Existing comment:
An Invited Guest:
Upon graduation from the US Military Academy, Ulysses S. Grant was assigned to Jefferson Barracks, south of St. Louis. Making good on his promise to Fred, Ulysses visited White Haven in September 1843, where he learned that Fred had gone west to join his regiment. The Dents welcomed Ulysses into their home, and invited him to visit often. Ulysses enjoyed their company and soon became a weekly visitor. During one of these visits, in February 1844, he met Fred's sister, 17-year-old Julia, who had recently returned home from a stay with friends in the city. After this meeting, Ulysses became a daily visitor, spending most of his time in Julia's company.
"At the Academy in our last year [Ulysses and I] roomed together and I never had a pleasanter companion.... After we graduated I visited him at his home in Ohio. He then promised me to visit me at St. Louis... My people had heard me talk about him a good deal; they were glad to see him."
-- Frederick Tracy Dent |