Letters of Ulysses S. Grant to His Father and His Youngest Sister | Page 8

dangerous one pecuniarily, but costs cannot now be
counted. My advice would be to leave where you are if you are not safe
with the views you entertain. I would never stultify my opinion for the
sake of a little security.
I will say nothing about our business. Orvil and Lank will keep you
posted as to that.
Write soon and direct as above.
Yours truly,
U.S. GRANT.

[To his sister Mary. Grant organized and drilled the Galena company,
then went with it to Springfield, the State capital, and mustered it into
the State service. Governor Yates then requested him to remain and
assist in the adjutant-general's office, because he realized the value of
Grant's former military experience. Shortly after this the Legislature
authorized the State to accept the services of ten additional regiments.
Governor Yates requested Grant to muster these new troops into the
service.
The Aunt Rachel mentioned was a sister of Jesse R. Grant, who lived in
Virginia. She had a large plantation and owned many slaves, and was
naturally an ardent secessionist. A heated partisan correspondence was

carried on during this time between the aunt and the niece Clara,
Grant's oldest sister. In the letter referred to, the aunt writes, "If you are
with the accursed Lincolnites, the ties of consanguinity shall be forever
severed."]
Springfield, April 29th, 1861.
DEAR SISTER:
I came to this place several days ago, fully expecting to find a letter
here for me from father. As yet I have received none. It was my
intention to have returned to Galena last evening, but the Governor
detained me, and I presume will want me to remain with him until all
the troops are called into service, or those to be so called, are fully
mustered in and completely organized. The enthusiasm throughout this
state surpasses anything that could have been imagined three weeks ago.
Only six regiments are called for here, while at least thirty could be
promptly raised. The Governor, and all others in authority, are harassed
from morning until night with patriotic men, and such political
influence as they can bring, to obtain first promises of acceptance of
their companies, if there should be another call for troops. The
eagerness to enter companies that were accepted by the Governor, was
so great that it has been impossible for Commanders of companies to
keep their numbers within the limits of the law, consequently
companies that have arrived here have all had from ten to sixty men
more than can be accepted. The Legislature on Saturday last passed a
bill providing for the maintenance and discipline of these surplus troops
for one month, unless sooner mustered into service of the United States
under a second call.--I am convinced that if the South knew the entire
unanimity of the North for the Union and maintenance of Law, and
how freely men and money are offered to the cause, they would lay
down their arms at once in humble submission. There is no disposition
to compromise now. Nearly every one is anxious to see the
Government fully tested as to its strength, and see if it is not worth
preserving. The conduct of eastern Virginia has been so abominable
through the whole contest that there would be a great deal of
disappointment here if matters should be settled before she is

thoroughly punished. This is my feeling, and I believe it universal.
Great allowance should be made for South Carolinians, for the last
generation have been educated, from their infancy, to look upon their
Government as oppressive and tyrannical and only to be endured till
such time as they might have sufficient strength to strike it down.
Virginia, and other border states, have no such excuse and are therefore
traitors at heart as well as in act. I should like very much to see the
letter Aunt Rachel wrote Clara! or a copy of it. Can't you send it?
When I left Galena, Julia and the children were very well. Jesse had
been very sick for a few days but was getting much better. I have been
very anxious that you should spend the summer with us. You have
never visited us and I don't see why you can't. Two of you often travel
together, and you might do so again, and come out with Clara. I do not
like to urge anything of the kind, lest you should think that I ignored
entirely the question of economy, but I do not do so. The fact is I have
had my doubts whether or not it would not be more prudent for all of
you to lock up and leave, until the present excitement subsides. If father
were younger and Simpson strong and healthy, I would not advise such
a course. On the contrary, I