Ulysses Grant was a realist that recognized the powerful forces that motivate people during times of crisis. He understood it was important to keep emotions in check, remaining composed and focused for the sake of others. The simple but strong keys to overcoming adversity that Grant displayed can serve as a powerful example to others going through times of struggle. His ability to see some positive or good come from a terrible ordeal also helped to maintain his faith in humanity.

Grant was known from childhood as one who put others before himself being described as generous and compassionate. A singular act of brave compassion would come during Grant’s earlier military career. While traveling from the east to the west coast via the isthmus of Panama a cholera outbreak struck his military party. Grant rose to the occasion, disregarding his own personal safety to supply and nurse those suffering from the often fatal disease. Though many tragically passed away during this trying ordeal, there is no doubt of the positive impact of his steadfast efforts. One individual who witnessed the tireless work of the calm and composed young Lieutenant would remember the ordeal as follows:

“Grant seemed to be a man of iron, so far as endurance went, seldom sleeping, and then only two or three hours at a time. Nevertheless, his work was always done, and his supplies always ample and at hand. He seemed to take a personal interest in each sick man; and when one considers the situation, the hospital accommodations he provided were wonderful. He was like a ministering angel to us all.”

As a St. Louis farmer Grant and his family faced life-threatening illnesses. His son Fred was on the brink of death with typhoid fever but recovered. Fred would later describe the care his father showed to his sick children:

“If one of us was ill, he would quietly enter the sick room and ask about the patient with marked solicitude. He would remain near the ill child, rendering every service possible, and seemed to be most patiently watchful. He showed great happiness when the child recovered and rejoined the family circle.”

In facing adversity throughout his life Grant seemingly never failed to rise to the occasion, putting his own concerns aside to help those around him. During the Civil War others were struck by his ability to stay calm and composed in the most dangerous and trying situations. Grant would be described as oblivious of his personal safety as he rode to the front lines to assess the situation during battle. His staff member Horace Porter observed:

“He was always calm amid excitement, and patient under trials. He looked neither to the past with regret nor to the future with apprehension. When he could not control he endured, and in every great crisis he could convince when others could not advise. His calmness of demeanor and unruffled temper were often a marvel even to those most familiar with him. In the midst of the most exciting scenes he rarely raised his voice above its ordinary pitch or manifested the least irritability. Whether encountered at noonday or awakened from sleep at midnight, his manner was always the same…”

It was not just a composed nature in trying times but Grant’s humble ability to listen intently to his staff and fellow commanders for advice. Grant recognized that making clear and informed decisions in pivotal moments is essential to success. His chief of staff Horace Porter would later write of his commander:

“…whether receiving the report of an army commander or of a private soldier serving as a courier or a scout, he listened with equal deference and gave it the same strict attention… The general-in-chief always invited the most frank and cordial interchange of views, and never failed to listen patiently to… members of his staff… He seldom joined in the discussions, and usually reserved what he had to say till the end of the argument, when he gave his views and rendered his decision… His calm confidence communicated itself to all who listened to him, and inspired them…”

General Philip Sheridan would later comment that Grant’s clear-headed leadership and calm demeanor made him “the steadfast center about and on which everything else turned."

General Grant knew the importance of morale and made sure to encourage and inspire his soldiers on the campaign. In May 1863 Grant issued General Orders Number 32 congratulating his army for its accomplishments and bracing them for the trials ahead by reminding them of the honor of their cause:

“Soldiers of the Army of the Tennessee! Once more I thank you for adding another victory to the long list of those previously won by your valor and endurance… More difficulties and privations are before us. Let us endure them manfully. Other battles are to be fought. Let us fight them bravely. A grateful country will rejoice at our success, and history will record it with immortal honor.”

Grant recognized that the war was won not by generals but by the soldiers who risked all and the civilians that supported their efforts from the homefront. It took the efforts of civilians hosting sanitary fairs to raise funds and supplies for the troops. It would be the dedication and sacrifices of millions that achieved victory and peace for the nation.

