PITTSBURG, TENN., March
17, 1862
The Public are all astray about Gen. Grant. His habits (drink) are unexceptionable. His absence during the engagement to see Flag
Officer Foote was explained to the satisfaction of Gen. Halleck, and his going
to Nashville was perfectly proper if he thought fit to go. The reason why both McClellan and Halleck
were down upon him was they had no information from him for two weeks, although
he always wrote once and sometimes twice or thrice a day, and sent daily
reports of the strength of his force.
Why these reports were not received is not known, but the moment Halleck
had Grant’s explanation he was restored to command. Grant is a very modest person. From old awe of me—he was one of my pupils
from 1838 to 1842 (I think)—he dislikes to give me an order, and says I ought
to be in his place. Fancy his surprise
when he received no communication from the General for two weeks after the fall
of Donelson, and that a telegram of bitterest rebuke! He showed it to me in utter amazement, wondering
at the cause, as well he might.
SOURCE: “Grant and Halleck,” St. Louis Post Dispatch, St. Louis, Missouri, Tuesday, August 11,
1885, p. 4
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