Existing comment:
Acting On Principles:
Two of Grant's principles were shaped by early influences in his life. First, his father instilled a sense of equality of all men as a moral right. Second, West Point strengthened his conviction of duty and fidelity to flag and Constitution. At various times, Grant had to choose between acting on one principle or the other, until the Civil War enabled him to act on both.
"Whatever may have been my political opinions before I have but one sentiment now. That is we have a Government, and laws and a flag and they must all be sustained. There are but two parties now, Traitors & Patriots and I want hereafter to be ranked with the latter, and I trust the stronger party."
-- Ulysses S. Grant to Julia grant, April 21, 1861
A Test of Commitment:
Political tensions and person circumstances in the 1850s tested Grant's commitment to these beliefs. Marrying into a slaveholding family and working with Colonel Dent's slaves compromised his principles. However, when it was within his power to act, he did so. He treated Dent's slaves as men, hired slaves from neighboring farms at wages equal to whites, and freed William Jones in 1859.
Further in the political arena, his belief in preserving the Constitution and the Union outweighed his opposition to slavery. In 1856, fearing electing a Republican meant secession of all slave states and rebellion, he voted for a candidate whose election would prevent or postpone war, Democrat James Buchanan.
Union and Equality:
Grant's fears were realized four years later with the election of Republican candidate Abraham Lincoln. When war began in 1861, he immediately volunteered to defend his country. Grant's personal principles and the Administration's war aims -- union and emancipation -- were in accord by the fall of 1862. As general, he kept troops on the offensive, winning control of vital territories and destroying entire rebel armies. He also used his position to advance the principle of equality, and broke down stereotypes about blacks. Grant issued General Order #72 authorizing blacks to be hired and paid by the army as teamsters, cooks, nurses, and hospital attendants. Shortly after this, he began mustering in blacks as soldiers. |