Book Description

With a front-row seat to titanic events of American history, Ulysses S. Grant's youngest son accompanied his father in the field during the Civil War, lived in the White House, and was with his parents on their post-presidency round-the-world tour. In this intimate account, Jesse Root Grant II recalls the company of the famous and powerful, including Abraham Lincoln, William Tecumseh Sherman and other generals, politicians in Washington, and royalty in Europe and the Middle East. He tells gossipy tales like the time when he caused a fuss with Queen Victoria and his meals with Oscar Wilde in France. A warm and close family, the Grants probably felt more at ease in each others' company than with anyone else. Jesse saw the great strains on his father during the war and even more so during the White House years. Few people realize that for sixteen unbroken years, Ulysses S. Grant shouldered tremendous responsibilities as general and president. Only during the round-the-world trip did Jesse finally see a marked change for the better in his father's mood and physical condition. In the 21st century, historians are taking a new view of Grant as general and as president. Far from being just a scandal-ridden president, out of his depth, his accomplishments are seen more favorably than they have been for a hundred years. Sit down with Jesse and see the days of his father through his eyes. "There is not a page of the story that does not contain something of keen human interest."-The Morning News "Illuminating indeed is the author's word-picture of General Grant's world tour."-The Courier Journal "This biography is exceedingly interesting...and a true understanding of a man whose courage and ability was universally admired."-The St. Louis Star and Times