Existing comment:
Comforts of Home:
The Grants showed deep affection toward their children, whether it was teaching Fred how to ride and swim, being considerate of Ulysses Junior's sensitive ways, telling Nellie that the fireworks were for her birthday on the 4th of July , or wrestling on the floor with Jesse. Ulysses and Julia involved themselves in their children's worlds through playing, teaching, listening, reprimanding, or indulging, as each child needed. The bonds they created with their children provided the solid foundation that kept the family close even when miles separated them.
"[In the evening, time] was spent usually listening to Fred's stories of his prowess... [and Ulysses Junior's] doing and sayings, Nellie, being the only girl.. was her father's favorite... [Jesse's] smallest word was listened to by all of us... After the little ones had retired, our evening was spent by the Captain reading aloud... and I was happily employed in sewing... and listening to that dear voice doing so much to amuse and entertain me."
-- Julia Grant |