Ricochet is the best place on the internet to discuss the issues of the day, either through commenting on posts or writing your own for our active and dynamic community in a fully moderated environment. In addition, the Ricochet Audio Network offers over 50 original podcasts with new episodes released every day.
Quote of the Day: Gen. Grant at Ft. Donelson
This quote is taken from Ron Chernow’s excellent biography. Gen. Grant’s men took Ft. Henry easily in February 1862. The fort was poorly constructed and was nearly inundated by rising river waters. He then marched to Ft. Donelson. Its loss cost the South 12,000 surrendered men and opened the Cumberland River to Union penetration. The top two Confederate commanders (Floyd and Pillow) fled leaving Gen Buckner to surrender. Buckner had helped Grant when he was down on his luck in the 1850s. However, Grant demanded unconditional surrender which Buckner reluctantly accepted.
After their greetings, Grant asked [Buckner] why Pillow had fled. “Well, he thought you would rather have hold of him than of any other man in the Southern Confederacy.” “Oh no,” Grant smirked. “If I had got him I’d have let him go again; he will do us more good commanding you fellows.” Grant and Buckner, both veterans who remembered Pillow from Mexico, shared a good laugh at this caustic remark.
This victory resulted in Grant being promoted to Major General and eventually command of all Union armies. At the end of Grant’s life, Buckner visited him and introduced him to his new wife (his son became a Lt. General and was killed at Okinawa). The book portrays Grant as defending the freed slaves but also reaching out to the defeated Confederate soldiers. Even Jefferson Davis sent Grant a sympathetic message upon hearing that he had cancer.
Published in Group Writing
If you will permit, an extension of this brief summary from Grant Moves South by Bruce Catton with additional context for our local histor[y] buffs and/or those looking for tips on leadership and backbone (or maybe the exact opposite):
Right. Somewhat intellectual, but not quite intellectual enough to do the job he was hired for.
My Dad said that the 2000 census taker was amazed that his grandfather fought in the Civil War. I have two great grandfathers who were with the Army of the Potomac. One of them was Custer’s bugler.
Man, you’re old. 😈 Closest I have is four great-great-grandfathers and then one great-great-great-grandfather who served in the War.
I’m the youngest kid and Dad was the youngest boy. I was born in 55, Dad in 21 and Grandfather in 1877.