Some of the darkest days...
Illustration
Some of the darkest days in our nation's history were the Civil War. President Lincoln, persistently frustrated at the ineptitude of his commanders-in-chief, replaced them one by one. First McClellan, then Hooker, then Meade. None showed the dash and resolve needed to vanquish Confederate forces. At crucial moments, when victory could have been thoroughly wrought, all three Generals failed to execute. Sadly, they could not match in battle what their credentials purported on paper. Enter Ulysses S. Grant, a shy, slight man of 42, five feet eight, 135 pounds, stooped shoulders, who walked with a lurch, chewed cigars, spoke seldom and failed at farming, business and real estate. Given to long bouts of excessive drinking, he suffered rheumatism and generally harbored a pretty low opinion of himself which often culminated in apathy, lethargy and aloofness. Reading his resume, one could easily see a classic failure, the sad profile of a chronic ne'er do well. Desperate, Lincoln needed a General to lead the Union forces into victory, and he liked Grant because of his fighting spirit. "Will you go?" said Lincoln. "Sure, I'll go," said Grant. "I am here, send me, Mr. President." Neither man ever looked back or regretted the decisions which turned the tide of victory that saved the Union. -- Stewart
