That this was the act of a true friend Grant fully recognized.
"You do not mean that?
I was wholly unconscious of it.

I am surprised!" said the General.
"Yes, I do mean it.

It is even beginning to be a subject of comment among your officers." "Why did you not tell me before?
I'll never drink a drop of liquor again." He never did.

Time after time in later years, dining with the Grants in New York, I have seen the General turn down the wine-glasses at his side.

That indomitable will of his enabled him to remain steadfast to his resolve, a rare case as far as my experience goes.