoln, settling back in his chair and looking smilingly out upon the water, "that reminds me of the boy and the coon I saw in Illinois. I was going down to my office one morning when I saw a boy sitting on the sidewalk just outside of a gate. He had a small coon, which he held by a rope round its neck. The boy was cry- ing, and I, of course, stopped and asked what was the matter. 'Mister,' he answered, [155] The Blue and the Gray wiping the tears off with his sleeve, '^Do you see that coon there?' I said I did. ^ell, Mister, do yon see that rope?' he asked. Again I replied in the affirmative, when he said, still sobbing, '^N'ow, Mister, that coon has been gnawing that rope to get away. I've been watching him all the morning, and Mister, I'm dogged if I don't wish the ras- cal would just gnaw through and go.' " Tad Lincoln, then about twelve years old, who was sitting by his father, asked with eager interest: "Oh, father, why didn't he put a chain on the coon ? A chain would hold a coon." "Well, Tad," replied the President, "I guess the boy hadn't any chain." Then turning to the laughing group before him, he added: "N'ow it is a question whether we have a law that would hold Jefferson Davis. If we haven't, it would be less trouble to just let him gnaw through and go." [156] CHAPTER IX. Reader of Men — Statesman. General Grant was a reader of men, and motives. Of President Lincoln and Secre- tary Stanton he says : "The President and the Secretary of War were the very opposite of each other, in al- most every particular, except that each pos- sessed great ability. "Mr. Lincoln gained influence over men by making them feel that it was a pleasure to serve him. He preferred yielding his own wish to gratify others, rather than to insist upon having his own way. It dis- tressed him to disappoint others. In mat- ters of public duty, however, he had what he wished, but in the least offensive way. "Mr. Stanton never questioned his own authority to command, unless resisted. He cared nothing for the feelings of others. * * * He felt no hesitation in assuming the func- tions of the President, or in acting, with- out advising with him. "It was generally supposed that these two [157] The Blue and the Gray officials formed the complement of each other. The Secretary was required to pre- vent the President's being imposed upon. The President was required in the more re- sponsible place of seeing that injustice was not done to others. "I do not know that this view of these two men is still entertained by the majority of the people. It is not a correct view, how- ever, in my estimation. Mr. Lincoln did not require a guardian to aid him in the fulfillment of a public trust. "Mr. Lincoln was not timid, and he was willing to trust his Generals in making and executing their plans. Mr. Stanton was very timid, and it was impossible for him to avoid interfering with the Armies cover- ing the N'ational Capital, when it was sought to defend it by an offensive movement against the Army guarding the Confeder- ate Capital. He could see our weakness, but he could not see that the enemy was in danger. * * * "He was an able constitutional lawyer and jurist, but the Constitution was not an im- [158] The Blue and the Gray pediment to him while the war lasted. In this latter particular I entirely agree with the view he evidently held. The Constitu- tion was not framed with a view to any such rebellion as that of 1861-5. While it did not authorize rebellion, it made no provision against it. Yet, the right to resist or sup- press rebellion is as inherent as the right of self-defense, and as natural as the right of an individual to preserve his life when in jeopardy. * * * j^ would be a hard case when one-third of a Nation, united in a rebellion against the National authority, is entirely untrammeled, that the other two- thirds, in their efforts to maintain the Union intact, should be restrained by a Constitu- tion prepared by our ancestors, for the ex- press purpose of insuring the permanency of the Confederation of the States." * * * "It is possible that the question of a con- flict between races may come up in the fu- ture, as did that between freedom and slavery before. The condition of the colored man within our borders may become a source of anxiety, to say the least. But he was brought [159] The Blue and the Gray to our shores by compulsion, and he now should be considered as having as good a right to remain here as any other class of our citizens. * * * "The war has made us a ISTation of great power and intelligence. We have but little to do to preserve peace, happiness and prosperity at home, and the respect of other nations. Our experience ought to teach us the neces- sity of the first; our power secures the latter. * * * "I feel that we are on the eve of a new era, when there is to be great harmony be- tween the Federal and Confederate. I can- not stay to be a living witness to this proph- ecy; but I feel it within me that it is to be so. The universally kind feeling expressed for me at a time when it was supposed that each day would prove my last, seemed to me the beginning of the answer to — 'TLet us have Peace." The report of Lieutenant- General U. S. Grant of the United States Armies — 1864- '65, to Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War, is dated July 22, 1865, about three [160] The Blue and the Gray months after the Surrender of the Confeder- ate Armies. Following the correspondence on the Surrender at Appomattox the re- port says: — "General Lee^s great influence throughout the whole South caused his example to be followed, and today the result is, that the Armies lately under his leadership are at their homes, desiring peace and quiet, and their arms are in the hands of our Ord- nance Officers." * * * This report, so con- cise and complete— in itself a history of the war — closes with these words: "It has been my fortune to see the Armies of both the West and the East fight battles, and from what I have seen, I know there is no difference in their fighting qualities. All that it was possible for men to do in battle, they have done. The Western Armies com- menced their battles in the Mississippi Val- ley, and received the final surrender of the remnant of the principal Army opposed to them, in North Carolina. The Armies of the East commenced their battles on the River from which the Army of the Potomac 11 [161] The Blue and the Gray derived its name, and received the final sur- render of their old antagonists at Appomat- tox Court