Ulysses S. Grant elevated to General of the Armies of the United States

[David Lockmiller]

In my opinion, Lieutenant General Grant would have been quite satisfied to remain in the position appointed him by President Abraham Lincoln.

The following are two posts that I have previously made on the subject:

RE: Ulysses S. Grant to be promoted -- Post #8
(12-27-2022 09:21 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.)


RE: Ulysses S. Grant to be promoted -- Post #6
At the ceremony the following day, Lincoln addressed the general formally: "The nation's appreciation of what you have done, and it's reliance upon you for what remains to do, in the existing great struggle, are now presented with this commission, constituting you Lieutenant 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 that what I here speak for the nation goes my own hearty personal concurrence. "

Grant replied: "Mr. President, I accept this commission with gratitude for the high honor conferred. With the aid of the noble armies that have fought on 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 devolving on me, and I know that if they be met, it will be due to those armies, and, above all, to the favor of Providence which leads both nations and men." Grant had so hastily scribbled down his remarks that he could barely read them. Manifestly embarrassed, he stumbled his way through his delivery. Despite that problem, William O. Stoddard reported that the event "was simple, manly, dignified," worthy of the general and the president. There was no "pomp, no show, no vulgar ostentation."

(Abraham Lincoln: A Life, Vol. Two, pages 630-631.)