osition being strong, and our cause a good one, it would trouble a
much larger force of the enemy to dislodge us. You ask my views about
the continuance of the war, and so forth. Well I have changed my mind
so much that I don't know what to think. That the rebels will be so
badly whipped by April next that they cannot make a stand anywhere, I
don't doubt. But they are so dogged that there is no telling when they
may be subdued. Send Union troops among them and respect all their
rights, pay for everything you get, and they become desperate and
reckless because their state sovereignty is invaded. Troops of the
opposite side march through and take everything they want, leaving no
pay but scrip, and they become desperate secession partisans because
they have nothing more to lose. Every change makes them more
desperate. I should like to be sent to Western Virginia, but my lot
seems to be cast in this part of the world.

I wanted to remain in St. Louis a day or two to get some books to read
that might help me in my profession, and have my uniform made. Mine
has been a busy life from the beginning, and my new-made friends in
Illinois seem to give me great credit. I hope to deserve it, and shall
spare no pains on my part to do so.

It is precious little time I shall have for writing letters, but I
have subscribed for the _Daily St. Louis Democrat_ to be sent to you,
through which you may occasionally hear from me.

Write to me often even though your letters are not answered. As I told
father in my last I will try to have you hear from me twice a month if
I have to write you after midnight.

I told Julia she might go to Covington and board whilst I am away but
I don't know but that she had better stay where she is. The people of
Galena have always shown the greatest friendship for me and I would
prefer keeping my home there. I would like very much though, if you
would go and stay with Julia.

If I get a uniform and get where I can have my daguerreotype taken,
your wish in that respect shall be gratified.

Your Brother

ULYS.

[From Ironton, Grant was next ordered to Jefferson City, Mo., to take
command there. There were much confusion and lack of discipline here.
"There was no system existing as to recruiting and the city was filled
with fugitives. These, driven by guerilla bands to take refuge with
the national troops, were in a deplorable condition." In a week or two
order was restored. He was then recalled to