[
294]
accordance with a plan which his view of the necessity of the ease suggested, and which he so clearly set forth in his final general report, saying:--
From an early period in the rebellion I had been impressed with the idea that active and continuous operations of all the troops that could be brought into the field, regardless of season and weather, were necessary to a speedy termination of the war. The resources of the enemy, and his numerical strength, were far inferior to ours; but, as an — offset to this, we had a vast territory, with a population hostile to the Government, to garrison, and long lines of river and railroad communication to protect, to enable us to supply the operating armies.
The armies in the East and West acted independently and without concert, like a balky team, no two ever pulling together, enabling the enemy to use to great advantage his interior line of communication, for transporting troops from east to west, re-enforcing the army most vigorously pressed, and to furlough large numbers, during seasons of inactivity on our part, to go to their homes and do the work of producing, for the support of their armies.
It was a question whether our numerical strength and resources were not more than balanced by these disadvantages and the enemy's superior position.
From the first I was firm in the conviction that no peace could be had that would be stable and conducive to the happiness of the people, both North and South, until the military power of the rebellion was entirely broken.
I therefore determined, first, to use the greatest number of troops practicable against the armed force of the enemy, preventing him from using the same force at different seasons against, first one and then another of our armies, and the possibility of repose for refitting and producing necessary supplies for carrying on resistance.
Second, to hammer continuously against the armed force of the enemy and his resources, until by mere attrition, if in no other way, there should be nothing left to him but an equal submission with the loyal section of our common country to the Constitution and laws of the land.
Grant felt encouraged to work in accordance with these views, for the loyal people everywhere evinced entire confidence in him, and a disposition to furnish him with all necessary materials for making a vigorous and decisive campaign.
Volunteering was rapidly increasing; and on the 21st of April
the
Governors of the younger States of
Ohio,
Indiana,
Illinois,
Iowa, and
Wisconsin, tendered to the
President the services.
of one hundred thousand men, for one hundred days, without requiring any bounty to be paid or the service charged or credited on any draft.
This patriotic offer was accepted, and the
Secretary of War was directed
to carry the proposition of the
Governors into effect.
