Speech to Ulysses S. Grant1Jump to section
The nation's appreciation of what you have done, and it's reliance upon you for what remains to do, in the existing great struggle, are now presented with this commission, constituting you Lieutenant General in the Army of the United States. With this high honor devolves upon you also, a corresponding responsibility. As the country herein trusts you, so, under God, it will sustain you. I scarcely need to add that with what I here speak for the nation goes my own hearty personal concurrence.
Annotation
[1] AD, owned by Ulysses S. Grant, III, Washington, D.C. On the night of March 8, 1864, General Grant reported to President Lincoln at the White House in obedience to orders received at Nashville, Tennessee, several days before. The president's weekly reception was in progress, but following an ovation to General Grant, Lincoln arranged to meet him later for a private conference. Nicolay's report of the conference is as follows:
``The President here made an appointment with him for the formal presentation next day of his commission as lieutenant-general. `I shall make a very short speech to you,' said Lincoln, `to which I desire you to reply, for an object; and that you may be properly prepared to do so I have written what I shall say, only four sentences in all, which I will read from my manuscript as an example which you may follow and also read your reply---as you are perhaps not so much accustomed to public speaking as I am; and I therefore give you what I shall say so that you may consider it. There are two points that I would like to have you make in your answer: First, to say something which shall prevent or obviate any jealousy of you from any of the other generals in the service; and second, something which shall put you on as good terms as possible with the Army of the Potomac. If you see any objection to doing this, be under no restraint whatever in expressing that objection to the Secretary of War.' '' (Nicolay and Hay, Abraham Lincoln: A History, VIII, 340-41).
The next day at one o'clock the presentation took place ``in presence of the Cabinet, General Halleck, two members of Grant's staff, and the President's private secretary. . . .'' (Ibid.). Following Lincoln's speech, Grant read his pencilled reply as follows:
``Mr. President:
``I accept this commission with gratitude for the high honor confered.
``With the aid of the noble armies that have fought on so many fields for our common country, it will be my earnest endeavor not to disappoint your expectations.
``I feel the full weight of the responsibilities now devolving on me and know that if they are met it will be due to those armies, and above all to the