September 5, 1864: U. S. Grant Letter to his Father

Transcript:

Head-Quarters Armies of the United States,

City Point, Va. Sept. 5^th 1864

Dear Father,

Your last letter is just received. Before you receive this it is probable Beverly Simpson will be in service if he comes in at all. If he does enlist however after you receive this tell him to ask to be assigned to a regiment now with the Army of the Potomac. If he is already in service have him write to me and I will assign him to some duty either with me or where it will be equally pleasant for him.

Your theory about delay either with Sherman or myself was not correct. Our movements were cooper-ative but after starting each have done all that we felt ourselves able to do. The country has been deceived about the size of out Armies and also as to the number of the enemy. We have been contending against nearly equal forces to our own and they always on the defensive and strongly in-trenched. Richmond will fall as Atlanta has done and the rebellion will be suppressed in spite of rebel resistance and Northern countenance and support.

Julia & children are in Philadelphia. If I can get a house there I will make that my home. Julia is very desirous that Jennie make her home with us if she will and if she will not do that at least spend the Fall and Winter with us.

Ulysses.

Citation:  Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885), autograph letter signed to Jesse Root Grant. City Point, Va, 5 September 1864. AMs 357/29