ULYSSES S. GRANT WAS DRUNK!
$1,200.00
61303-7
Superb-content A.L.S. "F. A. Dick " 1p. 4to., St. Louis, Oct. 28, 1862 to Attorney General Edward Bates forwarding a story confirming Grant's reputation as a drunk. Dick, a St. Louis attorney writes, in full: "Seeing it stated that the late attack by Rosecrans upon Price at Iuka failed, for want of co-operation by Genl Grant, I consider it my duty to state, that General Grant was drunk in St. Louis on Friday the 26th instant. I did not see him myself, but Henry J. Blow met & talked with him, and stated to me that the Genl was 'as drunk [crossed out] tight as a brick' Believing, as I do, that much of our ill success results from drunken officers, I intend to do my duty in reporting such crime upon their part, so that the facts may reach those who have power to apply the remedy.... I make this fact as to Grant known, because I have heard it denied that he now drinks - If drunk in St. Louis on the 26th, he may be drunk in command of his army a few days later." Endorsed on the verso by EDWARD BATES who writes: "Respectfully referred to the Secy. of War. Mr Dick is a lawyer of fair standing, at St Louis, Brother in law to Frank Blair. Oct 2d/ 62 Edw Bates" Additionally endorsed by the Assistant Secretary of War, P. H. WATSON who writes from the War Department, Oct. 4, 1862: "Referred to the General in Chief By adv. of the Sec. of War" This was one of many accusations of drunkenness leveled against Grant, especially after the battles at Forts Donelson and Henry and at Shiloh. Despite these frequent accusations, Lincoln retained his faith in his general. Lincoln once reportedly replied, when presented with one of these reports on Grant: "I can't spare this man; he fights" On another occasion Lincoln apparently said to a group looking to remove Grant from his command that if they could find the brand of whiskey Grant used, he would distribute it to all his generals! Usual folds, glassine at margin on verso, else very good to fine condition.