CHAPTER XXIII.

THE

RESULTS OF THE CAMPAIGN.

HE campaign was indeed extraordinary. The war in the South-west was substantially closed. The opening of the Mississippi had severed the Confederacy, and separated its armies from their great supplies of cattle in Texas; and they were now shut out from the rich granaries of Tennessee and Kentucky. With the exception of Virginia, the Rebellion was dethroned when its proud army was hurled from the summit of Missionary Ridge. There was historic grace and fitness, therefore, that, in the closing drama, the men of the Valley of the Mississippi, of the North-west, and the descendants of those who conquered at Bunker Hill and Saratoga, should unite in achieving this transcendent victory. Their blood, mingling there in a common libation, gave hope that the Union would be immortal.

The national standard flying from the peak on Lookout Mountain signalled Sherman's great march to the sea. Upon the assembling of Congress on the 8th of December, on motion of Hon. Mr. Washburne, the thanks of Congress, and a gold medal, were voted to Gen. Grant. The medal was ordered to be "presented to him in the name of the people of the United States of America."

During the evening, he was serenaded; and the hotel was surrounded by thousands anxious to see him, and shouting, "Speech, speech!" Gen. Grant stepped out upon the balcony, and was welcomed by the most flattering cheers. He instantly removed his hat, bowed, and, amid profound silence, said, "Gentlemen, I thank you for this honor. I cannot make a speech; it is something I have never done, and never intend to do: and I beg you will excuse me.” But the crowd were not so easily satisfied, and continued shouting loudly, "Speech, speech!"

Several gentlemen urged him to address the people; but he declined. At last, one said, "General, tell them you can fight for them, but cannot talk to them do tell them that."

But Grant could not glorify himself; and he immediately answered, "Some one else must say that if it is to be said."

But the multitude thinking he only needed urging, and continuing their shouts, he leaned over the balcony, and said deliberately, "Gentlemen, making speeches is not my business. I never did it in my life, and never I thank you, however, for your attendance

will.

here."

He then bowed and retired.

While in the city, he visited the university, and was also invited to attend a meeting in aid of the Sanitary Commission. He took the occasion to express his grateful appreciation of the great and beneficent work done by the commission for the soldiers in an eloquent letter.

CHAPTER XXIV.

APPOINTED LIEUTENANT-GENERAL.

EN. GRANT had rendered a great service to the

captured ninety thousand prisoners, four hundred and seventy-two cannon, and small-arms unnumbered. But he had also done a great service in demonstrating what could be done in a department embracing ten States, by uniting its military power under one head. What the will of one man had accomplished west of the Alleghanies, showed what unity of plan, and concentration of action, could accomplish throughout the country. The war was taxing the resources and patience of the people as it continued year after year. A victory in one section was offset by a defeat in another.

While these views were generally entertained, Hon. Mr. Washburne of Illinois introduced into Congress a bill to revive the grade of Lieutenant-General. But two men had ever held this position. In 1798, the country was apprehensive of a war with France, then passing through its great revolution; and President John Adams appointed George Washington "Lieutenant-General of the armies of the United States." In 1855, the office was conferred by brevet upon Major-Gen. Winfield Scott.

The bill was passed on the 26th of February, 1864. On the 2d of March, President Lincoln nominated Gen. Grant as Lieutenant-General, and he was confirmed the following day by the Senate. By the bill, he was "authorized, under the direction of the President, to command the armies of the United States."

The same day, he was ordered to Washington, and started the next morning, March 4.

At this time, Gen. Sherman was at Memphis. Grant's intention was to return, and accompany the army through the heart of the rebel States on its march to the sea. Before leaving, Gen. Grant wrote the following letter to Gen. Sherman, honorable alike to the writer and to the friend to whom it was addressed. No biography of these distinguished men, and no history of our war, is complete without them.

DEAR SHERMAN, The bill reviving the grade of LieutenantGeneral has become a law; and my name has been sent to the Senate for the place. I now receive orders to report to Washington immediately in person; which indicates a confirmation, or a likelihood of confirmation. I start in the morning to comply with the order.

Whilst I have been eminently successful in this war, in at least gaining the confidence of the public, no one feels more than I how much of this success is due to the energy, skill, and the harmonious putting-forth of that energy and skill, of those whom it has been my good fortune to have occupying subordinate positions under me.

There are many officers to whom these remarks are applicable to a greater or less degree, proportionate to their ability as soldiers; but what I want is to express my thanks to you and McPherson, as the men to whom, above all others, I feel indebted for whatever I have had of success.

How far your advice and assistance have been of help to me, you know. How far your execution of whatever has been given you to do entitles you to the reward I am receiving, you cannot know as well as I.

I feel all the gratitude this letter would express, giving it the most flattering construction. The word you I use in the plural, intending it for McPherson also. I would write to him, and will some day; but, starting in the morning, I do not know that I shall find time just now. Your friend,

The following is Gen. Sherman's reply:

U. S. GRANT.

Dear General, — I have your more than kind and characteristic letter of the 4th instant. I will send a copy to Gen. McPherson at once.

You do yourself injustice, and us too much honor, in assigning to us too large a share of the merits which have led to your high advancement. I know you approve the friendship I have ever proffered to you, and will permit me to continue, as heretofore, to manifest it on all proper occasions.

You are now Washington's legitimate successor, and occupy a position of almost dangerous elevation; but if you can continue, as heretofore, to be yourself, simple, honest, and unpretending, you will enjoy through life the respect and love of friends, and the homage of millions of human beings, who will award you a large share in securing to them and their descendants a government of law and stability.

I repeat, you do Gen. McPherson and myself too much honor. At Belmont, you manifested your traits; neither of us being near. At Donelson, also, you illustrated your whole character. I was not near, and Gen. McPherson was in too subordinate a capacity to influence you.

Until you had won Donelson, I confess I was almost cowed by the terrible array of anarchical elements that presented themselves at every point; but that admitted a ray of light I have followed since. I believe you are as brave, patriotic, and just as the great prototype, Washington; as unselfish, kind-hearted, and honest as a man should be: but the chief characteristic is the simple faith in success you have always manifested, which I can liken to nothing else than the faith a Christian has in the Saviour.

This faith gave you the victory at Shiloh and at Vicksburg. Also, when you have completed your best preparations, you go