Ulysses S. Grant to be promoted

[David Lockmiller]

(12-27-2022 08:21 AM)Dave B Wrote:  In my opinion Grant was one of the most humble individuals I've ever read about. We could use more of that in 2023.

Grant afterward returned to the Blue Room, where Lincoln discussed with him the ceremony to be held next day. "Tomorrow at such time a you may arrange with the Sec[retary] of War, I desire to make to you a formal presentation of your commission as Lieut. Genl." With characteristic consideration, the president tried to make the occasion as easy as possible for the rather shy Grant: "I shall then make a very short speech to you, to which I desire you to reply, for an object; and that you may be properly prepared to do so I have written what I shall say -- only four sentences in all -- which I shall read from my MSS[*], as an example which you may follow and also read your reply, as you are perhaps not as much accustomed to speaking as I myself -- and I therefore give you what I shall say that you may consider it and form your reply." In that reply, Lincoln asked the general to incorporate two points: "1st To say something which shall prevent or obviate any jealousy of you from any of the other generals in the service, and secondly, something which shall put you on as good terms as possible with this Army of the Potomac. Now consider whether this may not be said to make it of some advantage; and if you see any objection whatever to doing it be under no restraint whatever in expressing that objection to the Secretary of War who will talk further with you about it."

(Abraham Lincoln: A Life, Vol. Two, page 630.)

It was President Lincoln's guidance that substantially informed Lieutenant General Grant's formal reply in accepting the Commission.

* - MSS is an abbreviation for manuscript, meaning written by hand rather than printed or typeset in any way.

And, in reference to your statement, Dave, that "In my opinion Grant was one of the most humble individuals I've ever read about," I agree.

And, there is this confirmation: The two men, who had not met before, greeted each other cordially, but, as Nicolay recorded "with that modest deference -- felt rather than expressed by word or action -- so appropriate to both." (Abraham Lincoln: A Life, Vol. Two, page 630.)