of the commander against whom they were directed.  But my appreciation of my enemies was certainly affected by this knowledge.  The natural disposition of most people is to clothe a commander of a large army whom they do not know, with almost superhuman abilities.  A large part of the National army, for instance, and most of the press of the country, clothed General Lee with just such qualities, but I had known him personally, and knew that he was mortal; and it was just as well that I felt this.

The treaty of peace was at last ratified, and the evacuation of Mexico by United States troops was ordered.  Early in June the troops in the City of Mexico began to move out.  Many of them, including the brigade to which I belonged, were assembled at Jalapa, above the vomito, to await the arrival of transports at Vera Cruz:  but with all this precaution my regiment and others were in camp on the sand beach in a July sun, for about a week before embarking, while the fever raged with great virulence in Vera Cruz, not two miles away.  I can call to mind only one person, an officer, who died of the disease.  My regiment was sent to Pascagoula, Mississippi, to spend the summer.  As soon as it was settled in camp I obtained a leave of absence for four months and proceeded to St. Louis.  On the 22d of August, 1848, I was married to Miss Julia Dent, the lady of whom I have before spoken.  We visited my parents and relations in Ohio, and, at the end of my leave, proceeded to my post at Sackett’s Harbor, New York.  In April following I was ordered to Detroit, Michigan, where two years were spent with but few important incidents.

The present constitution of the State of Michigan was ratified during this time.  By the terms of one of its provisions, all citizens of the United States residing within the State at the time of the ratification became citizens of Michigan also.  During my stay in Detroit there was an election for city officers.  Mr. Zachariah Chandler was the candidate of the Whigs for the office of Mayor, and was elected, although the city was then reckoned democratic.  All the officers stationed there at the time who offered their votes were permitted to cast them.  I did not offer mine, however, as I did not wish to consider myself a citizen of Michigan.  This was Mr. Chandler’s first entry into politics, a career he followed ever after with great success, and in which he died enjoying the friendship, esteem and love of his countrymen.

In the spring of 1851 the garrison at Detroit was transferred to Sackett’s Harbor, and in the following spring the entire 4th infantry was ordered to the Pacific Coast.  It was decided that Mrs. Grant should visit my parents at first for a few months, and then remain with her own family at their St. Louis home until an opportunity offered of sending for her.  In the month of April the regiment was assembled at Governor’s Island, New York Harbor, and on the 5th of July eight companies sailed for Aspinwall.