The Union army by the spring of 1864 had fallen largely into a pattern of defeat and retreat. Campaigns would be lost or stalemated and the army would retreat for rest and re-supply. President Lincoln had gone through a line of commanders trying to find one that could turn the tide without success. It would be Ulysses S. Grant, who had proven himself capable in the west, that Lincoln would bring east and pin his hopes on to break the pattern and end the never-ending war. It was not just the victories Grant had achieved but his attitude that greatly impressed the President. It was this attitude that the eastern armies would soon come to understand and appreciate.

Grant from an early age had shown that he was committed to completing tasks regardless of setbacks or obstacles. Whether moving massive stones or fording flooded streams Grant found a way. With a knack for adapting to changing circumstances, Grant was good at quickly devising new methods to achieve his goals. Most importantly he never lost hope or faith in the cause, his fellow General William T. Sherman explained: “He dismisses all possibility of defeat. He believes in himself and in victory. If his plans go wrong, he is never disconcerted but promptly devises a new one and is sure to win in the end.” Union officer Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain believed Grant’s “infinite trust in the final triumph of his cause, set him apart and alone above all others.” It would be this indomitable outlook that would help restore hope to a country and an army facing war-weariness and despair.

Grant’s first major campaign in the east opened on May 4th near a place known as the Wilderness in Virginia. For two days the forces of General Grant waged a bloody battle with the Confederate forces under Robert E. Lee in the thick woods. The casualties were so staggering after two terrible days of fighting that Grant privately and uncharacteristically gave way to a flood of emotion in his tent. The men under Grant’s command expected what had happened many times before, a retreat. Retreat, however, was not in Grant’s plan at all and soon word spread to the soldiers that their commander was pointing them toward the Confederate capital of Richmond and not back towards Washington. The effect was clearly described by Grant’s staff member Horace Porter:

“Soon after dark, Generals Grant and Meade… rode along… toward Hancock’s headquarters… While moving close to Hancock’s line, there occurred an unexpected demonstration on the part of the troops, which created one the most memorable scenes… Notwithstanding the darkness of the night, the form of the commander was recognized, and word was passed rapidly along that the chief… was again moving forward with his horse’s head toward Richmond… the cry was to be “On to Richmond!” Soldiers weary and sleepy after their long battle, with stiffened limbs and smarting wounds, now sprang to their feet, forgetful of their pains, and rushed forward to the roadside. Wild cheers echoed through the forest, and glad shouts of triumph rent the air… The night march had become a triumphal procession…”

Grant had been warned before coming east that he had not faced the likes of “Bobby Lee.” The General realized that one of the major problems was that the officers in the Army of the Potomac had given in time and time again to playing anxious defense against Lee instead of focusing on their own plans of attack. Grant recognized the powerful shift in perspective when “after the Wilderness, I took the initiative on the march towards Richmond and… the Army of the Potomac was no longer afraid of Bobby Lee.” Grant knew that good morale and a sense of hope were essential elements of success. Though costly battles and war-weariness still lay ahead in the final year of the war, Grant’s decision to move south on the night of May 7th had restored a sense of hope among his soldiers and many back home. For many, it was this simple but monumental choice made in the light of the flickering fires of a night march that inspired them and renewed their confidence in themselves and their cause. There was a certain determined faith that exuded from Grant as he wrote to some friends in Philadelphia in early 1865:  

“I will not predict a day when we will have peace again, with a Union restored. But that that day will come is as sure as the rising of tomorrow's Sun. I have never doubted this in the darkest days of this dark and terrible rebellion.”

In times of despair and uncertainty, especially lasting for months or years, humans need reassurance and inspiration to continue. Though a quiet man, Grant displayed the abiding courage and determination that was needed in the nation at the time. Though life in 1864 did not look like it did in 1861 and would never be exactly the same again, people saw in Grant a man focused on what was best for his nation despite the uncertain circumstances. They saw a man confidently focusing not on the fear and uncertainty but on accomplishing his duty. This attitude of confidence in the face of adversity can spread and help a nation through difficult times. In 1900 President Theodore Roosevelt conjured the memory of Grant to inspire a nation to remain focused on what it could accomplish:

“Every man who does his duty as a soldier, as a statesman, or as a private citizen is paying to Grant's memory the kind of homage that is best worth paying.”

It’s easy to get caught up and overwhelmed in difficult situations but perhaps the answer is as simple as focusing on what you can accomplish for family and others. As Grant came to terms with the seriousness of his final illness he showcased the same resolve he had on that night 20 years before in the Wilderness. Instead of retreat he steeled himself for his final campaign and began writing his memoirs. As he sat on the porch of the cottage on Mt. McGregor in his final days he could take solace not only in providing for his family but in inspiring a nation with his actions. It is this inspiration to carry on in challenging and uncertain times that is still symbolized at Grant Cottage to this day.

Sources:

Campaigning With Grant by Horace Porter

Grant’s Final Victory by Charles B. Flood

Grant by Ron Chernow

The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant

Personal recollections of President Abraham Lincoln, General Ulysses S. Grant and General William T. Sherman by Major-General Grenville M. Dodge.