Assassination

My heart dropped as I discovered that Lincoln had been shot. This is a sad day for the entire nation, well, the north at least. I can't believe that Lincoln was not able to live to see the rest of his accomplishments. I am unbelievably sad to see the face of our nation go to a Confederate such as John Wilkes Booth. I beg to see him face to face one day. That is all I ask for in order to avenge the one person that I have looked up to. Goodbye President Lincoln, Goodbye.

-Ulysses S. Grant

Resources:
http://home.att.net/~rjnorton/Lincoln.html

El Fin

This, once again, comes as good news as my army defeats the Confederates at Appomatox. Today on April 9, 1865, my army successfully was able to breakthrough the defenses of the Confederacy. Lee recommended that we two met to discuss the problem at hand: the surrender of the South. Both of us met at the battlefield, him in immaculate attire and I wearing mud covered regular army issued clothes. We discussed the terms of the surrender, but I stood firm with the same option that I gave him last time,

"In accordance with the substance of my letter to you of the 8th inst., I propose to receive the surrender of the Army of N. Va. on the following terms, to wit: Rolls of all the officers and men to be made in duplicate. One copy to be given to an officer designated by me, the other to be retained by such officer or officers as you may designate. The officers to give their individual paroles not to take up arms against the Government of the United States until properly exchanged, and each company or regimental commander sign a like parole for the men of their commands. The arms, artillery and public property to be parked and stacked, and turned over to the officer appointed by me to receive them. This will not embrace the side-arms of the officers, nor their private horses or baggage. This done, each officer and man will be allowed to return to their homes, not to be disturbed by United States authority so long as they observe their paroles and the laws in force where they may reside."

Not only on these terms did I give to Lee, but I also allowed him to take all mules and horses for the next crop harvest and I gave his army food rations. As we turned away to go each other's own way, my men started cheering. I demanded that they stop because they are now our united brothern once again. I was happy to see that the battle was not that bloody and could be settled in such a nice manner.

-Ulysses S. Grant


Resources:
http://www.footnote.com/image/4346760/

Vicksburg

I would like to thank everyone that helped me pull off one of the greatest victories in my military career. It is true that I, Ulysses S. Grant, have cut off my once flowing beard in order to show change that can accompany a person as well as a country. July 4, 1863 was the final date that I could stand against the Confederacy. My "Army of the Tennessee" deserves the most congratulation on their triumphant defense against the confederates at the Mississippi River. They did their best and their best was good against the Confederates. We pushed them back until we were able to take over their fortified city of Vicksburg, Mississippi. The newspapers say that Gettysburg and this battle are the main two that set the course of action to become the 'turning point' in the war. I am pleased with the results of myself and my army. This win has brought the Union control of the Mississippi. I will continue to defend the Union with all of my might.

-Ulysses S. Grant

References:
Korn, Jerry, and the Editors of Time-Life Books, War on the Mississippi: Grant's Vicksburg Campaign, Time-Life Books, 1985

http://www.granthomepage.com/grantphotos.htm

Gettysburg

My current campaign in Vicksburg, MS has been a good campaign thus far. It was peaceful to hear of the Union's win in Gettysburg. Approximately 4800 soldiers were killed in the Battle of Gettysburg on both sides. To me, the casualties were too great of numbers to ignore how devastating this war has become. I hear talk of my soldiers that this is the "turning point" to the war, but I can't be certain for right now. The boost of morality of my soldiers has given me the strength I need to fight the current battle that I am in. My congratulations goes out to General George Mead for his tremendous victory in this very important war. This lets me know that we can win.

-Ulysses S. Grant


Resources:
http://www.brotherswar.com/

The Battle of Chancellorsville

My wife has told me of the newest uprising of battle. So much blood has been spilled in these battles. My days of being hindered from my recent horse accident has left me bedridden and depending on crutches. My unavailability to serve my country has left my heart cold; I want to help the Union succeed. The Battle at Chancellorsville makes my desire increase tenfold to take revenge on the Confederates. The fact that Lt. Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson could not hold back an army half the size of his own makes me wonder if the Confederacy is becoming more tactful. Each time, it seems that the Confederacy is somehow pulling through and resisting defeat. We must become a stronger nation if we are to eliminate the opposition. I wish everyone good luck as I recover and I hope to be on the battlefield soon.

-Ulysses S. Grant


Resources:
http://www.militaryhistoryonline.com/civilwar/chancellorsville/default.aspx

The Emancipation Proclamation

It is wonderful news! The President of the United States has issued the Emancipation Proclamation. The reason behind this war we have fought for so long has been settled. My recent promotion to Major General has added to this wonderful event. Not all slaves could be freed, but the majority have been released. Most moved North and are adding to our population which will eventually become beneficial to America. I'm finally glad to have peace and to be able to stay with my family and rest. I just want to congratulate Lincoln on his achievement!

-Ulysses S. Grant


Resources:
http://xroads.virginia.edu/~HYPER/hadams/eha17.html

Free at last: a documentary history of slavery, freedom, and the Civil War. Berlin, Ira. New York Press. 1992.

The Bloodiest Day

The news of the Battle of Antietam from Robert E. Lee's messenger caught me off guard. My last defense at the Battle of Shiloh showed just how the Confederate army could control their army. Not only were my brothers and friends killed, but the backbone to American freedom and the victory of the North has been hindered from Antietam. The loss of such men can only weaken the North's power against the Confederacy. We can recover from this tremendous loss, although it will take time. My current plans will help a little as I plan to advance on Vicksburg in Missouri. The Union, I know, can rise above this loss and band together stronger to help avenge our fallen family.

-Ulysses S. Grant


Resources: http://www.library.ci.corpus-christi.tx.us/MexicanWar/grantus.htm