progress towards the realization of freedom in every interest of life. The struggle of the civil war through which we have just passed, has, by the abolition of slavery, secured the basis for the freedom of labor. But the work is not yet wholly done. The contest has been transferred from the field of battle to the field of politics. As after the struggle of 1776, it was found that the constancy and caution of Washington which led us successfully through the war, were equally needed in organizing the results of victory, so now it will be found that the persistent self-reliance, the singleness of purpose, the fertility of resources, the application of common sense to action, which characterized General Grant, are the qualities now needed to organize in every interest of life the principles of freedom which the war vindicated, and which form the basis of our nationality. To show his fitness to direct the energies of this country towards the further spread of the democratic idea, is the purpose for which this book is written. However imperfect and incomplete it may be, its faults may be excused in consideration of its purpose. If it can in any way, aid in calling our attention to the noble destiny of this nation, and to General Grant as an able leader of our exertions to attain it, then it will not have been written in vain. To those of my personal friends who aided me in its preparation, and to those whom I can not thus qualify, but who have also kindly assisted me, I would here take the opportunity of returning my warmest thanks. NEW YORK, 1868. E. H. The grade of Lieutenant General revived-Grant selected to fill it-Cor- respondence between Grant and Sherman-Visits Washington and re- Operations elsewhere in the field-Sherman on his march to the Sea- Thomas at Nashville—The attack on Fort Fisher-Sheridan on a raid, 372 |