House;, Virginia. The splendid achievements of each have nationalized our victories, removed all sectional jealousies (of which we have unfortunately experienced too much), and the cause of crimination and re- crimination that might have followed had either section failed in its duty. All have a proud record, and all sections can well con- gratulate themselves and each other for hav- ing done their full share in restoring the supremacy of law over every foot of Terri- tory belonging to the United States. Let them hope for perpetual peace and harmony with that enemy, whose manhood, however mistaken the cause, drew forth such her- culean deeds of valor.'' Time has softened bitterness and sorrow — forty-five years — lessened pain and strengthened acceptance of suffering through our Civil War. If Grant and Lee were alive today, they would see a united people — even the spirit of Appomattox, holding together a great Nation — blessed by the man whose [162] The Blue and the Gray stand was firsts last and always, for the Union— the man, Lincoln. General Grant^s military genius, and re- nown as the great Commander of our Ar- mies, overshadowed his statesmanlike qual- ities, and while he was President, we could not see that he was a statesman, as well as soldier. This statesmanship developed more and more under the duties and re- sponsibilities of President. Time is mak- ing plain, the many wise measures of his Administration — of lasting beneficence to the country — and proving him a statesman worthy to rank with the best of his prede- cessors. These are the views of Andrew D. White, of Cornell University, and many men of "clear vision" — and posterity will see with this same "clear vision" — the greatness of the man, and President. We are to bear in mind, the passion and bitterness, of reconstruction days — "Car- pet-bag" influence, resentment, and suffer- ing of the Southern people— all facing his Administration. The feeling was so in- tense, that his predecessor had been sent [163] The Blue and the Gray into "obscurity to stay." But he did not stay. Time vindicated President Johnson, to a considerable extent, and the loyal peo- ple of Tennessee, by their freely given votes, returned him to the United States Senate, where for many years he was an able and honored member. There were but two men who could meet the terrible trials of reconstruction — Mr. Lincoln, who died by the hand of an assas- sin, and General Grant, who proved at Ap- pomattox, what he carried Out in the White House, as President of all the peo- ple. His vetoes were a power over political and financial demagogues, much in evi- dence at that time. He secured the Treaty of Washington, which averted war with England, brought about the adjustment of the Alabama Claims by Arbitration, and placed in our National treasury $15,500,- 000 in gold — in full settlement of these Claims. His veto of the Inflation Bill came at a critical moment, and turned tlie scales Li64] The Blue and the Gray against depreciated currency. In that act, he did more, than all the public men of his day, to defend the Nation's faith, and maintain the National credit. Among the legacies of the war were the enormous pub- lic debt, and irredeemable currency. His stand was firm and immovable against all the schemes of inflation, to tempt the peo- ple. In his Administration, the public debt was reduced $450,500,000. The In- ternal Revenue Taxes were reduced $300,- 000,000. The balance of trade was changed from $130,000,000 against this country, to $130,000,000 in favor. When the Specie Payment Act went into effect the 1st of January, 1876, it made no more disturb- ance in financial circles than would the ''falling of the dew in the physical world. ' ' Whatever had been said of General Grant's "incapacity for business," before the war — there is no instance of it— from the date of his first command, Colonel of the 21st Illinois, in 1861— to 1880, cover- ing the war, the Presidency, and tour of [165] The Blue and the Gray the world — about twenty years. In war, he always won in the ''open." In the White House, his fight and veto were al- ways in the open field, dignified, quiet, but none the less determined in his attitude. It was later, in his private life, during the last five years, that he was helpless before duplicity and falsehood — and his so-called ''incapacity for business" went down — no match for the dishonesty of a partner, and he lost everything in the failure. There was no "big stick" diplomacy in his Administration — no shouting from the housetops, "my policy" — no undue prom- inence given, "platform pledges." No President had a higher moral courage to stand for measures he believed to be for the welfare of the country, and against all schemes he believed to be harmful. It is not surprising that critics were so dazzled by his military genius that they could not see the other side of the man. As a mat- ter of fact, all through the eight years, as President— he had broad ideas of financial and political economy, and a rugged sense [166] The Blue and the Gray of business integrity, which were of in- estimable service to his country in days of storm and stress. There is a prophetic force in General Grant's words, written twenty-five years ago, and the concluding pages of the ' ' Per- sonal Memoirs," are strangely impressive. He saw what the world then regarded as visionary — the dream of a man in broken health, but marvellous optimism — though long since accepted by the world, as a mat- ter of course. It was the new life, new conditions, onward stride of progress in every line, irresistible advance to the Greater Republic, having its birth in the agony and devastation of the Civil War. Today, every word of hope for the future of one Country — one Flag— one People — is as he desired and foretold — a blessed reality. '^'Let Us Have Peace/' My recollection of the origin : — General Hawley and the Committee called at General Grant's Headquarters, Southwest [167] The Blue and the Gray comer, ITtli and F streets, by appointment made the day before, and were received by the G-eneral, surrounded by all his Staff then in Washington. After introdnction of the Committee to General Grant, by General Hawley, the latter made the announcement to General Grant of his nomination by the Convention for the office of President of the United States. General Grant, in a con- versational tone, replied, accepting the nom- ination, and expressing his appreciation of the honor — and then remarked that he would communicate