All I can say is that I am well.  I have the enemy closely hemmed in all round.  My position is naturally strong and fortified against an attack from outside.  I have been so strongly reinforced that Johnston will have to come with a mighty host to drive me away.—­I do not look upon the fall of Vicksburg as in the least doubtful.  If, however, I could have carried the place on the 22nd of last month, I could by this time have made a campaign that would have made the State of Mississippi almost safe for a solitary horseman to ride over.  As it is, the enemy have a large army in it, and the season has so far advanced that water will be difficult to find for an army marching, besides the dust and heat that must be encountered.  The fall of Vicksburg now will only result in the opening of the Mississippi River and demoralization of the enemy.  I intended more from it.  I did my best, however, and looking back can see no blunder committed.

ULYSSES.

[After Vicksburg, Grant began a tour of observation among the important parts of his military rule.  In October, 1863, the “Military Division of the Mississippi” was created and Grant given the command.  This was composed of the Departments of the Ohio, the Cumberland, and the Tennessee.  Headquarters were established at Nashville, which was the most central point from which to communicate with his entire military division.  The winter was quiet, preparing for the campaign against Atlanta.  He says in this letter, “I am not a candidate for any office.”  This refers, doubtless, to a proposal that he become a candidate for the Presidency.]

Nashville, Tenn.,
Feby. 20th, 1864.

DEAR FATHER: 

I have received your letter and those accompanying, to wit, Mr. Newton’s and I.N.  Morris’.  I may write to Mr. Newton but it will be different from what he expects.  I am not a candidate for any office.  All I want is to be left alone to fight this war out; fight all rebel opposition and restore a happy Union in the shortest possible time.  You know, or ought to know, that the public prints are not the proper mediums through which to let a personal feeling pass.  I know that I feel that nothing personal to myself could ever induce me to accept a political office.

From your letter you seem to have taken an active feeling, to say the least, in this matter, that I would like to talk to you about.  I could write, but do not want to do so.  Why not come down here and see me?

I did tell Julia to make a visit to Cincinnati, Batavia, Bethel and Georgetown.

ULYSSES.

[The rank of Lieutenant-General had been conferred upon Washington in 1798 when our relations with France appeared threatening.  In 1852, it had been conferred upon General Scott, by brevet, as a recognition of his great services in the Mexican War.  The full rank was revived February 26, 1864, for Grant, who received his commission March 3d.  After Grant this rank was held by Sherman and also Sheridan, by