William A. Crafts, Life of Ulysses S. Grant: His Boyhood, Campaigns, and Services, Military and Civil.

During the war there was no parade about his headquarters, which was no more pretending in appearance or arrangement than a colonel's, while his “headquarters train” was often the smallest in the army. In the winter of 1864-5 he lived in a small log-house on the banks of the James, sleeping on a common camp cot, and eating with his staff at a table furnished with such simple food as “roast beef, pork and beans, ‘hard tack,’ and coffee.” No body-guard ever accompanied him simply for display, and he never made a show of good-looking, well-dressed, and formal orderlies about his headquarters.

The same simplicity he continues in his position as general of the army, at Washington. While not wholly negligent of the proprieties of life and of his office, he discards all useless display, and seems to deprecate all unnecessary formalities. No punctilious etiquette is necessary in order to reach him; and no omission of customary form would call down his wrath on the head of any careless or ignorant offender, though some brigadier generals have in that way manifested their importance. In truth, his whole style and bearing afford an example of republican simplicity remarkable in a successful military commander, but not inconsistent with true dignity, nor unbecoming in the high office he now holds, or the higher office which awaits him.

But General Grant is human. Though possessing a genius for command in war, and sterling qualities which fit him for high executive duties, and inspire the