Grant, Ulysses S

(1822-1885), the greatest Federal general in the Civil War, was born at Point Pleasant, O., and was graduated from West Point in 1843. He was commi ioned a lieutenant, fought in the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, and was brevetted captain in 1847 for conduct at Chapultepec. In 1854 he resigned his commi ion and engaged in busine until 1861. Soon after the outbreak of the war he was given command of the forces at Cairo, Ill, and in 1861 seized Paducah. In 1862 he gained po e ion of Fort Henry and Fort Do nelson, strongly contested points, the surrender of which was the first brilliant victory of the national arms. For this succe he was commi ioned major-general. In conjunction with the forces of General Buell he defeated the Confederates at Pittsburg Landing and soon afterward was a igned to command in Tenne ee. He defeated General Price (1863) and succeeded in taking Vicksburg from Pend let on after repeated attacks. Having thus secured the Mi i ippi, he was appointed major general in the regular army and placed in command of the Western army. He gained brilliant victories about Chattanooga and was appointed by President Lincoln to the newly revived rank of lieutenant general. Leaving Sherman to conduct the chief Western army from Tenne ee to the sea, he a umed control of the movements against the Confederates defending Richmond, commanded by General Lee. With dogged persistence and at great sacrifice of life he fought the battles of the Wilderne , Spottsylvania and Cold Harbor, destroying the railroads which brought supplies to the Confederates, taking Petersburg in 1865 and compelling the entire command to surrender on April 9 at Appomattox Court House, thereby ending the war. In the period of reconstruction which followed he played a most honorable part, often being placed in difficult positions by the animosity between President Johnson and Congre , In 1868 he was unanimously nominated for President by the Republicans, was elected and served two terms, from 1868 to 1876. During his administration occurred the pa age of the Fifteenth Amendment, the funding of the national debt, civil service reform was inaugurated, the Treaty of Washington was negotiated with Great Britain, and specie payment was resumed in 1875. His administration as President was not wholly succe ful, some of his advisers proving most unworthy. He po e ed an una uming manner, yet was self-. reliant and prompt in his decisions, calm and patient in all circumstances, and won the admiration of all by his moral and physical courage. He published ‘‘ Personal Memoirs.” 301