[69] N. and H. ix. 40.
[70] I Samuel xxii. 2.
[71] See, more especially, McClure, Lincoln and
Men of War-Times, chapter on “Lincoln and
Hamlin,” 104-118. This writer says (p. 196)
that Lincoln’s first selection was General Butler.
[72] Further illustration of this unquestionable fact
was furnished by the volunteer mission of Colonel
Jaquess and Mr. Gilmore to Richmond in July.
N. and H. vol. ix. ch. ix.
MILITARY SUCCESSES, AND THE REELECTION OF THE PRESIDENT
It is necessary now to return to military matters,
and briefly to set forth the situation. No especial
fault was found with General Meade’s operations
in Virginia; yet it was obvious that a system quite
different from that which had hitherto prevailed must
be introduced there. To fight a great battle,
then await entire recuperation of losses, then fight
again and wait again, was a process of lingering exhaustion
which might be prolonged indefinitely. In February,
1864, Congress passed, though with some reluctance,
and the President much more readily signed, a bill
for the appointment of a lieutenant-general, “authorized,
under the direction and during the pleasure of the
President, to command the armies of the United States."[73]
All understood that the place was made for General
Grant, and it was at once given to him by Mr. Lincoln.
On March 3 the appointment was confirmed by the Senate.
By this Halleck was substantially laid aside; his
uselessness had long since become so apparent, that
though still holding his dignified position, he seemed
almost forgotten by every one.
Grant came to Washington,[74] arriving on March 8,
and there was induced by what he heard and saw to
lay aside his own previous purpose and the strenuous
advice of Sherman, and to fall in with Mr. Lincoln’s
wishes; that is to say, to take personal control of
the campaign in Virginia. He did this with his
usual promptness, and set Sherman in command in the
middle of the country, the only other important theatre
of operations. It is said that Grant, before
accepting the new rank and taking Virginia as his
special province, stipulated that he was to be absolutely
free from all interference, especially on the part
of Stanton. Whether this agreement was formulated
or not, it was put into practical effect. No
man hereafter interfered with General Grant. Mr.
Lincoln occasionally made suggestions, but strictly
and merely as suggestions. He distinctly and
pointedly said that he did not know, and did not wish
to know, the general’s plans of campaign.[75]
When the new commander had duly considered the situation,
he adopted precisely the same broad scheme which had
been previously devised by Mr. Lincoln and General
McClellan; that is to say, he arranged a simultaneous
vigorous advance all along the line. It was the
way to make weight and numbers tell; and Grant had
great faith in weight and numbers; like Napoleon, he
believed that Providence has a shrewd way of siding
with the heaviest battalions.
