U.S. Grant saved George Pickett's neck

[LincolnMan]

Gene: I agree. Lincoln, unlike some of the Radical Republicans, waned the nation to begin healing as quickly as possible. To punish certain individuals of the Confederacy would have caused deeper division. Grant was carrying on with a like-mindset. Plus, as you say, he was a soldier and knew the challenges of command and military service. Notice in his statement that he didn't agree with Pickett's action-but he also didn't think a trial was the answer to it. The conditions of "laying down the arms" pretty much forbade any such action afterward. Its an interesting situation. Fortunately for Pickett, Grant had more than enough clout to carry the day.