He was a past master of the technical
science of engineering, defense and military drill.
In spite of his short physical stature, he was of commanding appearance.
On horseback his figure was impressively heroic. It took no second
glance to see that he was a born leader of men.
On the first day of his active command he had already conceived the idea
that he was a man of destiny. He wrote that night to his wife:
"I find myself in a new and strange position here--President, Cabinet,
General Scott and all deferring to me. By some strange operation of
magic, I seem to have become the power of the land----"
Three days later he wrote again of his sensational reception in the
Senate Chamber:
"I suppose half a dozen of the oldest members made the remark I am
becoming so much used to:
"'Why how young you look and yet an old soldier!'
"They give me my way in everything, full swing and unbounded confidence.
All tell me that I am held responsible for the fate of the Nation, and
that all its resources shall be placed at my disposal. It is an immense
task that I have on my hands, but I believe I can accomplish it. When I
was in the Senate Chamber to-day and found those old men flocking around
me; when I afterward stood in the library looking over the Capital of a
great Nation, and saw the crowd gathering to stare at me, I began to
feel how great the task committed to me.
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