his acceptance to the Commit- tee in writing. After a pleasant half hour chat. General Hawley and the Committee departed. The next morning, I, fearing that the Committee was being delayed, asked the Gen- eral if he had sent them the written com- munication he had promised. He replied, "No,'' but would write it now. Turning to his desk, he wrote without hesitation his let- ter of acceptance. All of his Staff had, in the meantime, come into the room. When he had finished, he turned to me and re- [168] The Blue and the Gray marked : ' ' I have used a word that does not give exactly my meaning" — naming the word, — "I waat a synonym." I gave one, He said : "That is the word I want," marked out the word written and substituted the suggested one, and then read aloud his letter. General Eawlins took up the letter from the desk and read it over to himself, appar- ently weighing every sentence, then handing it to General Graat, he said: "Just the thing; put your name to it. General." (Gen- eral Grant immediately wrote : "Let us have peace," and signed his name — U. S. Grant. It was sent at once to General Hawley. F. T. Dent, Bridagier General, U. S. A. The origin of — "Let us have Peace," was given to me many years ago in Washington by General Dent, at his home, 1907 N Street, following a conversation on the Surrender. Seeing my interest in it, and the historical value, he wrote it out carefully aad sent it to me a few days after the interview. Though [169] The Blue and the Gray showing age, it is still perfectly legible, and the exact copy appears in the book. The autograph card, like General Denfs letter, has the prestige of age, and has been treasured with something of reverence — over a quarter of a century. On Gleneral G-rant's last birthday, April 27th, 1885, I chanced to be in New York and called at his home, with a little gift of flowers. I knew of his failing health, and that in spite of it, he was working to complete the ''Personal Memoirs. ' ' I had no expectation, whatever, of seeing the General — only to leave the flowers, with a few words. But I was asked to ^Vait a moment," and very soon he came into the room, greeted me cordially, sat down and for ten minutes talked frankly of his work — cheerful and hopeful — telling me of the progress, and that he had just finished the chapter on the Surrender, and now there would be comparatively little more to do to complete his book. It was not the courage of the soldier, in battle through four years of war. It w^as [170] The Blue and the Gray that higher courage — ^the pathos of strength sublime — ^that works and waits, and day by day, calmly looks at death. * * * When I was leaving, I asked his son for the auto- graph, and received it the next day with the following little note : New York, April 28th, 1885. Miss Jennings : — I fulfill my promise and thank you for the flowers. Eespectfully, F. D. Grant. [171] CHAPTER X. Tributes. "Others have varied widely in their esti- mate of that extraordinary character. Yet I believe its most extraordinary quality was the extreme simplicity, so extreme that many have overlooked it in their search for some deeply hidden secret to account for so great a character, "unmindful of the fact that sim- plicity is one of the most prominent attri- butes of greatness. "The greatest of all the traits of Granf s character was that which lay always on the surface, visible to all who had eyes to see it. This was his moral and intellectual integ- rity, sincerity, veracity and justice. He was incapable of any attempt to deceive anybody, except for a legitimate purpose, as in mili- tary strategy; and, above all, he was inca- pable of deceiving himself. He possessed that rarest of all human faculties, the power of a perfectly accurate estimate of himself, un- influenced by pride, ambition, flattery or self interest. The highest encomiums were ac- cepted for what he believed them to be worth. [172] The Blue and the Gray They did not disturb his equilibrium in the slightest degree. "While Grant knew his own merits as well as anybody did, he also knew his own imper- fections and estimated them at their real val- ue. For example, his inability to speak in public, which produced the impression of ex- treme modesty or diffidence, he accepted sim- ply as a fact in his nature, which was of little or no consequence, and which he did not even care to conceal. He would not, for many years, even take the trouble to jot down a few words in advance, so as to be able to say something when called upon. Indeed, I believe he would have regarded it as an unworthy attempt to appear in a false light, if he had made preparations in advance for an 'extemporaneous' speech. * * * After telling a story in which the facts had been modified somewhat to give greater effect, which no one could enjoy more than he did. Grant would take care to explain exactly in what respects he had altered the facts for the purpose of increasing the interest in his story, so that he might not leave any wrong [173] The Blue and the Gray impression. * * * His love of truth and justice was so far above all personal con- siderations that he showed unmistakable evi- dence of gratification when any error into which he might have fallen, was corrected. The fact that he had made a mistake and that it was plainly pointed out to him, did not produce the slightest unpleasant im- pression, while the further fact that no harm had resulted from his mistake gave him real pleasure. In Grant's judgment no case in which any wrong had been done could pos- sibly be regarded as finally settled until that wrong was righted; and if he himself had been, in any sense, a party to that wrong, he was the more earnest in his desire to see justice done. While he thus showed a total absence of any false pride of opinion or of knowledge, no man could be firmer than he in adherence to his mature judgment, or more earnest in his determination, on prop- er occasions, to make it understood that his opinion was his own, and not borrowed from anybody else. * * * This absolute con- fidence in his own judgment upon any sub- [174] The Blue and the Gray ject which he had mastered, and the moral courage to take upon himself alone the high- est responsibility, and to demand full au- thority and freedom to act according to his own judgment^ without interference from anybody, added to his accurate estimate of his own ability and his clear perception of the necessity for undivided authority and re- sponsibility in the conduct of military opera- tions, and