[Reading this years after it was written, I laugh.

It is pretty hard on the General, for I have been taken for him more than once.] In those days of the war much was talked about "strategy" and the plans of the various generals.

I was amazed at General Grant's freedom in talking to me about such things.

Of course he knew that I had been in the War Office, and was well known to Secretary Stanton,[21] and had some knowledge of what was going on; but my surprise can be imagined when he said to me: "Well, the President and Stanton want me to go East and take command there, and I have agreed to do it.

I am just going West to make the necessary arrangements." I said, "I suspected as much." "I am going to put Sherman in charge," he said.
"That will surprise the country," I said, "for I think the impression is that General Thomas should succeed." "Yes, I know that," he said, "but I know the men and Thomas will be the first to say that Sherman is the man for the work.