1865 - Exitus

Dearest Julia,
       

           One would think now to be a time of celebration. We won the war. Lee had no choice but to surrender. We go back far, he and I. The Mexican War, where me and many others had our first taste of battle. We crossed paths once or twice. I remember what few glances we shared heavily. He did not. Our solemn meeting in a little house was short. Nobody shouted in celebration, those who did were soon stopped. I tried to lessen the pain both of us felt by engaging in pleasant conversation. Though our chat was enlightening, I could tell Lee wished nothing more that a quiet send off. We both lost so much. The numbers still growing as we wait for further souls to be discovered. Hundreds, thousands, hundreds of thousands. Now that we are one again, one nation, we share not only our land, but our sorrow. This death toll that spans the North and South, now that we are one we shall mourn together. Nobody won. It would've been a tragedy had only a hundred died. But the magnitude of this war is sinking in. Though personally, our family is still intact, I cannot help but feel like the thousands that aren't. Lee and I agreed to highly generous terms, we wished not to harm, anger or hurt any more persons, not even regarding the uniform the wore. We wish to mend the nation by letting the sadness we feel, that we share bring us closer. The South paid the bigger price, but now as one we must help them pay interest. Even though I wasn't mentally sound at the time of our agreement, I could tell fully of our situation. Though the Confederate's fought an unjust cause, their hearts were put forth into every battle. They fought doubly as hard as us. This isn't to say I am a bad general, it is to say Lee is infinitely stronger. Half the power, double the drive. I do not pity his situation, but I commend his integrity. The Civil War is over, so we shall show civility to all who need it. All the thousands who do. Please dearest, if a rebel is to walk up to your door, act not as if they are a rebel, remember where we now stand, act as if they are a fellow American.

Love,

General Grant

April 12th, 1865

1864 - General at Last

Dear Julia,

          As you know, McClellan left his rank as Major General two years ago, much to my prediction. Now I say with utmost modesty, I've done it again. I fought my way through the ranks and Lincoln has recently informed me that the new commander of the entire Union Army is I. The generals preceding me have done very little in the way to help us, I plan to change this. Lincoln wants to finish what he started, he wants a fighters, so I shall give him one. I may not make it to Washington to receive my commission, as Meade has us stationed near the Potomac in Virginia. I shall fight and lead and push for victory like none of these timid generals before have. Though I have full faith in myself, and I hope I have your support as well dearest, but it seems that many doubt my leadership qualifications. I have fought diligently so far in this war, and plan to end it with haste. My background even continues much before this war. I may have a drink once in a while, but that doesn't mean I will slack off at any time. I may seem a bit worked up, but I am grateful. I do hope you and the kids are doing well. Please feel free to tell me all about what is happening in my absence. Just remember, next time you will be writing to a General. I might just go have a drink to celebrate.

Love,

General Ulysses Grant

March 8th, 1864

1863 - Word Clouds

Chattanooga Capture

Emancipation Proclamation

NYC Draft Riots

1862 - Battle Diary - Antietam

Battle Log:
October 15th, 1862

          I knew "General" McClellan was unfit as a leader. I use quotations to show the irony that he ever held such a title. General implies the highest level of military knowledge, the keenest eye for detail, and a passion driven by fight. Though attacks should be planned, they must sometimes be planned on a short notice. When a side in war has an advantage, they should take it. Not let if fade away as more than half a month passes by. McClellan has about as much fight in him as a flower. I felt all but sympathy for him when he was thrown out of position. Though his spot will soon be reclaimed, I am determined to take it. Against all odds we managed to get the upperhand in Antietam, and that swine managed to ruin it. We can get thousands of men over a bridge in 2 hours, but we can't get them to fight for 18 days. I have no doubt that we'd have one this war already if anyone else was in control. This war might go on for years more if the rebels keep putting up a fight like that. We had more numbers, better training, and all the odds in our favor, we did reclaim the town but that victory should have been for the whole war. Though McClellan ruined this opportunity, we do have Antietam, and with him out of the way, we now have a chance.

1861 - General Trading Cards

Colonel Ulysses Simpson Grant : Enlistment

Dearest Julia,

          

          Though it pains me to leave you once more, I have reenlisted in the army. With the horrid state of our country, now countries, only getting worse, I see it time that I put myself forth for the sake of the United States. As a colonel, I am of quite high authority, I feel responsible for these bounds of brave volunteers fighting against the blasphemous idea of owning other humans, so I shall lead them nobly. I do not, however; like the sight of our general, Mr. McClellan. He seems unfit as a leader of such a rank. I do hope that one day I can prove I am better suited as a general. I shall not jump the gun, but when the time comes I know I will have to step in. I am entirely confident we shall win this war, with our superior numbers and technology, I'd be surprised if this lasted long at all. It would take a military genius to even threaten us. Though I'm sure we'll win, I shall not raise my glass until this is all over. Enough about me now, how is the business going? I've heard good things from workers at the tannery. It must be very stressful, but I am extremely proud of you. Make sure with all this you still have time for the kids. You know Freddy doesn't like it when you are away for too long. He hates taking care of the others. Nellie won't stay quiet without you around. Tell them all I wish them the best. Take care of yourself too, my beloved.

                                                Sincerely, 

Ulysses Grant

April 15th, 1861