in all that concerns the efficiency of Armies in time of war, constituted the foundation of that very great character. "When summoned to Washington to take command of all the Armies, with the rank of Lieutenant-General, he determined, be- fore he reached the Capital, that he would not accept the command under any other conditions than those above stated. His sense of honor and of loyalty to the country would not permit him to consent to be placed in a false position — one in which he could not perform the service which the country had been led to expect from him — and he had the courage to say so in unqualified terms. "These are the traits of character which [175] The Blue and the Gray made Grant a very great man — ^the only man of our time, so far as can be known, who possessed both the character and the military ability which were, under the circumstances, indispensable in the commander of the Armies which were to suppress the great re- bellion. "It has been said that Grant, like Lincoln, was a typical American, and for that reason was most beloved and respected by the peo- ple. That is true of the statesman and of the soldier, as well as of the people, if it is meant that they were the highest type — that ideal which commands the respect and admiration of the highest and best in a man^s nature — however far he may know it to be above himself. The soldiers and the people saw in Grant or in Lincoln, not one of them- selves, nor yet some superior being whom they could not understand — ^but the personi- fication of their highest ideal of a citizen, soldier, or statesman — a man whose great- ness they could see and understand as plainly as they could anything else under the sun. And there was no more mystery about it all, [176] The Blue and the Gray- in fact, than there was in the popular mind. "Matchless courage and composure in the midst of the most trying events of battle, magnanimity in the hour of victory, and moral courage to compel all others to respect his plighted faith towards those who had surrendered to him, were the crowning glories of Grant^s great and noble character.'^ General John M. Sohopield. "Forty-Six Years in the Army." "Grant^s military supremacy was honestly earned, without factious praise and without extraneous help. He had no influence to urge his promotion except such as was at- tracted by his own achievements. He had no potential friends except those whom his victories won to his support. He exhibited extraordinary qualities in the field. Bravery among American officers is a rule which has, happily, had few exceptions. Grant pos- sessed a quality above bravery. He had an insensibility to danger, apparently, an un- consciousness of fear. Beside that, he pos- sessed an evenness of judgment to be depend- [177] The Blue and the Gray ed upon in sunsliuie and in storm. Napoleon said: ^The rarest attribute among Generals is two o'clock-in-the-morning courage/ No better description could be given of the type of courage which, distinguished General Grant. In his services in the field he never once exhibited indecision, and it was this quality that gave him his crowning char- acteristic as a military leader. He inspired men with a sense of their invincibility, and they were henceforth invincible." James G. Blaine. Portland, Maine. "Such a career laughs at criticism and defies deprecation. Success succeeds. But when the philosophic historian comes to an- alyze the strange features of our great war, no anomaly will be more puzzling than Grant. * * * He will marvel at the amazing mental poise of the man, cast down by no disaster, elated by no success. He will ad- mire his strong, good sense, * * * j^jg tremendous, unconquerable will. * * * Yet he will look in vain for such character- [178] The Blue and the Gray istics as should account for his being first in a nation of soldiers. "Seeking still further for the cause of his rise, he will record firm friendships that were so helpful; will observe how willing- ness to fight while others were fortifying, first gave him power; will allow for the un- exampled profusion in which soldiers and munitions were always furnished to his call ; how he came upon the broader stage only when it was made easier for his tread by the failures of his predecessors and the prestige of his victories, and how both combined to make him absolute. * * * "But after all these considerations he will fail to find the veritable secret of his won- derful success, and will at last be forced to set it down that Fortune — ^the happy ex- plainer of mysteries inexplicable — did from the outset so attend him * * * that he was mysteriously held up and borne forward, so that at the end he was able to rest in the highest professional promotion — ^in peace after so many troubles — ^in honor after so much obloquy.^ ^' Whitelaw Reid. ''Ohio in the War." [179] The Blue and the Gray "How, like a weapon in a gianfs hand, did he wield the vast aggregations of soldiery, whose immensity oppressed so many minds ! How every soldier came to feel his partici- pation a direct contribution to the general success ! And when, at length, his merit won the government of the entire military power of the North, how perfect became, without noise or friction, the co-operation of every Army, of every strength throughout the wide territory of the war, toward the common end. * * * Then how rapidly crumbled on every side the crushed revolt! Where shall we find in past records the tale of such a struggle, so enormous in extent, so nearly matched at the outset, so desperately con- tested, so effectively decided! Through what a course of uninterrupted victories did he proceed from the earliest engagements to a complete dominion of the vast catas- trophe r Colonel William P. Vilas. "A crisis befalls the land. Patriotism is burned into the soul of this shy, unambitious, [180] The Blue and the Gray unknown man. He offers all he has in the world — himself — to his country. But he is diffident and unsoldierly in bearing and is re- pelled. Others of finer speech and of more pretentious mien are preferred before him. But he remains true. Again he is rejected. Finally the door of opportunity opens. A small command is given to him. He is equal to the occasion. His rank is raised, and eight months after, this stranger, who never loved army life and cared less for the study of war, has his name carried to the farther- most parts of the land. He wins the first decisive victory for the Nation and the Flag. From millions comes the cry, 'Whence comes