Existing comment:
A Boy Out of School:
As Grant's presidency drew to a close, many people, including Julia, encouraged him to run for an unprecedented third term. Grant, however, had had enough and informed the Republican Party (without advising Julia) that he would not consider renomination.
Released from public responsibilities, Grant prepared to realize a dream -- traveling abroad. He wrote a friend in January 1877, "We will not return however until the party becomes homesick which may be in six months, and may not be for two years." The adventure did not end until Julia, having had enough, insisted on returning home when Grant suggested visiting Australia.
"I was never as happy in my life as the day I left the White House. I felt like a boy getting out of school."
-- Ulysses S. Grant |