confident it was before his coming to Washington, in March, 1864,
to take command of the armies of the United States. His arrival
in Washington then was not generally known until he entered the
dining hall at Willard's hotel. He came in alone, and was modestly
looking for a vacant seat when I recognized him and went to him
and invited him to a seat at my table. He quietly accepted, and
then the word soon passed among the many guests to the tables, that
General Grant was there, and something like an ovation was given
him. His face was unknown, but his name and praise had been sounded
for two years throughout the civilized world. His coming to take
full command of the Union forces was an augury of success to every
loyal citizen of the United States. His personal memoirs, written
in the face of death, tell the story of his life in a modest way,
without pretension or guile. I am not sure that he added to his
fame by his eight years of service as President of the United
States, but what he did in subduing the Rebellion will always keep
his name among those of the greatest benefactors of his country.
He was elected because of his military services, and would have
been elected in 1868 by any party that put him in nomination,
without respect to platform or creed.

He opened his inaugural address with these words:

"Your suffrages, having elected me to the office of President of
the United States, I have, in conformity with the constitution of
our country, taken the oath of office prescribed therein. I have
taken this oath without mental reservation and with the determination
to do to the best of my ability all that it requires of me. The
responsibilities of the position I feel but accept them without
fear. The office has come to me unsought. I commence its duties
untrammeled. I bring to it a conscientious desire and determination
to fill it to the best of my ability to the satisfaction of the
people.

"On all leading questions agitating the public mind I will always
express my views to Congress, and urge them according to my judgment;
and when I think it advisable will exercise the constitutional
privilege of interposing a veto to defeat measures which I oppose.
But all laws will be faithfully executed whether they meet my
approval or not.

"I shall on all subjects have a policy to recommend, but none to
enforce against the will of the people. Laws are to govern all
alike, those opposed as well as those who f