U.S. Grant-It’s all in the name May 30, 2010

Greatness of Grant is Obscured by History

Grant Loved Horses, Especially Cincinnati

On this Date in History:  One thing that I have learned in researching history is that, in order to really understand a subject, one must look at the complete historiography.  So often, you find people referring to one author as the authority on a particular subject when, the truth is, two or three people can have different perspectives.  Beyond points of view, authors can also have biases such that they will enhance data that fits their worldview and suppress any documentation that may bring an eye of skepticism.   For instance, there is no doubt about the fact that the 18th President of the United States and Union Commander Ulysses S. Grant was born as Hiram Ulysses Grant on April 27, 1822 near Point Pleasant, Ohio.  So, the quesiton arises as to how Hiram Ulysses Grant became Ulysses S. Grant?

Lt. Grant at age 21

One pretty reliable source that I use quite often claims that on May 29, 1839 that Hiram Ulysses Grant enrolled at West Point as Ulysses S. Grant because he wanted to avoid the intials H.U.G.   However, in the Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant,  Grant says that he “reported at West Point on the 30th or 31st of May.”   Obviously, something is amiss.  Grant biographor William S. McFeely indicates that Grant had checked in to the Roe Hotel in West Point prior to actually reporting.  Grant had always been known by his middle name, Ulysses, and he signed in as U.H. Grant, flipping his first and middle initial on the hotel register.  He used the name Ulysses H. Grant and probably would have continued to do so had it not been for the sloppiness of a Congressman.

Hamer's sloppiness gave us US Grant instead of UH Grant

You see, it was Grant’s father’s idea for him to go to West Point.  Jesse Grant had thought that the military academy would provide a secure future for his son and , after all, it was free.  The richest  boy in their hometown, Bartlett Bailey, had been dismissed and that provided an opportunity for Jesse Grant to gain his son’s admission.  He initially went to Senator Thomas Morris for an appointment but he was denied.  So, he then turned to Congressman Thomas Hamer, which was difficult for Jesse since Hamer was from the oppposing political party.   Now, Hamer had known the boy as Ulysses and when he made the appointment falsely assumed that was his first name.  Hamer needed to provide a middle initial and most likely recalled that Grant’s mother’s maiden name was Simpson.  On this date in 1839, when the young lad walked from the hotel to register at the academy, he found on the roster two Grants: Elihu Grant from New York and U. S. Grant from Ohio.  From that point forth, he was forever known as U. S. Grant. 

Hand Written Copy By Grant of his "Unconditional Surrender" Notice to Buckner

Grant had success in the military in the Mexican War but, after he left the army, he was somewhat adrift.  When the war began, he was  working as a clerk in the family store in Galena, IL.  He gained a position as a colonel in the Illinois volunteers but quickly rose through the ranks.  He gained the moniker Unconditional Surrender Grant due to his lack of desire to negotiate with the enemy for terms of surrender.  At Fort Donelson, Confederate General Simon Bolivar Buckner was left to surrender the fort to Grant after the two officers in charge of the garrison had fled.  Buckner had known Grant from the Mexican War and had even lent him money when Grant was in one of his numerous financial potholes.   It had been assumed that Buckner could use his friendship with Grant to secure favorable terms.  But, when Buckner offered an armistice on February 16, 1862 for the purpose of convening a commission to discuss terms of capitualtion, Grant responded, “No terms except and unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted.  I propose to move immediately upon your works.”    Buckner was forced “to accept the ungenerous and unchivalrous terms which you (Grant) propose.” 

Pemberton's Capitulation to Unconditional Surrender Grant

On July 3, 1863 Grant received a message from Confederate General John C. Pemberton who commanded the garrison at Vicksburg, MS which had been under seige by Grant since mid-May.  Grant had made one of the most daring and brilliant moves in US military history when, instead of attempting to attack Vicksburg from the north, he crossed the Mississippi River, moved south through Lousiana and then recrossed the Mississippi, putting his army south of Vicksburg.  This totally went against all the rules of warfare put forth by Jomini, whose tactics were taught at West Point.  Grant had cut off his own supply and communications lines and put his army in a position that put two enemy armies between him and his base and also put the Mississippi River at his back.  Grant himself said in Memoirs that he was a poor student and it is probable that he never read the theories of de Jomini, which is why he stood out above all other Union generals.  Anyway, Pemberton offered an armistice for the purpose of a commission just like Buckner did and Grant responded similarly: ” “The useless effusion of blood you propose stopping by this course can be ended at any time you may choose, by the unconditional surrender of the city and garrison.”  Pemberton accepted and Vicksburg fell on July 4, 1863.  It was militarily probably the most significant victory of the Civl War but it fell on the same day as the conclusion of Gettysburg, so  publically its been lost to much historical commentary.

