Description:

Ulysses S. Grant
n.p., ca. 1869-1877
Manuscript Poem "Grant's Mess-age" Mentions Washington, Jefferson, Adams
Poetry
[Ulysses S. Grant]. Manuscript Poem, 4pp, on one hand-ruled sheet measuring 5" x 8.125", no place, no date, but circa 1869-1877 based on content. Flattened folds. Minor soiling and discoloration. A bit of ink splatter. Overall, in very good condition and unique!

Although the author is unknown, it is apparent that he/she was very unhappy with Grant's administration, as noted in the play on words of the poem's title: "Grant's MESS-age / a Strong hint".

In full:

"Farewell my Country! For eight years / I've occupied the place / Which Washington & Jefferson / and Adams used to grace-
And tho' I say it who should not / I think I will compare / With any man, who's ever filled / The Presidential Chair-
True some have justly been renowned / Through many a changing year / But valued as they were by all / To all I've proved more dear-
Did Adams cost the State as much / In Indian wars alone? / And for what Indian Massacres will Jefferson be known?

These complicated whiskey frauds / That great black Friday ring / Can Washington to view with mine / One deed like either bring?
And Williams' landaulet / You chronicle a list of facts / The Country can't forget / No! and if kind oblivion e'er-
On one of these should fall / Just mention Louisiana's name / And She will speak for all-
She will proclaim my faithful rule / My just & my care / Though other witnesses should fail / She never will, I swear-

I can depart and have my fame / Secure it will not die / While Southern lips & Southern tongues / Can echo to the sky-
But Soft! My Northern liegemen too / Deserve a word from me / For not the Russian serfs of old / Could more submissive be-
And well have I repaid their hurt / was commerce e'er so great? / The Country feverish appeared / And lo! I bled the State!

Where'er a place was to be filled / I chose my kiln & kin / Thro' each and every opening / I forced them bravely in-
And man fully did each one draw / His stipulated pay / And fithfully did each one hold / the coming quarter day-
The honour of our flag abroad / Has been upheld by me / Altho' I cannot quite recall / Upon what land or Sea-
But his I know, where'er it floats / My wondrous thirst is told / Till every far off people knows / The whiskey I can hold-

And if perchance in English eyes / Around my head shall shine / A halo bright, t'will surely mean /
Schenck & the Emma Mine-
Then since my country knows my worth / And I am sure of hers / Let's pocket one and their still / My Skill but seldom eres-
Why halt between two Candidates / Or care which shows a gain / When General Grant is in the seat / And willing to remain?"

A "Reply of the Nation" entitled "Moral" then follows: "No, No Old Grant; We've had enough / Of you & yours, you viper! We've watched you long your pockets stuff / We've seen you drink & heard you puff / And now we only want to know / Who's bound to pay the piper?"

On March 4, 1869, Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885) was sworn in as President by Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase. In his inaugural address, where many African Americans were in attendance, Grant urged the ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment. He urged that bonds issued during the Civil War should be paid in gold, called for the "proper treatment" of Native Americans and encouraged their "civilization and ultimate citizenship". Grant was hailed across the North as the General who "saved the Union" and overall his military reputation has held up well. Achieving great national fame for his victories at Vicksburg and the surrender at Appomattox, Grant was the most successful general, Union or Confederate, in the American Civil War. He was criticized by the South for using excessive force, and his drinking was often exaggerated by the press and stereotyped by rivals and critics. Historians also debate how effective Grant was at halting corruption. The scandals during his administration stigmatized his political reputation.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 5" x 8.125"
  • Medium: Poetry

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