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The Friendship That Won the Civil War

Chuck Mitchell

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Published in Grant And Sherman: The Friendship That Won The Civil War

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In the darkest days of the American Civil War, when brother fought against brother and the nation teetered on the brink of collapse, there emerged a remarkable friendship that would ultimately help to save the Union. This was the friendship between Abraham Lincoln, the president of the United States, and Ulysses S. Grant, the general who would lead the Union army to victory.

Lincoln and Grant were an unlikely pair. Lincoln was a tall, lanky, and self-educated lawyer from Illinois. Grant was a short, stocky, and West Point graduate from Ohio. Lincoln was a politician, while Grant was a soldier. But despite their differences, the two men shared a common goal: to preserve the Union.

Grant and Sherman: The Friendship That Won the Civil War

by Charles Bracelen Flood

4.7 out of 5

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Their friendship began in 1861, when Grant was appointed to command the Union army in the West. Lincoln had heard good things about Grant, and he was impressed by his determination and his ability to win battles. As the war progressed, Lincoln and Grant developed a close relationship based on mutual respect and trust.

Lincoln relied on Grant to lead the Union army to victory. Grant, in turn, admired Lincoln's leadership and his commitment to the Union cause. The two men worked together closely, and they developed a deep personal bond.

In 1864, Lincoln appointed Grant to be the general-in-chief of the Union army. This was a major turning point in the war. Grant quickly reorganized the army and launched a series of offensives that brought the Confederacy to its knees. By the end of the war, Grant had won a string of decisive victories that led to the surrender of the Confederate army.

The friendship between Lincoln and Grant was a major factor in the Union victory. Lincoln's trust in Grant allowed him to give the general the freedom to operate independently. Grant's respect for Lincoln's leadership and his commitment to the Union cause ensured that he would always carry out Lincoln's orders.

The friendship between Lincoln and Grant was not without its challenges. There were times when the two men disagreed, and there were even times when they doubted each other. But through it all, they remained committed to their friendship and to their shared goal of preserving the Union.

The friendship between Lincoln and Grant is a reminder that even in the most difficult of times, friendship can triumph over adversity. It is a story of trust, respect, and commitment. It is a story that should inspire us all.

The Early Years

Abraham Lincoln was born in a log cabin in Kentucky in 1809. He was the son of a poor farmer, and he had little formal education. But Lincoln was a bright and ambitious young man, and he was determined to make something of himself.

Ulysses S. Grant was born in Ohio in 1822. His father was a tanner, and his family was relatively well-to-do. Grant attended West Point, where he graduated in 1843. He served in the Mexican-American War, and he resigned from the army in 1854 to pursue a career in business.

Lincoln and Grant met for the first time in 1856, when Lincoln was running for president. Grant was impressed by Lincoln's intelligence and his dedication to the Union cause. He voted for Lincoln in the election, and he later became one of Lincoln's most loyal supporters.

The Civil War

When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Lincoln appointed Grant to command the Union army in the West. Grant quickly reorganized the army and launched a series of offensives that brought the Confederacy to its knees. By the end of the war, Grant had won a string of decisive victories that led to the surrender of the Confederate army.

Lincoln and Grant developed a close personal bond during the war. They trusted each other implicitly, and they worked together closely to achieve their shared goal of preserving the Union.

The Post-War Years

After the war, Lincoln appointed Grant to be the general-in-chief of the Union army. Grant served in this position until 1869, when he was elected president of the United States. Grant served two terms as president, and he is generally considered to be one of the most successful presidents in American history.

Lincoln and Grant remained close friends until Lincoln's death in 1865. Grant was devastated by Lincoln's death, and he never forgot his friend. Grant often spoke about Lincoln in his later years, and he always referred to him as "the greatest man I ever knew."

The Legacy of the Friendship

The friendship between Lincoln and Grant is also a reminder of the importance of leadership. Lincoln and Grant were both great leaders, and they were able to achieve great things because they were able to inspire others to follow them. Their friendship is a testament to the power of leadership, and it is a reminder that we all have the potential to make a difference in the world.

Grant and Sherman: The Friendship That Won the Civil War

by Charles Bracelen Flood

4.7 out of 5