Letters of Ulysses S. Grant to His Father and His Youngest Sister | Page 7

a
Frenchman who speaks broken English, but was born here.
Write to me soon. Julia and the children join me in sending love to all
of you.
Yours truly,

ULYSSES.

[To his brother Simpson. This letter is a naive expression of a
fundamental trait in Grant's character, belief in the essential honesty of
every man.]
St. Louis, Oct. 24th, 1859.
DEAR BROTHER:
I have been postponing writing to you hoping to make a return for your
horse, but as yet I have received nothing for him. About two weeks ago
a man spoke to me for him and said that he would try him the next day,
and if he suited, give me $100 for him. I have not seen the man since;
but one week ago last Saturday he went to the stable and got the horse,
saddle and bridle, since which I have seen neither man nor horse. From
this I presume he must like him. The man, I understand, lives in
Florisant, about twelve miles from the city.
My family are all well and living in our own house. It is much more
pleasant than where we lived when you were here, and contains
practically about as much room. I am still unemployed, but expect to
have a place in the Custom House from the first of next month. My
name has been forwarded for the appointment of Superintendent, which,
if I do not get, will not probably be filled at all. In that case there is a
vacant desk which I may get that pays $1200 per annum. The other will
be worth from $1500 to $1800 and will occupy but little time.
Remember me to all at home. There is a gentleman here who has lands
in San Antonio de Bexar County, Texas, that would like to get you,
should you go there this winter, to look after them. If you go, and will
attend to his business, drop me a line and he will furnish me all the
papers, and instructions, to forward to you.
Yours,
U.S. GRANT.

P.S. The man that has your horse is the owner of a row of six three
story brick houses in this city, and the probabilities are that he intends
to give me an order on his agent for the money on the first of the month
when the rents are paid. At all events I imagine the horse is perfectly
safe.
U.S.G.

[Grant had given up the real estate business and had come to Galena in
May, 1860, as has been said, nominally as a clerk in his father's store,
but really as a prospective partner in the business.
In March, 1861, Lincoln was inaugurated President. The Confederates
proclaimed themselves aliens; South Carolina seceded; other Southern
States followed; Fort Sumter was fired upon, and President Lincoln
issued his first call for troops, 75,000 volunteers. The quota for Illinois
had been fixed at six regiments. Galena immediately raised a company.
Grant declined the captaincy but promised his aid in every way
possible.]
Galena, April 21st, 1861.
DEAR FATHER:
We are now in the midst of trying times when every one must be for or
against his country, and show his colors too, by his every act. Having
been educated for such an emergency, at the expense of the
Government, I feel that it has upon me superior claims, such claims as
no ordinary motives of self-interest can surmount. I do not wish to act
hastily or unadvisedly in the matter, and as there are more than enough
to respond to the first call of the President, I have not yet offered
myself. I have promised, and am giving all the assistance I can in
organizing the company whose services have been accepted from this
place. I have promised further to go with them to the State capital, and
if I can be of service to the Governor in organizing his state troops to
do so. What I ask now is your approval of the course I am taking, or

advice in the matter. A letter written this week will reach me in
Springfield. I have not time to write to you but a hasty line, for, though
Sunday as it is, we are all busy here. In a few minutes I shall be
engaged in directing tailors in the style and trim of uniform for our
men.
Whatever may have been my political opinions before, I have but one
sentiment now. That is, we have a Government, and laws and a flag,
and they must all be sustained. There are but two parties now, traitors
and patriots and I want hereafter to be ranked with the latter, and I trust,
the stronger party. I do not know but you may be placed in an awkward
position, and a