Corinth, Mississippi,
September 17th, 1862
Dear Father:
A letter from you and one from Mary were received some time
ago, which I commenced to answer in a letter addressed to Mary, but being
frequently interrupted by matters of business it was laid aside for some days,
and finally torn up. I now have all my time taxed. Although occupying a position
attracting but little attention at this time there is probably no garrison more
threatened today than this.
I expect to hold it and have never had any other feeling
either here or elsewhere but that of success. I would write you many
particulars but you are so imprudent that I dare not trust you with them; and
while on this subject let me say a word. I have not an enemy in the world who
has done me so much injury as you in your efforts in my defence. I require no
defenders and for my sake let me alone. I have heard this from various sources
and persons who have returned to this Army and did not know that I had parents
living near Cincinnati have said that they found the best feeling existing
towards me in every place except there.
You are constantly denouncing other general officers and the
inference with people naturally is that you get your impressions from me. Do
nothing to correct what you have already done but for the future keep quiet on
this subject.
Mary wrote to me about an appointment for Mr. Nixon. I have
nothing in the world to do with any appointments, no power to make and nothing
to do with recommending except for my own staff. That is now already full.
If I can do anything in the shape of lending any influence I
may possess in Mr. Nixon’s behalf I will be most happy to do so on the strength
of what Mary says in commendation, and should be most happy if it could so be
that our lot would cast us near each other.
I do not know what Julia is going to do. I want her to go to
Detroit and board. She has many pleasant acquaintances there and she would find
good schools for the children.
I have no time for writing and scarcely any for looking over
the telegraphic columns of the newspapers.
My love to all at home.
ULYS.
SOURCE: Jesse Grant Cramer, Editor, Letters of
Ulysses S. Grant to His Father and His Youngest Sister, 1857-78, p. 90-2
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