“What saved the Union was the coming forward of the young men of the nation. They came from their homes and fields, as they did in the time of the Revolution, giving everything to the country. To their devotion we owe the salvation of the Union. The humblest soldier who carried a musket is entitled to as much credit for the results of the war as those who were in command.”

Even though Grant detested war, he recognized that it had ushered in national progress while proving the viability of the republic. Grant would later write in his memoirs:

“We must conclude, therefore, that wars are not always evils unmixed with some good… The war begot a spirit of independence and enterprise… The war has made us a nation of great power and intelligence.”

Throughout the tumultuous years of reconstruction, Grant would stay focused on protecting the nation. In his attempts to prevent war with foreign powers, maintain peace in the south and deal with a national financial crisis President Grant realized the importance of relying on the advice of his cabinet and making calm, calculated decisions. The cabinet Grant relied on included cabinet members that Rutherford Hayes would describe as having been chosen by putting “fitness and qualification before… ‘political services.’”

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Grant throughout his career had seen the worst of what humanity could do to one another, but still never lost hope. He was reminded of the good in humanity at an 1884 reunion convention for the US Christian Commission which had supported soldiers’ needs during the war. Overwhelmed by the faith those in attendance displayed for him and the crucial and selfless service they provided during the war, a choked-up Grant responded:

“It would always be very difficult for me to address such an audience as this, but now it is specially difficult after what I have heard and seen here today. Were I free in speech like others here I could tell of many things done by these agencies of mercy. I had special opportunities to know of service rendered, of consolations administered by the side of deathbeds; of patient, unwavering attentions to the sick; of letters written to the mourning parents of noble sons."

It is during moments of trial that the best of human nature can emerge. After being swindled by a wall-street partner Grant’s faith and trust in humanity was shaken. It would be a generous loan from a sympathetic admirer to help his family get by that helped restore his faith. In his final days on Mt. McGregor Grant met in person with the kind gentleman who had helped him, writing to him on a slip of paper:

“I am glad to say that while there is much unblushing wickedness in this world yet there is a compensating generosity and grandeur of soul.”

In his final days the General tried to bolster his son Fred with the realization that there was a silver lining, that human kindness shines during crises and can create unity...

"You ought to feel happy... My expected death called forth expressions of the sincerest kindness from all the people of all the sections of the country...My sickness has had something to do to bring about harmony..."

It is not circumstances but the way one responds to them that truly matters. It would be the way his father handled the struggles of his final illness that set an example which greatly impressed Fred:

“My admiration for him increased because of the fortitude with which he bore his own mental and physical sufferings. How patiently he endured these sufferings the whole world knows… To the last his consideration of others outweighed all thought of self… he was never so thoroughly the man and soldier as during this patient wait until the end.”

One of the most difficult parts of his final illness was seeing the worried faces of his beloved family. His timeless words of advice to his anxious family written on a note during the final days of his life are a good reminder to stay calm and realistic amid fear and anxiety...

"Do as I do, take it quietly. I give myself not the least concern. Give yourselves not the least concern. If I knew that the end would be tomorrow I would try and get rest in the meantime."

True leaders lead by example. Those who followed the daily newspaper reports of the General’s struggle were inspired by how he conducted himself. One visitor to the mountain who watched Grant’s quietly determined efforts on the Cottage porch described the scene as “the most eloquent and suggestive sermon that he had ever met with.”

Times of crisis disrupt the normal routine of life which provides individuals an opportunity to reflect on their lives and priorities. Grant’s priorities were clearly defined when faced with crises; serving his country, helping others and providing for his family. Grant, despite the anxiety surrounding him, would be a shining example of composure as he resolutely did what he could for the sake of those he loved. He reminds us that focusing on what we can do for family and others instead of fear can help us create a silver lining in the midst of adversity.

Creating a Silver Lining…

As the people of the United States and the world face the current pandemic it makes sense to follow Grant’s example and focus on what can be done to help each other in a practical way. The following is a brief list of some of the humane actions that can be taken to help in this time of crisis to restore hope and calm.