this man?' Hardly had the answer been flashed back before he commanded the larg- est Army in the greatest war that had been fought on the Continent, and his fame be- came world wide. "Again, in twelve months, he startles the world by conceiving and executing the most remarkable siege known in history. His name is hailed with acclaim. People are thrilled by his sublime courage and success, [181] The Blue and the Gray and amazed at tLe modesty and unselfishness of the man. "He rises to higher honor. In less than three years from the day he passed out of the shop a struggling salesman, he is invested with more extraordinary power than was ever before conferred by a Republic upon a Com- mander of men of arms. The hour of su- preme victory finally comes, and the quiet man, who never sought fame, or sway, or place, saves the Nation. ''Lincoln was the guiding force in the darkest days in American history — Grant was the hope and inspiration of that Army which had volunteered to risk their lives for a righteous cause. * * * He never took a step backward. * * * in all the centu- ries from Caesar to Napoleon, there has not lived a warrior who so beautifully and completely manifested the God-given spirit of tenderness and magnanimity toward a fallen foe, as Grant. * * * ''Many military critics have wondered where Grant got his military genius. It had never been displayed on any occasion [182] The Blue and the Gray previous to the Civil War. George S. Bont- well said: 'Grant's military genius was simply a part of his nature; God gave it to him; and almost by intuition he knew what should be done in an emergency. He could go on the field and post a line of battle in twenty minutes, while another military man who had been a hard stu- dent, might take a day or two to do the same thing.' * * * He stands pre-eminent among all the Generals who served in the Civil War, in the completeness of his final results. * * * He owed nothing to acci- dent. * * * And thus measuring him by what he accomplished in four years of war, and what he was in purity of purpose, and charity for those over whom he was victor, he will ever remain, "singular and soli- tary"— The Man of Mystery. * * *I do not mean to present Grant as a perfect man. He was human like the rest of us, and had his imperfections. But read- ing history aright we learn that he rose above the plane of the daily experience of most great men. * * * I wish to illustrate and illuminate with exactness the qualities [183] The Blue and the Gray of this man * * * his supreme self-pos- session and simplicity and rectitude; his true hearted patriotism; his greatness un- mixed with personal ambition; his abiding faith in himself, in his tried friends, in his comrades in arms, in his country, and in his God." "We have followed him through all the varied phases of his wonderful life. * * * We have watched the quiet humble citi- zen, as he emerged from obscurity at the call of his country, in a few months to be- come, through a succession of marvellous achievements, the greatest Military Chief- tain of his day — to command all the Ar- mies of the United States, and be entrusted with the gigantic task of subduing the greatest of rebellions, led by the most gifted of Commanders. We have seen him for eight years at the head of a Nation, during the trying period of reconstruction, after the awful devastation of four years of internecine strife. We have followed him in his unparalleled journey around the world, which, begun as the quiet holi- [184] The Blue and the Gray- day of a private citizen, was turned into the triumphal march of the Conqueror, as he was greeted and honored by Kings, Princes, Statesmen, and peoples of the realms through which he passed. We have seen him go down into his valley of hu- miliation — and at last smitten by a fatal malady. We have seen him emerge, bear- ing the marks of his suffering, and ex- changing sword for pen, hold his great enemy at bay, while he wrote the story of his achievements, and provided for the fu- ture of those he loved better than his life- while the world looked on in astonishment and sjrmpathy. When the task was fin- ished, he laid down his pen, and the in- vincible spirit went forth to join the com- pany of the immortals, who before him had fought the good fight and kept the faith * * * His name and memory will be en- shrined in the hearts of his grateful coun- trymen, while the Republic shall endure." CoLOiTEL Nicholas Smith. ''Grant, The Man of Mystery. '^ [185] The Blue and the Gray "'No two great commanders have possessed the same qualifications. Sheridan is not complete on the same lines that made Grant such a mighty power in war. But he held other gifts of head and spirit which Grant had not, and which go very far toward round- ing up the strength of resource between them. Sheridan had the impetuous quality that comes from Irish ancestry. Grant in- herited the perfect temper, self-poise, reso- lution and endurance of the Scotch. !N"atu- rally a wide difference, yet they had many points in common. Neither of them was talkative, and in their Army life both may well be called silent men of the type of whom Carlyle says: "The noble, silent men, scattered here and there, each in his department, silently think- ing, silently working, * * * they are the salt of the earth. Silence * * * the great empire of silence." "In action, Sheridan was extraordinary. He could be as calm as a brazen figure, or as flashing as a stream of molten metal. He would choose, when a battle began, a rising [186] The Blue and the Gray- piece of ground, from which he could survey the whole field. He sat his saddle like a centaur * * * there was no better horse- man in the American Army * * * and he knew his horse also> * * * would see every phase of the conflict * * * at a critical moment would dash forward, gal- loping direct to where he was needed, * * * ride swiftly along the lines just before a charge and raise the troops' enthusiasm to fever heat. * * * There was a magnetic influence about him which extended itself to every one in the ranks. At such moments he seemed transformed, and it was no won- der that his troops moved with steadiness and determination into the vortex of flame that awaited them. "As a practical soldier, it is doubtful if any Army ever had a better one. He readily mastered the topography of the region in which he was operating. He was never sur- prised. In an Army, he always proved on consultation to be better informed than any one else. He had the best of