A great book. There’s a scene in which a message was to be delivered to the commander and the messenger was startled to realize that Grant, in muddy boots without a coat, was the recipient. The war started with generals with shiny buttons and tassels on their shoulders, directing battles by yelling from horseback, and ended with the general looking like a soldier, moving material by railroad and communicating with the telegraph.

As president, Grant sent 5000 troops to Louisiana to ensure former slaves could vote and hold office.