Ulysses S. Grant was born to a tanner based in Ohio. He went to West Point against his will and graduated middle of his class. During the Mexican War, he fought under General Zachary Taylor. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Grant was working in his father's leather store in Galena, Illinois. By September 1861, he had risen to the rank of brigadier general of volunteers.
He sought to win control of the Mississippi Valley. In February 1862 he took Fort Henry and attacked Fort Donelson. When the Confederate commander asked for terms, Grant replied, “No terms except an unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted.” The Confederates surrendered, and President Lincoln promoted Grant to major general of volunteers.
When Grant became president, he ran the White House much like he had run the Army. He even brought a few members of his Army Staff to the White House. Although Grant regarded himself as an honest man, he accepted many gifts from admirers. He also allowed himself to be seen by two speculators. Two men had plans to corner the market in gold, so Grant authorized the Treasury to sell vast amounts of gold to wreck their plans, but speculation had already wrought havoc with business.
After retiring from the Presidency, Grant became a partner in a financial firm, which went bankrupt. At around the same time, he learned he had throat cancer. He started writing his recollections to pay off his debts and provide for his family, racing against death to produce a memoir that ultimately earned nearly $450,000. Soon after completing the last page, in 1885, he died.
Fun Facts:
- The "S" is Ulysses S. Grant doesn't stand for anything. It was just a typo.
- Grant constantly struggled with alcohol his entire life.
- Grant hated wearing army uniforms.
Ulysses S. Grant:
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please be respectful. Think to yourself, "Would I say this to a child?"