all that the
Republic may continue its existence, let slavery go. But that portion
of the press that advocates the beginning of such a war now, are as
great enemies to their country as if they were open and avowed
secessionists.[1]

There is a desire upon the part of people who stay securely at home to
read in the morning papers, at their breakfast, startling reports of
battles fought. They cannot understand why troops are kept inactive
for weeks or even months. They do not understand that men have to be
disciplined, arms made, transportation and provisions provided. I am
very tired of the course pursued by a portion of the Union press.

Julia left last Saturday for St. Louis where she will probably spend a
couple of weeks and return here should I still remain. It costs
nothing for her to go there, and it may be the last opportunity she
will have of visiting her father. From here she will go to Covington,
and spend a week or two before going back to Galena.

It was my bay horse (cost me $140) that was shot. I also lost the
little pony, my fine saddle and bridle, and the common one. What I
lost cost about $250. My saddle cloth which was about half the cost of
the whole, I left at home.

I try to write home about once in two weeks and think I keep it up
pretty well. I wrote to you directly after the battle of Belmont, and
Lagow and Julia have each written since.

Give my love to all at home. I am very glad to get letters from home
and will write as often as I can. I am somewhat troubled lest I lose
my command here, though I believe my administration has given general
satisfaction not only to those over me but to all concerned. This is
the most important command within the department however, and will
probably be given to the senior officer next to General Halleck
himself.

There are not so many brigadier generals in the army as there are
brigades, and as to divisions they are nearly all commanded by
brigadiers.

Yours,

ULYSSES.

[Footnote 1: Grant's conviction that the essential purpose of the
war was not the abolition of slavery as an end in itself, but the
preservation of the Union at all costs was identical with that of
Lincoln. This letter can properly be compared with the well-known
letter written by Lincoln to Greeley on the third of August,
1862, in which Lincoln says: "My paramount object in this
struggle is to save the Union, and it is not either to save or to
destro