o me for him and said that he would try him the next day,
and if he suited, give me $100 for him. I have not seen the man since;
but one week ago last Saturday he went to the stable and got the
horse, saddle and bridle, since which I have seen neither man nor
horse. From this I presume he must like him. The man, I understand,
lives in Florisant, about twelve miles from the city.

My family are all well and living in our own house. It is much more
pleasant than where we lived when you were here, and contains
practically about as much room. I am still unemployed, but expect to
have a place in the Custom House from the first of next month. My name
has been forwarded for the appointment of Superintendent, which, if I
do not get, will not probably be filled at all. In that case there is
a vacant desk which I may get that pays $1200 per annum. The other
will be worth from $1500 to $1800 and will occupy but little time.

Remember me to all at home. There is a gentleman here who has lands in
San Antonio de Bexar County, Texas, that would like to get you, should
you go there this winter, to look after them. If you go, and will
attend to his business, drop me a line and he will furnish me all the
papers, and instructions, to forward to you.

Yours,

U.S. GRANT.

P.S. The man that has your horse is the owner of a row of six three
story brick houses in this city, and the probabilities are that he
intends to give me an order on his agent for the money on the first of
the month when the rents are paid. At all events I imagine the horse
is perfectly safe.

U.S.G.

[Grant had given up the real estate business and had come to Galena in
May, 1860, as has been said, nominally as a clerk in his father's
store, but really as a prospective partner in the business.

In March, 1861, Lincoln was inaugurated President. The Confederates
proclaimed themselves aliens; South Carolina seceded; other Southern
States followed; Fort Sumter was fired upon, and President Lincoln
issued his first call for troops, 75,000 volunteers. The quota for
Illinois had been fixed at six regiments. Galena immediately raised a
company. Grant declined the captaincy but promised his aid in every
way possible.]

Galena,
April 21st, 1861.

DEAR FATHER:

We are now in the midst of trying times when every one must be for or
against his country, and show his colors too, by his every act. Having
been educated for such an emergency, at the expense of the G