網頁圖片
PDF
ePub 版

One of the important military events of that winter was the appointment of General Grant to the rank of lieutenant-general. Hitherto, the highest rank in the army had been that of major-general. The title of general-in-chief, borne by Halleck, was temporary, a mere expedient, and not distinctly recognized by usage. The rank of lieutenant-general was created by act of Congress, with the tacit understanding that it was to be conferred upon Grant, whose almost unbroken series of victories in the West had by this time convinced the people that here was at last "the coming man" for whom they had so long waited. The act creating the rank, giving its wearer command of all the armies of the United States, was warmly approved by Lincoln, and was zealously supported in Congress by Elihu B. Washburne, of Illinois, a steadfast and influential friend of Grant, from the time when this soldier, then unknown and unappreciated, began his career as Colonel of the Twentyfirst Illinois Regiment.

On the 22d of February, 1864, the President sent to Congress a message approving the act creating the rank of Lieutenant-General of the Armies of the United States, and nominating U. S. Grant, of Illinois, to that rank. The nomination was confirmed on the 2d of March, and the President immediately requested the presence in Washington of the newly appointed Lieutenant-General. It was one of the scandals of the time that army officers of every grade visited the national capital in great numbers to seek promotion in rank or to advance their private ends in some other way. So great an abuse did this self

[graphic]

ABRAHAM LINCOLN AND HIS SON "TAD"

FROM AN OIL PAINTING BY F. B. CARPENTER (Courtesy of W. C. Crane, Esq.)

[ocr errors]

seeking become, that the War Department was compelled to issue an order forbidding army officers to visit the capital without official permission. Up to that time, Grant had never gone into Washington, nor had he asked for permission. He attended to his duties as a soldier until summoned to the seat of government by the President.

He

Grant arrived in Washington, to accept his new commission, on the 8th of March. That evening there chanced to be a Presidential levee at the White House. It was a public reception, open to all who chose to come. Thither went Grant, entering the reception room unannounced. He was instantly recognized by those who had seen his portraits, printed in the newspapers and circulated by means of the photographs then becoming common. was greeted very warmly, almost affectionately, by Lincoln, and it was speedily noised about that the hero of Vicksburg was in the rooms, and the pressure to see him was so great that the modest General was induced to stand on a sofa, where he rose above the crowd and was regarded with admiring eyes. When he bade the President good-night, he said: "This is a warmer campaign than I have witnessed during the war."

Next day, by appointment, he waited upon the President, who, in the presence of members of the Cabinet and a few personal friends, presented him with his commission, saying:

"General Grant, the nation's appreciation of what you have done, and its reliance upon you for what remains to

be done in the existing great struggle, are now presented with this commission, constituting you LieutenantGeneral in the Army of the United States. With this high honor devolves upon you also a corresponding responsibility. As the country here intrusts you, so, under God, it will sustain you. I need scarcely add that with what I here speak for the nation goes my own hearty personal concurrence."

General Grant accepted the commission in a few modest words expressive of appreciation of the high honor conferred upon him, and acknowledging his sense of responsibility, his dependence upon the valorous armies, and, above all, as he said, "the favor of that Providence which leads both nations and men." The General immediately visited the Army of the Potomac, of which General Meade still retained command. Then he returned to Washington, where, without his knowledge, a dinner had been arranged by Mrs. Lincoln, at the White House, at which he was to be the principal guest. At the close of an important interview with the President, during which the General outlined his plan of military operations, so far as they could be arranged at that time, he announced his intention of leaving at once for the West. Lincoln told him of the expected dinner, but Grant quietly insisted that he must go. "Besides," said the General, "I have had enough of this show business, Mr. President." And the General left for the West without waiting for the dinner and the brilliant invited company. This incident greatly pleased Lincoln, who up to that time had not

« 上一頁繼續 »