[After Vicksburg, Grant began a tour of observation among the
important parts of his military rule. In October, 1863, the "Military
Division of the Mississippi" was created and Grant given the command.
This was composed of the Departments of the Ohio, the Cumberland, and
the Tennessee. Headquarters were established at Nashville, which was
the most central point from which to communicate with his entire
military division. The winter was quiet, preparing for the campaign
against Atlanta. He says in this letter, "I am not a candidate for any
office." This refers, doubtless, to a proposal that he become a
candidate for the Presidency.]
Nashville, Tenn.,
Feby. 20th, 1864.