Grant’s temper rarely got the best of him, however when it concerned the mistreatment of horses and ladies, the General could become completely undone. Most observer’s recollections of the commander’s deportment rave of a calm and reserved patience and wisdom, that never evidenced a spark of anger. Horses and ladies, in no particular order or preference, effected the General’s disposition to extremes.
An officer related that once, when Rawlins accompanied General Grant, they approached a river crossing and observed a teamster who was cursing and beating his team of horses, using the butt end of a whip. Grant leaped from his horse, grabbed the teamster by the throat and demanded; “What does this conduct mean, stop beating those horses.” The teamster obviously didn’t comprehend who he was dealing with, replied; “Who’s driving this team anyhow, you or me?” Grant became totally unhinged and addressed the villain; “I’ll show you,” and summoned one of his staff officers, and ordered, “Take this man in charge and have him tied to a tree for six hours as punishment for his brutality.” The General and his entourage rode on, knowing that the teamster would think twice before mistreating any horses, in the future.
Colonel Bower stated, that on a march accompanied by staffers, General Grant observed a trooper that had ransacked a house and assaulted a woman. Grant jumped from his horse, grabbed the soldiers musket and clubbed him over the head, knocking him to the ground. The General, possessed a revulsion and a nagging obsession regarding this type of behavior and dealt with it accordingly.
The preceding accounts are recollections of General Horace Porter, relating to events told to him by senior staffers of General Ulysses S. Grant.
Bummer believes that Grant, was the best man, in the correct place and surrounded himself with a brilliant staff. The General’s success was in direct proportion to the competency of his subordinates. What Grant did possess, that set him apart from his contemporaries, was his ability to make a decision and then take the necessary actions to assure success or in more succinct terms, he could pull the trigger, when others couldn’t or wouldn’t.
Bummer
