Ulysses S. Grant
has long been
one of my heroes.
General Lee was more glamorous,
perhaps more brilliant.
But Grant knew how to
play the hand he was dealt.
The north held the advantage
in troops and resources.
Grant understood this,
as did Lincoln.
And Lincoln understood what Grant
brought to the table.
“He will fight.”
I was drawn to Grant’s modesty,
His lack of pretense.
The visit to his cottage
Reinforced my love for him.
Located on a hillside
In Wilton, New York..
The cottage is
as modest as the man himself.
Grant lived and worked
In a room on the first floor.
Unable to lie prone
Because of throat cancer,
He slept between two
Large chairs facing each other.
Down the hill from the cottage
is an overlook
with mountains and countryside beyond.
Grant walked down to it when he could.
His friend Mark Twain
Visited him at the cottage
And urged him to finish
Writing his memoirs.
Grant wrote until he died
while Twain sold subscriptions
to the book, making sure
Grant’s family was provided for.
I’ve read the memoirs.
They are riveting;
Revealing a humanism
and a literary skill
surprising in a fighting general
August 29, 2022
poems for friends 
Very inspiring. I ordered Grant’s memoir and look forward to reading it.
Also, love your using poetry to teach a piece of History.
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Thank you Harry. I grew up about a half mile from the site of Grant’s childhood home, which is a few miles outside of the city of St. Louis. Fascinated by the cottage you speak about, I assume his final home…
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Correction: Not his childhood home. His home as a young adult, post-West Point. JYHjr
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Would you agree that his Midwestern roots contributed to his modesty and grit?
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Indeed!
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Born and raised in Ohio. That’s midwestern enuf, isn’t it?
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Hi Harry – nice! enjoyed a bit of history weaved into a poem!
How are you, Kathy and housemates?
Your Alcorn poster is at the BkC office; we can figure out delivery down the road. Until then enjoy the warm days of summer. Lorraine
PS – your posts go to the PROMOS section of our inbox so I dont see most of them unless i am clearing out emails.
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So glad you like it. Nice to hear from you. Enjoy the rest of your summer as well.
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I enjoyed this very much, thank you!
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So glad you liked it. Looking forward to following your blog.
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A touching tribute, Harry. And I learned some cool stuff reading it. And hey, I live walking distance from Grant’s Tomb
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The cottage is where he slept. The tomb is where he sleeps. Also one of my favorite spots, the graffiti notwithstanding. Let’s chat soon.
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