[pg. 21] A LETTER OF JESSE GRANT *** On the eve of the Civil War, Jesse R. Grant, father of the future general, lived in Covington, Kentucky, which was to be his home for the rest of his life. His business interests elsewhere included a leather store in Galena, Illinois. In May, 1860, Ulysses moved from St. Louis to Galena to begin again in his father’s store. Jesse Grant was a successful businessman whose true love was politics, and there success eluded him.

[pg. 15] WALT WHITMAN AND GENERAL GRANT *** Running in a clear stream through Walt Whitman’s letter, conversations, essays and poetry is an admiration for General Grant. The apparently paradoxical admiration of the wound-dresser for the warrior was based upon what Whitman believed to be similarities in their characters and a common approach to life.

[pg. 7] WILLIAM BEST HESSELTINE *** The death at Madison, Wisconsin, December 8, 1963, of Professor William Best Hesseltine means a loss to the historical profession of a devoted friend, a stimulating teacher, and a distinguished scholar. Born at Brucetown, Virginia, February 21, 1902, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree at Washington and Lee University (1922) and his Master’s degree from the University of Virginia (1925). He taught at University Military School in Alabama (1922-23) and at Scarritt-Morrisville College (1923-24).

INTRODUCTORY *** Our newsletter is designed to provide news of the Grant Association, Grant studies, and activities of Grant interest. Contents will include items which turn up in the search for material for the Grant Association edition of the writings of Grant. A running bibliography of recently published Grant items will begin in a subsequent issue. Success is dependent upon finding interested readers and contributors, and we welcome additional names for the mailing list as well as suggestions regarding contents.