US Grant Rise to Lt. General Followed Initial Confederate Invasion into Kentucky

Unfortunately, the presentation of Ulysses S. Grant has been rather lousy in American history classes.  We are told that he was a drunk, that he was the “butcher” as a general due to the large losses his armies sustained and that his presidency was one of the most corrupt in history.  Most of the time, the Grant administration is listed near the bottom of all presidential lists.  However,  US Grant rose to the level of Lt. General of the United States Army.  No one since Washington had such power.  He was re-elected for a second term and, in 1880, very nearly gained the nomination for a 3rd term as President.  He was wildly popular in the US and around the world as he took a two year journey around the world from 1878 to 1880 in which he literally was the guest of the crowned heads of Europe and other parts of the world.  His speeches were always short, but in total he spoke to millions of people around the world who came to see him. 

Grant's Way of War Lives in 21st Century; Lee's Left in Ash Heap of History

It was President US Grant who destroyed the Ku Klux Klan when he sent troops into the South and the organization did not rise again until the early 20th century.  He remains on the 50 dollar bill today, though some want to replace Grant with Reagan.  In Memoirs, Grant does not mention drinking once.  Biographers such as McFeely mention some drunken escapades.  But, given that he could not stand the site of blood and he presided over the deaths of so many men whom he saw die, it’s probably more surprising that he survived at all.  He was seen by his men as cool under fire and decisive.  U.S. Grant was not perfect, but he was far from the worst.  In fact, a good argument can be made that the American Way of War in the late 20th and early 21st centuries was invented by US Grant.  His tactics were used by Rommel and Montgomery as well as Norman Schwartzkoph in the Gulf War and the “Shock and Awe” tactics of the US in its invasion of Iraq.  The main difference was that Grant used cannon fire while the Americans in Iraq used bombers and missiles.   One can also argue that the command and control structure of the modern US military was invented by Abraham Lincoln and US Grant.

US Grant Lives on $50 Bill

Grant’s father more or less made him go to West Point.  His appointment came about due to the dismissal of someone else.  He rose to prominence in spite of his failings in civilian life and in spite of the fact that he was constantly opposed by his superior officer, Henry W. Halleck.  And is truly fitting name, US Grant came about due to a Congressman not doing his homework.  It was almost as if it were destiny.  Although historians continue to try to bury him the way Halleck tried to bury him, US Grant lives today on the $50 bill and lives on in the tactics of the United States military.  A great man who continues to fight to this day. As a side note….The Personal Memoirs of US Grant are considered the greatest presidential memoir of all and is still in print today.  The original publisher was none other than Mark Twain.

Weather Bottom Line:  Same song.  Look for more numerous thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon. Not everyone will get wet but if you find yourself under a storm, it could drop a pretty fair amount of rain.  Monday afternoon will feature probably more numerous thunderstorms than on Sunday…lets say excessively scattered.  Same story though…could have some heavy down pours in spots though a few people may get no rain at all, but might hear some thunder or feel the cool breezes from nearby storms.  Go to Cave Hill Cemetery for the Memorial Day services at 11AM. Should be dry.  If you see towering cumulous clouds by noon time, then its a fair bet that it will be active in the afternoon.

Reagan Replacing Grant on the $50 Bill Ill-Considered March 9, 2010

Greatness of Grant is Obscured by History

US Grant with his horse, Cincinnati

On This Date in History:  There is a proposal being floated that President Reagan’s image replace that of US Grant on the Fifty dollar bill.  Most people are aware of President Reagan’s accomplishment but his legacy is still being formed.  Most people, however, know very little about US Grant and at least part of his history should be considered.   On April 27, 1822 a new baby boy came into the world near Point Pleasant, Ohio.  His parents gave him the name of Hiram Ulysses Grant.  Fortunately for the child, he was known to everyone by his middle name, Ulysses.  According to Grant biographer, William S. McFeely, when the young lad received an appointment to West Point, he “took advantage of his new start in life to tinker with his name.”    When he registered at Roe’s Hotel, he switched his names and signed the register as Ulysses H. Grant.  Now, his mother had been pushing for his appointment and Congressman Thomas Hamer had little time to make the appointment.  He had known the boy as Ulysses but was uncertain regarding his middle name.  Grant’s mother had been Jesse Simpson before she was married and Hamer knew of Jesse Grant’s maiden name.  So, he made the appointment for Ulysses S. Grant.  When Ulysses appeared for the initial registration, he found that there were two Grants listed.  One was Elihu from New York and the other was for Ulysses S. Grant from Ohio.  He chose the latter.  If he considered making a correction, he never followed through so well before his graduation and commissioning, he was thereafter known as Ulysses S. Grant.

