Searched & Answered: Ulysses S. Grant

He’s the most famous Union general and remembered for his winning strategy that led to his role at Appomattox, accepting the Confederate surrender. Today, we’re answering suggested search questions about Ulysses S. Grant…

We’ll talk about his battles, how he’s remembered, some of his life accomplishments, and the story about how he was forced to change his name. Check out the new video!

Continue reading

1864: “Our Preparations For The Spring Campaign”

April 18/64

Chaplain Beugless has gone to Washington to meet his wife. Surgeon Carr is to take a lot of sick soldiers to Washington tomorrow and will be gone ten days. Yesterday the 18th, the 6th Corps was reviewed by Lieut. Gen. U.S. Grant, and the display was fine and the weather delightful. The lines were formed near our camp, each Regiment in “Column of Division.” All the Batteries and wagon trains were in line. General Grant is a short thick set man and rode his horse like a bag of meal. I was a little disappointed in the appearance, but I like the look of his eye. He was more plainly dressed then any other General on the field. After the review Generals Grant, Meade, Sedgwick, Hancock, Warren, Wheaton, Eustis and several others with their staffs rode through our camp. I had the pleasure of saluting for the first time the Lieut. General and received his acknowledgement. We are making our preparations for the spring campaign which cannot be delayed much longer. I have had a fine ride today in search of flowers.

Continue reading

Elizabeth Van Lew: A Union Spy In The Confederate Capital

She wasn’t the only Union spy in Richmond, Virginia, but her story is worth telling because of its uniqueness. Though history has often tried to portray Elizabeth as crazy or as using a crazed persona to cover her actions, some historians are arguing against this portrayal, claiming that from sources it seems unlikely and may simply have been a degrading way to see this remarkable woman.

Either way, Elizabeth boldly supported the Union cause through subterfuge. Continue reading

1862: “No Equal On This Continent”

Pittsburg, Ten. April 8th 1862.

Dear Julia,

Again another terrible battle has occurred in which our arms have been victorious. For the number engaged and the tenacity with which both parties held on for two days, during an incessant fire of musketry and artillery, it has no equal on this continent. The best troops of the rebels were engaged to the number of 162 regiments as stated by a deserter from their camp, and their ablest generals. Beaurigard [Beauregard] commanded in person aided by A.S. Johnson [Johnston], Bragg, Breckinridge and hosts of other generals of less note but possibly of quite as much merit. Gen. Johnson [Johnston] was killed and Bragg wounded. The loss on both sides was heavy probably not less than 20,000 killed and wounded altogether. The greatest loss was sustained by the enemy. They suffered immensely by demoralization also many of their men leaving the field who will not again be of value on the field. Continue reading