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John A. Carpenter. Ulysses S. Grant. (New York: Twayne Publishers, Inc. 1970). pp. 217
John A. Carpenter was born August 1, 1921, in Boonton, New Jersey. His academic background consists of the following: Harvard University, B.A., 1942; Columbia University, M.A., 1947, M.A., Ph.D., 1954. Dr. Carpenter's career as a college professor qualifies him as an expert in his field. Furthermore, Dr. Carpenter has written other books which are similar; Civil War History, and Civil War studies. In Short, a quick examination of his career is an impressive one.
Dr. Carpenter begins by providing the reader with background information about Ulysses Simpson Grant. Grant was born in Point Pleasant, Ohio, on April 27, 1822. He was the eldest son of Jesse and Hannah Grant. In 1923 his father moved his tanning business to Georgetown, Ohio. This is where the young Grant attended grammar school at Maysville Seminary, and Presbyterian Academy. His academics were not of the highest standings.
In 1839, Jesse Grant obtained an appointment for his son to West Point. To put it simply Grant's record at West Point was not spectacular. Although, his West Point record was not of high standings, Grant served in the military with distinction. His career took off for him while serving in the Mexican War of 1860. He was promoted to 2Lt. on Sept. 20, 1845. during his involvement of the Mexican war he took part in the following battles: Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, and Monterey.
Grant's military career will receive a major boost during the Civil war. Grant's military record during the Civil war gave him national prominence. Grant became the man of the hour, he was brought to Washington to receive the personal thanks of the President.
On August 12 1867, when Johnson suspended Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. Grant agreed to act as the secretary. During the next five months he served in the cabinet; but when the Senate refused to concur the suspension of Stanton, Grant resigned.
While the President accused Grant of bad Faith, he drifted to the side of the Radical Republicans, and obviously became the Republican candidate. He easily defeated the democratic candidate, Horatio Seymour, and won 214 out of the 294 possible electoral votes. Grant was no politician by any means. He entered the presidency with no understanding of his position. His cabinet truly conveys the spirit of the political spoils. His administration was plagued with scandals of political corruption. Fortunately, he was not part of the scandals and later received a second term in office.
Upon leaving office, Grant made a tour of the world with his wife and son. After two years of travel, he returned more than ever interested in a third term. His dreams of a possible third term fell apart when James Garfield received the nomination. Grant's last years were devastating, he was broke. He was so hard up for money that he sold his wartime swords and souvenirs. Afflicted with cancer of the throat, Grant passed away.
The author wants to provide the reader with insight to the development of the presidency of the United States. In the introduction, the author, Dr. Carpenter states that the presidency of Grant was more important for what it represented, rather than what it accomplished.
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