The President said: "General Grant, the nation's appreciation of what you have done, and its reliance upon you for what remains to be done in the existing great struggle, are now presented, with this commission constituting you lieutenant-general in the Army of the United States.

With this high honor, devolves upon you, also, a corresponding responsibility.

As the country herein trusts you, so, under God, it will sustain you.

I scarcely need to add, that, with what I here speak for the nation, goes my own hearty personal concurrence." To this I replied: "Mr.President, I accept the commission, with gratitude for the high honor conferred.

With the aid of the noble armies that have fought in so many fields for our common country, it will be my earnest endeavor not to disappoint your expectations.