It did not seem to me that
I ought to do either, especially in the case of a man whose
offence had not been merely against me, but who had made a
gross and unfounded attack upon the memory of my father, and
of whose personal and public character I entertained the opinion
I had so often publicly expressed. Accordingly I declined
to accept the office of President. My place was filled by
Joseph H. Choate, who discharged the duty, of course, very
much better than I could have done it.
Mr. James F. Rhodes in his able and most impartial history
of the United States, speaking of the events of the summer
of 1864 and the disintegrating and discouraging condition
of the Army of the Potomac, says:
"Circumstances seemed to indicate the bitterness of disappointment
at the failure of the high hopes and expectations which filled
the soul of Grant when he crossed the Rapidan. It was commonly
believed in the Army that his misfortune had driven him again
to drink, and on this account and others Butler with crafty
method acquired a hold on him which prevented him from acting
for the best interests of the service.
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