Owen Wister, Ulysses S. Grant

[119] but a later generation must think that this belonged to the general-in-chief. Had Grant's brooding mind been occupied with any thoughts save how best to end the matter and how best to be merciful to the vanquished, he could scarcely be excused. But he thought neither of himself nor of any other of the victors. So he and Lincoln talked together awhile at Petersburg, and understood each other well; for one thought filled them both,--leniency. Then Grant went forward, and learned of Richmond's fall. But no wish to enter and gloat over his prize was in the conqueror's heart. As he had asked at Donelson, Why humiliate a brave enemy and as at Vicksburg he had forbidden a cheer to be raised over the surrendered, or any taunt made as they passed, so now he avoided Richmond; and Lee's last march went on. The good deeds and the exploits of Sheridan's cavalry spurred the infantry to a race. The pursuit