November 23, 1862: U.S. Grant to His Father

Transcript (excerpt) [Most of the first page is scribbled over, apparently to discourage casual readers, since it deals with sensitive family matters.  Grant takes his father to task for his condescending attitude toward his wife, Julia, and reminds him that his son is sensitive ]:

I wish you would have a bottle of Cod liver oil bought and have Fred. take a table spoonful three times a day in part of a glass of ale each dose. Dr. Pope of St. Louis says that he requires that treatment every little while and will continue to do so whilst he is growing…

Before you receive this I will again be in motion. I feel every confidence of success but I know that a heavy force is not to my front. If it is my good fortune to come out successfully I will try and find time to write Mary a long letter.

Citation: Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885), autograph letter signed to Jesse Root Grant. La Grange, Tenn., 23 November 186[2]. AMs 357/10.