Wreaths Across America Day

[David Lockmiller]

(12-20-2022 12:40 AM)Dave B Wrote:  Salute to your parents and to all who rest in peace at Arlington.

Generals Sherman and Grant take their leave of President Lincoln and return to their respective armies (Source: “Team of Rivals,” by Doris Kearns Goodwin, pages 713-714.)

The afternoon of March 28, 1865, Sherman left City Point to return to his troops and prepare for the expected battle. Saying goodbye to the president, he “was more than ever impressed by his kindly nature, his deep and earnest sympathy with the afflictions of the whole people,” and his “absolute faith in the courage, manliness, and integrity of the armies in the field.” To be sure, “his face was care-worn and haggard; but, the moment he began to talk, his face lightened up, his tall form, as it were, unfolded, and he was the very impersonation of good-humor and fellowship.” A decade later, Sherman remained convinced of Lincoln’s unparalleled leadership. “Of all the men I ever met, he seemed to possess more of the elements of greatness, combined with goodness, than any other.”

Lincoln walked to the railroad station early the next morning to bid farewell to Grant, who was heading to the front for what they hoped would be the final offensive against Lee. Oppressed by thoughts of the expected battle, “Lincoln looked more serious than at any other time since he had visited headquarters,” recalled Horace Porter; “the lines in his face seemed deeper; and the rings under his eyes were of a darker hue.” As the train pulled away from the platform, Grant and his party tipped their hats in honor of the president. Returning the salute, his “voice broken by an emotion that he could ill-conceal,” Lincoln said: “Good-bye, gentlemen, God bless you all!”