As a suitable reward for his
victories it was determined to make him Lieutenant-General. This
army rank had, before the Civil War, been bestowed on only two
American soldiers--on General Washington, and on Scott, for his
conquest of Mexico. In 1864 Congress passed and the President
signed an act to revive the grade, and Grant was called to
Washington to receive his commission. He and Mr. Lincoln met for
the first time at a large public reception held at the Executive
Mansion on the evening of March 8. A movement and rumor in the
crowd heralded his approach, and when at last the short, stocky,
determined soldier and the tall, care-worn, deep-eyed President
stood face to face the crowd, moved by a sudden impulse of
delicacy, drew back, and left them almost alone to exchange a few
words. Later, when Grant appeared in the great East Room, the
enthusiasm called forth by his presence could no longer be
restrained, and cheer after cheer went up, while his admirers
pressed about him so closely that, hot and blushing with
embarrassment, he was forced at last to mount a sofa, and from
there shake hands with the eager people who thronged up to him
from all sides.
The next day at one o'clock the President, in the presence of the
cabinet and a few other officials, made a little speech, and gave
him his commission. Grant replied with a few words, as modest as
they were brief, and in conversation afterward asked what special
duty was required of him.
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