McClellan had not yet met Lee before Richmond. The cry against
Grant was furious and practically universal.
Senator Winter, representing the demands of Congress, literally stormed
the White House for weeks with the persistent and fierce demand for
Grant's removal.
The President shook his head doggedly:
"I can't spare this man--he fights!"
The Senator submitted the proofs that Grant was addicted to the use of
strong drink and that he was under the influence of whiskey on the
first day of the battle of Shiloh.
In vain Winter stormed and threatened for an hour. The President was
adamant.
He didn't know Grant personally. But he had felt the grip of his big
personality on the men under his command and he refused to let him go.
He turned to his tormentor at last with a quizzical look in his eye:
"You know, Winter, that reminds me of a little story----"
The Senator threw up both hands with a gesture of rage. He knew what the
wily diplomat was up to.
"I won't hear it, sir," he growled. "I won't hear it. You and your
stories are sending this country to hell--it's not more than a mile from
there now!"
The sombre eyes smiled as he slowly said:
"I believe it _is_ just a mile from here to the Senate Chamber!"
The Senator faced him a moment and the two men looked at each other
tense, erect, unyielding.
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