scouts — men who were ready to dare anything at his [187] The Blue and the Gray- orders or request. He provided for his troops araply and always the best there was to be had. * * * He was equally at home in handling every arm of the service, though he delighted most in handling the Cavalry, to whose capacity for real warfare he gave increased value. While a firm but not an extreme disciplinarian, he never failed to remember that he was dealing with men to whom martial service was but an episode in citizenship. Men fight better when they know that the man who leads them has the ability to extricate them from sudden and unforeseen difficulties. He was our Marshal Ney, and inspired the most complete con- fidence. No officer was more beloved by his troops. '^A member of the Chief Army associations. The Loyal Legion and the Grand Army of the Eepublic, Greneral Sheridan was a faith- ful attendant in the reunions which made each year so much a feature of our reminis- cent life. His little speeches to the Society of the Army of the Potomac are worthy the preservation the records give. * * * One [188] The Blue and the Gray of the last made was an impromptu speech at Creston, Iowa, in 1886, when he said : " ^Comrades, I came here today to see yon, talk with yon, and shake hands with yon, while Colonel Carr and others, yon know, came here to make eloquent addresses for yon to listen to. I think he has been too eulogistic of me in his remarks. It is true that I fought in almost everybody's Army, from Pea Ridge to Appomattox, and al- though I fought with Cavalry and Infantry, and on every line of operation, and always had to change and take new men on new lines, I was very successful. I went through all the grades they had in the volunteer serv- ice, and then I commenced and went through all the grades in the regular service, and the date of every commission that I have is the date of a battle. And I want to say to you, comrades, this — that I am indebted to the private in the ranks for all the credit that has come to me. " ^He was the man who did the fighting. The man who carried the musket is the great- [189] The Blue and the Gray est hero of the war, in my opinion. I was nothing but an agent. I knew how to take care of men. I knew what a soldier was worth, and I knew how to study the country so as to put him in right. I knew how to put him in battle, but I was simply the agent to take care of him, and he did the work. Comrades, these are common sense things, and I can't say them in very flowery language — but they are true — and they are true, not of me alone, but of everybody else. It is to the common soldier, the private in the ranks, that we are indebted to any credit that came to us.' '' ' ' A strong, simple man — very human and close to our common life. * * * jj^ ^]^e American democracy, Sheridan's life, like Grant's and Sherman's, with all their com- rades', gives us proof that the equality of man before the law is the very best guarantee that under the law the loftiest service, the brav- est deeds, the most daring of intellectual ac- tivity, must all tend steadily to the common [190] The Blue and the Gray- advantage — to the uplifting and glory of the commonwealth. ' ' Colonel Richard J. Hinton, and Frank A. Burr. ''Life of General Philip H. Sheridan." James E. Murdoch, the widely known and popular Reader, long ago, gave the origin of the famous poem — "Sheridan's Ride'' — by Thomas Buchanan Read, in the following story: "The ladies of Cincinnati had arranged to give me a reception that finally turned into an ovation. I had given many readings to raise funds for their Soldiers' Aid Society, and they were going to present me with a silk flag. They had made every arrangement to have the reception a very dramatic event. The morning of the day it was to take place. Read and I were, as usual, taking our break- fast late. We had finished, but were still sitting at the table. "Mr. Cyrus Garrett, his brother-in-law, came in while we were thus lounging. He wore and air of impatience and carried a pa- [191] The Blue and the Gray per in his hand. He walked up to Eead and unfolded a copy of Harper's Weekly and held it np before the man so singularly gifted as both poet and painter. The whole front of the paper was covered with a striking pic- ture representing Sheridan, on his bjlack horse, just emerging from a cloud of dust that rolled up from the highway as he dashed along, followed by a few troopers. " 'There/ said Mr. Garrett, 'see what you have missed. You ought to have drawn that picture yourself, and gotten the credit of it. It is just in your line. The first thing you know somebody will write a poem on that event and you will be beaten all around.' "Eead looked at the picture rather quiz- zically — a look which I interrupted by say- ing: " 'He is right, Read. The subject and cir- cumstance are worth a poem.^ "'Oh, no,' said Read, 'that theme has been written to death. There is "Paul Re- vere's Ride," "Lochinvar,'' Tom Hood's "Wild Steed of the Plain," and half a dozen other poems of like character.' [192] The Blue and the Gray "Filled with the idea that this was a good chance for the gifted man, I said : " ^Read, you are losing a great opportunity. If I had such a poem to read at my recep- tion tonight it would make a great hit/ " 'But, Murdoch, you can^t order a poem as you would a coat. I can't write any- thing in a few hours that will do either you or me any credit/ he replied rather sharply. "I turned to him and said : "'Read, two or three thousand of the warmest hearts in Cincinnati will be in the Opera House tonight at that presentation. It will be a very significant affair. Now, you go aad give me anjthmg in rhyme, and I will give it a deliverance before that splen- did audience, and you can then revise and polish it before it goes into print.' "This view seemed to strike him favor- ably and he finally said : "'Well! Well! We'll see what can be done,' and he went to his room. A half hour later Mrs. Read came down and said : " 'He wants a pot of strong tea. He told me to get it for him, and then he would lock [193] 13 The Blue and the Gray the door and must not be disturbed unless the house was on fire.' "Time wore on, and in our talk in the family circle we had almost forgotten the poet at work upstairs. Dinner had been announced when Read came in and beckoned to me. "^Murdoch, I think I have about what you want.' "He read it to me, and with an enthusiasm that surprised him. I said, ^It is just the thing.' ^^e dined, and at the