There has of late years been a tendency, as a result of the teachings
of certain historical authorities, to minimize the influence of the
leadership of the so-called Great Men, and to question the importance
of their work as a factor in shaping the history of the time. Great
events are referred to as brought about by such general influences as
"the spirit of the time" (Goethe's _Zeitgeist_), the "movement of
humanity," or "forces of society." If we accepted the theories of the
writers of this school, we should be forced to the conclusion that
generations of men move across the world's stage impelled by forces
entirely outside of themselves; and that as far as the opportunity of
individual action is concerned, that is for action initiated and
completed under his own will-power, man might almost as well be a
squirrel working in a revolving cage. The squirrel imagines that he
moves the cylinder, but the outsider knows that the movement is
predetermined, and that there is no change of position and no net
result from the exertion.
A large number of people hold, notwithstanding, to the old-time
feeling expressed, and doubtless exaggerated and over-emphasized, in
such books as Carlyle's _Hero Worship_. They are unwilling, and in
fact they find it practically impossible, to get away from the belief
that the thought of the time is directed by the great thinkers, and
that the action of the community is influenced and largely shaped by
the power, whether this be utilized for good or for evil, of the great
men of action.
In any case, men will continue to be interested in the personalities
of the leaders whose names are connected with the great events of
history. The citizens of each nation look back with legitimate pride
upon the patriotic work of those who have helped to found the state,
or to maintain its existence.
Among the national leaders whose names will always hold an honorable
place in American history is Ulysses S. Grant, the simple-hearted man
and capable soldier, to whose patriotism, courage, persistence, and
skill was so largely due the successful termination of the war between
the States, the contest which assured the foundations of the Republic.
We are interested not only in learning what this man did, but in
coming to know, as far as may be practicable, what manner of man he
was. It is all-important in a study of development of character to
have placed within reach the utterances of the man himself. There is
no utterance that can give as faithful a picture of a man's method of
thought and principle of action as the personal letter written, with
no thought of later publication, to those who are near to him.
The publishers deem themselves fortunate, therefore, in being able to
place before the fellow-citizens of General Grant who are appreciative
of the great service rendered by him to the country, and who are
interested also in the personality of the man, a series of letters
written to members of his family or to near friends. These letters,
dating back to the time of his youth, give a clear and trustworthy
impression of the nature of the man and of the development of
character and of force that made possible his all-valuable leadership.
The plan for the publication of these letters had received the cordial
approval of General Grant's son, the late General Frederick D. Grant,
and it is only because of his sudden death, which has brought sorrow
upon a great circle of friends and upon the community at large, that
the publishers are prevented from including with the volume a letter
from the General as the head of the Grant family, giving formal
expression to his personal interest in the undertaking.
This collection of letters will constitute a suitable companion volume
to Grant's _Personal Memoirs_ and to the accepted biographies of the
Great Commander whose memory is honored by his fellow-citizens not
only for the patience, persistence, and skill of the leader of armies,
as evidenced in the brilliant campaigns that culminated with
Vicksburg, Missionary Ridge, and Appomattox, but for the sturdy
integrity of character, modest bearing, and sweetness of nature of the
great citizen.