General Grant was probably the best all-around soldier the U.S. Army has ever produced. He had an unerring grasp of what was needed to defeat the enemy, and an ability to do it with the men given to him. His strategic abilities were somewhat better than his tactical abilities, but both were head and shoulders above his compatriots in either army.
When General Lee surrendered to General Grant in the McLean House, at Appomattox, Virginia, this was his greatest hour, showcasing his delicacy and decency. When Union soldiers got too rambunctious, he quieted them. "The war is over," he said, "the Rebels are again our countrymen, and the best sign of rejoicing is to abstain from all demonstrations in the field."
He was not, however, a dressy individual. General Grant usually wore an unbuttoned frock coat and a vest. On his head is a slouch hat of black felt with a plain gold cord around it. On rare occasions did General Grant smoke 20 cigars a day. He generally smoked between 7-10 cigars a day, but preferred chewing on them instead of smoking. He was rarely without a cigar, but they were frequently unlit. |