proper time Eead and I, with the family, went to the Opera House. The building was crowded in every part. Upon the stage were sitting two hun- dred maimed soldiers, each with an arm or a leg off. General Joe Hooker was to present me with the flag the ladies had made, and at the time appointed we marched down the stage toward the footlights, General Hooker bearing the flag, and I with my arm in his. Such a storm of applause as greeted our ap- pearance I never heard before or since. Be- hind and on each side of us were the rows [194] The Blue and the Gray of crippled soldiers — in front the vast audi- ence, cheering to the echo. Hooker quailed before the warm reception, and growing nerv- ous, said to me in an undertone : " 'I can stand the storm of battle, but this is too much for me.' "T»eave it to me,' said I, ^I am an old hand behind the footlights, and will divert the strain from you.' So quickly I dropped upon my knee, took a fold of the silken flag and pressed it to my lips. This by-play created a fresh storm of enthusiasm, but it steadied Hooker, and he presented the flag very gracefully. I accepted it in fitting words. "I then drew from my pocket the poem Head had written, and with proper introduc- tion, began reading it to the audience. The vast assemblage became as still as a church during prayer time, and I read the three verses without a pause and then the fourth. ''As this verse was finished the audience broke into a tumult of applause. Then I read, with all the spirit I could command, [195] The Blue and the Gray the fifth. The sound of my voice uttering the last word had not died away when cheer after cheer went up from the great concourse that shook the building to its very founda- tion. Ladies waved their handkerchiefs and men their hats until worn out with the fervor of the hour. They then demanded the au- thor's name and I pointed to Eead and he ac- knowledged the verses. "In such a setting and upon such an occa- sion as I have been able only faintly to de- scribe to you^ the poem of 'Sheridan's Ride' was given to the world. It was written in about three hours and never changed after I read it from the manuscript." [196] SHEEIDAN'S KIDE. BY THOMAS BUCHANAN READ. Up from the Soutli at break of day, Bringing to Winchester fresh dismay, The affrighted air with a shudder bore, Like a herald in haste to the chieftain's door. The terrible grumble and rumble and roar, Telling the battle was on once more, And Sheridan, twenty miles away. And wider still those billows of war Thundered along the horizon's bar; And louder yet into Winchester rolled The roar of that red sea, uncontrolled; Making the blood of the listener cold; As he thought of the stake in that fiery fray. And Sheridan, twenty miles away. But there is a road from Winchester town, A good broad highway, leading down; And there through the flush of the morning light, A steed as black as the steeds of night. Was seen to pass as with eagle flight. As if he knew the terrible need. He stretched away, %ith his utmost speed; Hill rose and fell; but his heart was gay. With Sheridan fifteen miles away. Still sprung from those swift hoofs thundering south. The dust, like the smoke from the cannon's mouth, Or the trail of the comet, sweeping faster and faster. Foreboding to traitors the doom of disaster; The heart of the steed and the heart of the master Were beating like prisoners assaulting their walls, [197] The Blue and the Gray Impatient to be where the battlefield calls. Every nerve of the charger was strained to full play With Sheridan only ten miles away. Under his spurning feet, the road, Like an arrowy Alpine river flowed, And the landscape sped away, behind. Like an ocean, flying before the wind; And the steed with his wild eyes full of fire, Swept on to the goal of his heart's desire; He is snuffing the smoke of the roaring fray, With Sheridan only five miles away. The first that the General saw, were the groups Of stragglers, and then the retreating troops, What was done — what to do — a glance told him both. Then striking his spurs, with a muttered oath, He dashed down the lines mid a storm of huzza. The sight of the master compelled them to pause. With foam and with dust the black charger was gray ; By the flash of his eye and his red nostrils' play, He seemed to the whole great army to say, I have brought you Sheridan all the way From Winchester down, to save the day. Hurrah, hurrah, for Sheridan; Hurrah, hurrah, for the horse and man; And when their statues are placed on high, Under the dome of the Union sky, (The American soldier's Temple of Fame) There with the glorious General's name, Be it said, in letters bold and bright, * ' Here is the steed that saved the day By carrying Sheridan into the fight, From Winchester, twenty miles away. ' ' [198] SHEEMAN'S MAECH TO THE SEA. S. H. M. BYERS, ADJUTANT, FIFTH IOWA INFANTRY. Our camp-fires shone bright on the mountain That frowned on the river below, As we stood by our guns in the morning And eagerly watched for the foe; When a rider came out of the darkness That hung over mountain and tree, And shouted, *'Boys, up and be ready! For Sherman will march to the sea!" Chorus, Then sang we a song of our chieftan, That echoed over river and lea; And the stars of our banner shone brighter When Sherman marched down to the sea! Then cheer upon cheer for bold Sherman Went up from each valley and glen, And the bugles re-echoed the music That came from the lips of the men; For we knew that the stars in our banner More bright in their splendor would be, And that blessings from Northland would greet us, When Sherman marched down to the sea! Then sang we a song, etc. Then forward, boys! forward to battle! We marched on our wearisome way. We stormed the wild hills of Eesaca — God bless those who fell on that day! Then Kenesaw frowned in its glory. Frowned down on the flag of the free; But the East and the West bore our standard, And Sherman marched on to the sea! Then sang we a song, etc. [199] The Blue and the Gray still onward we pressed, till our banners Swept out from Atlanta's grim walls, And the blood of the patriot dampened The soil where the traitor flag falls; But we paused not to weep for the fallen, Who slept by each river and tree, Yet we twined them a wreath of the laurel, As Sherman marched down to the sea! Then sang we a song, etc. Oh, proud was our army this morning, That stood where the pine darkly towers. When Sherman said, ''Boys, you are weary, But today fair Savannah is ours!" Then sang we the song of our chieftain, That echoed over river and lea. And the stars in our banner shone brighter When Sherman camped down by the sea! [200] STAR-SPANGLED BANNER. Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we haiPd at the twilight's last gleaming. Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the p3rilousi fight, O 'er the ramparts we watched, were so gal- lantly streaming? And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? On the shore dimly seen thro' the mists of the deep. Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes, What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep, As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half dis- closes? Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam, In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream. 'Tis the star-spangled banner ; oh, long may it wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. [201] ABRAHAM LINCOLN THE GREATEST AMERICAN BY JANET JENNINGS "No one can read this little book without feeling better acquainted with Lincoln. The opportunity of a Washington journalist for conversations and interviews with personal friends has not been used for a secondhand tribute. Out of associations with those who lived with him and loved him, has grown a direct and intimate sympathy with the spirit of Lincoln, and the author writes from this viewpoint. Appreciating that comment cannot add to a story so strong she effaces herself, and wher- ever they can be used, she makes Lincoln's own words tell the lessons of his life. You feel it is written as Lincoln himself would have liked it written, without exaggeration, and true as he himself was. The book is so attractive in every way, and so low in price, it should fill the aim of the writer, and reach a large number of people." — La Follette's "Weekly Magazine. "This little volume is unique and valuable, and we hope it will be placed in the libraries and schools of the country." — Freeport Daily Journal. "Janet Jennings' book, which proclaims its sub- ject, " the greatest American," is based on first- hand information acquired during the author's twenty years of journalism in Washington. She had there frequent conversations with those who had known Lincoln intimately. Side by side with Washington the author places Lincoln — as well as naming him the greatest American. However, there need be no quarrel on this account, for the Lincoln wave which struck the country last spring has been making the best of us contradict our- 202 The Blue and the Gray selves in the effort to give the famous statesman his due meed of superlatives. This little volume contributes more variable praise than its size would suggest, recounting many incidents that show in typical light Lincoln's kindly humor, which so often molified unpleasant situations; his moral courage, his gift as an orator as manifested espe- cially in that speech which drew forth Goldwin Smith's eulogy among many others: "Not a sover- eign in Europe could have uttered himself more regally than did Lincoln at Gettysburg." His qualities of sympathy, justice, mercy, are also em- phasized in this little volume, nor does the author neglect to note Lincoln's sanction on suffrage for women. A chapter of tributes contains many great names of the North and South from Lincoln's own day to the past twelfth day of February, whose echoes still are in the air."— Courier- Journal, Louisville, Ky. " 'Abraham Lincoln, the Greatest American,' by Janet Jennings (Cantwell Printing company, Madi- son, Wis.) — 'The aim of this little book,' says the author, 'is to offer the best at the smallest cost to the largest number of readers — the plain people with whom Abraham Lincoln was more closely and sympathetically allied than any other President of this nation; to influence and impress younger gen- erations by precept and example of his life; to in- spire the boy of today — the man of tomorrow — with that spirit of moral courage which above any other force made Abraham Lincoln the greatest American.' " — Chicago Inter-Ocean. "It is a neat, interesting and instructive bio- graphy of America's Greatest Man, and contains some interesting facts never before published. It is an up-to-date volume, suitable for the people of [203] The Blue and the Gray all ages, and would make a fine text book. It should be in every school and public library. "It contains several illustrations, including" the unveiling of the monument at the Kentucky home, last February, on the occasion of the Centennial of Lincoln's birth." — The Sentinel, Monroe, Wis. This Lincoln book has been presented by the author to many public libraries and by request has gone to state and private libraries and private collections of Lincoln literature, notably the New Hampshire State Library of Concord and the Drew Theological Seminary Library of Madison, New Jersey. T.-e Phesident of the University of Wisconsin says: "This book cannot help but inspire all who read it." Charles W. McSellan of Champlain, New York, who has one of the finest collections of Lincoln literature in the United States, writes: "It is so comprehensive, containing so much that is new, and presented in such a simple, at- tractive form,, for the future generations of the 'plain people,' he so loved — whom it cannot fail to influence and inspire. * * * i shall treasure it as a valuable addition to my collection.'* J. B. Oakleaf bf Moline, 111., says: "This book will become a part of my library of Lincoln litera- ture, consisting of something over twelve hundred volumes, and I feel that it will find a home among others of its own kin." Senator Frye of Maine says: "I have read it — found it most Interesting and very attractive — this hoitwithstanding the innumerabile volumes that have been written on the Greatest American." [204] The Slue and the Gray Robert T. Lincoln, writing to the author from his summer home, Manchester, Vermont, said: "Your little hook on my father, I brought here with me. Mrs. Lincoln has also read it, and we agree in thinking it one of the most interesting and agreeable books which have come to us." As a holiday gift, this Lincoln book seems espe- cially appropriate. C. P. Read, of Los Angeles, California, with an order for twenty-four, said: "It is the finest little book on Lincoln I have read, and I know of no ChRstmas gift to be more ap- preciated." Published by The CANTWELL PRINTING CO. Madison, Wis. PRICE FIFTY CENTS MOV ^ One copy del. to Oat. Div. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 012 193 122 9