I listen to a ton of stuff off the internet these days. Thinking about getting rid of my cable TV. Anyway, I just listened to the author of "U.S. Grant, American Hero, American Myth", Joan Waugh, talk to the Pritzker Military Library. Sounds like a good book. The author believes Grant was wronged and that his drinking was exaggerated to tarnish his reputation. That his legacy as a butcher of the battlefield is also false. That many of those of the"lost cause" were determined to destroy Grant after the war and succeeded, leaving Grant one of the most tarnished American heroes and Presidents.
Personally, I've always liked Grant. What do you think of what history has painted for his legacy?
Another great talk from the Pritzker Military Library!
He fought to bridge a harsh partisan divide, and earned a place as America’s most beloved leader. He was no less admired outside his nation’s borders, though. For working-class Britons, he represented ...
www.pritzkermilitarylibrary.org
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See??? This is just another reason for me to sell my house and move back to civilization. I miss out on all this good stuff.
Michael, I have reserved a few momenst so that I may introduce you to Mr. Grant this summer. I am sure you and he will have a lot to discuss over cigars and whiskey.
~Miss Rose
Grant
Grant had a few likeable qualities and was an able soldier. He conducted his warfare in a practical and business like manner...doing what had to be done to end the war. I believe "The Butcher" was a name actually given to him by the Northern newspapers due the tremendous loss of federal soldiers during the Campaigns in '64. This is most likely when he started the heavier drinking. I'll re-check this as I think it was also reported in the papers in '64.
I've always found it interesting how modern scholars (or writers) twist history to support their opinions. Few actually stumble on being accurate and very few at that. I tend to stick with the writings of the time period. I get a hint of more Southern bashing; as modern scholars and historians are looking for way to enrich the civil rights movement history. Grant is one of the current focuses according to wikipedia.
Will
Grant?
Will you be bringing the General through the Southern camps? I am sure that there might be a few of us that would like to "meet" him!
Tophat