Research Exercise: Did Grant Say This? (part three)

(link to part two)

We find some more evidence as to the circumstances under which Grant reportedly made this remark if we read the paragraph that sets the stage for the quote:

Designing (Confederate) Women

Here’s a new post by yours truly on the Library of America blog about how several Confederate women reacted to First Manassas (you say Bull Run, I say Manassas … winners get to choose).  Enjoy.

Advice from Cosmic America to an Incoming Grad Student

I came across Keith Harris’s advice to a prospective grad student today, and I admit I found it interesting reading.  Before long, I may add some insights of my own, because now I’ve seen life as a professional historian from a number of perspectives, each with its own special insights.

Research Exercise: Did Grant Say This? (part two)

(link to part one)

Let’s look at the quote itself first.

“Sir,” said Grant, “I have no doubt in the world that the sole object is the restoration of the Union. I will say further, though, that I am a Democrat—every man in my regiment is a Democrat—and whenever I shall be convinced that this war has for its object anything else than what I have mentioned, or that the Government designs using its soldiers to execute the purposes of the abolitionists, I pledge you my honor as a man and a soldier that I will not only resign my commission, but will carry my sword to the other side, and cast my lot with that people.”

First, was Grant a Democrat in 1861?