hington
was most attractive to me and it is quite the equal of Mr. Everett's
oration, that yielded a large sum of money, that the orator applied to
the purchase of Mount Vernon. Mr. Bancroft aimed to illustrate his
history by an exhibition of philosophy. This feat in literature can
be accomplished successfully only by a great mind. First the events,
then the reasons for or sources of, then the consequences, then the
wisdom or unwisdom of the human agencies that have had part in weaving
the web, are all to be considered. Examples are Gibbon and Buckle.

GENERAL GRANT AS A MAN AND A FRIEND

The simplicity of General Grant's nature, his frankness in all his
intercourse with his fellow men, his freedom from duplicity were not
touched unfavorably in any degree by his rapid advancement from the
ordinary pursuits of ordinary men to the highest places in military
and civil life. There was never in his career any ostentatious display
of power, never any exercise of wanton or unnecessary authority.

He disliked controversy even in conversation, and his reticence when
not in the company of habitual companions and trusted friends was due
in part to his rule of life on this subject.

From the many years of my acquaintance with General Grant I cannot
recall an instance of a reference to theological opinions upon
controverted topics of faith.

The humanitarian side of his nature was strong, but it was not
ostentatiously exhibited--indeed it was concealed rather than
proclaimed. It was made known to me by his interest and by his lack of
interest in appointments in the Treasury Department.

Of salaried places he controlled the appointment of General Pleasanton
as commissioner of internal revenue, and of that only.

On several occasions he suggested the designation of a person named for
employment in some menial and non-salaried service. The person named
was in every instance the widow or daughter of some soldier of the war.
At intervals, not widely separated, he would bring the subject to my
notice. Thus, without a command, I was forced to follow his suggestion.

The purity of his conversation might have been a worthy example for the
most carefully trained person in etiquette and morals. My intercourse
with General Grant was intimate through many years, and never on any
occasion did he repeat a story or a phrase that contained a profane
remark or carried a vulgar allusion. He had a relish for untainted wit
and for gen