Fort Donelson and Fort Henry Fell to Grant in February 1862

He didn’t do well academically at West Point but did graduate.  He served with some distinction in the Mexican War but left the army before the outbreak of the Civil War.  He did not find much success in civilian life and was working in the family business as a clerk in Galena, Illinois.  To that point, he had been a failure.  At the outset of the war, mainly due to his previous military experience, he became a colonel commanding the 21st Illinois Regiment.  When he first expected hostilities, Grant admitted that he was nervous.  But, when he found that the enemy had abandoned its position, it was then that he realized the enemy was as afraid of him as he was of them and from that point forth never had trepedation heading into battle.  He rose rather rapidly to the rank of Brigadier General and later commanded successful attacks on Fort Henry and Fort Donelson.  At that time, those were just about the only Union successes in the war.  While his commanding officer, Henry Halleck, consistently attempted to  throw up obstacles, Grant caught the eye of President Lincoln who was constantly looking for a general who could lead and who would fight.  He went on to lead a bloody but decisive victory at Shiloh.

Busy Vicksburg Fell to Grant on July 4th

Grant conducted a masterful and daring campaign against Vicksburg, MS which he put under siege.  It is an effort that is often overlooked by many history classes because the fall of Vicksburg happened coincidentally with the battle of Gettysburg.   While Gettysburg was monumental and marked the end of the northern extent of Confederate incursions, it can be argued that Grant’s securing of Vicksburg was militarily more significant than Lee’s defeat at Gettysburg.  By securing Vicksburg, the Union had gained control of the Mississippi River and effectively cut the Confederacy in two.  From that point, Grant led more bold victories in Tennessee.

Lee Surrendered in Best Dress Uniform; Grant Showed Up in Private's Coat

The rank of Lieutenant General had not been used in the military since General Washington held the rank.  I suppose the Lieutenant moniker indicates that the rank is second only to the President, who is the Commander in Chief.  President Lincoln urged Congress to reactivate the position and on this date in 1864, Ulysses S. Grant was advanced to the level of Lt. General…the highest ranking General Officer the nation had seen since General Washington.  At the presentation, Lincoln said, “General Grant, the nation’s appreciation of what you have done, and its reliance upon you for what remains to be done in the existing great struggle, are now presented, with this commission constituting you you lieutenant-general in the Army of the United States.  With his high honor, devolves upon you, also, a corresponding responsibility.  As the country herein trusts you, so, under God, it will sustain you.  I scarcely need to add, that, with what I here speak for the nation, goes my own hearty personal concurrence.”

Grant Still on the $50 Bill...Some Want Ron to Replace him

Grant did go on to lead the Union to victory and became the 18th President of the United States.  We are often told in history of how he was a drunk, his administration was corrupt and he is typically listed near the bottom of most presidential listings.  Nevertheless, it was his delayed actions during Reconstruction that effictively destroyed the Ku Klux Klan in 1871 until it resurfaced in the early 20th century.  Consider that he was one of the most beloved men of his time.  He went on a two year world tour where he was greeted by thousands and welcome by the crowned heads of the world.  In 1881, he was a serious contender for an unprecedented third term.  I’ve always wondered why modern historians think he was so bad when the people who lived during his tenure in office would have even remotely considered him for another term.  Yet, now someone wants to replace US Grant’s image on the $50 bill with that of President Reagan.  That would be a mistake.  Grant needs to be recognized and remembered. 

Grant's Way of War Lives in 21st Century; Lee's Left in Ash Heap of History

Now, critics often point to Grant’s poor standing in his graduating class at West Point to illustrate his shortcomings.  But, at West Point,  the strategy and tactics of de Jomini (Napoleonic) were taught that called for the maintanance of supply lines and concentrating on key points of communication and supply.  Grant claims in his memoirs that he never read all of his books at West Point and that was a help.  He surveyed the situation and determined that his goal should be to use his overwhelming force to attack and annihaliate armies and supplies so that they are unable to continue to make war.  In general, these “Grantonian Tactics” were used by Rommel, Montgomery and today by the US military.  In my view, he was a 20th century man living in the 19th century and his legacy lives on in the 21st century.  US Grant  would recognize what the media came to call “shock and awe” because US Grant invented it.  Read more about Grant and you will find he was a much much greater figure in American history than he is given credit.

SPC Severe Threat Wednesday

SPC Severe Threat Thursday

Weather Bottom Line:  I told you for several days that there would be severe weather and yesterday there was a major tornado in Oklahoma.   The bulk of the severe threat will remain South of Louisville…the Arklatex looks like a good spot and also the Dixie states.  The main system is getting hung up but that means that we will continue to have mild conditions and increasing moisture.  So, rain on Tuesday night will give rise to some lingering showers on Wednesday morning followed by temperatures near 70 in the afternoon and then a threat for t’storms on Thursday.  At this point, as this guy comes out on Thursday, the main severe threat will be South but, I would suggest that its still possible, not necessarily probable, that we get some action around here.  There are several variables at play.  After the main system moves through, we cool down for the weekend but nothing too far from seasonal norms.  The excessive cold long wave pattern seems to have given way to a pattern that will be more supportive of an active spring-like pattern.