Roads  are  almost  useless  to  him,  for  he  takes  short  cuts
through  fields  and  woods,  and  will,  swim  his  horse
through  almost  any  stream  that  obstructs  his  way.  Nor
does  it  make  any  difference  to  him  whether  he  has
daylight    for    his   movements,   for    he  will    ride    from

i  breakfast  until  two  o'clock  next  morning,  and  that,  too,
without  eating.  The  next  day  he  will  repeat  the  same,
until  he  has  finished  the  work."

'  In  acknowledgement  of  the  victory  gained,  the  Presi-
dent addressed  Grant  as  follows :


AROUND     THE    WORLD.
23


^


"  Wasbwotoh,  December  Sth.
ILajob  General  Grant  :
"Understanding  that  your  lodgment  at  Chattanooga  and
Cnoxville  is  now  secure,  1  wish  to  tender  you  and  all  under
jour  command  my  more  than  thanks — my  profoundest gratitude
lor  the  skill,  courage,  and  perseverance  with  which  you  and  they,
over  so  great  diflRculties,  have  effected  that  important  object
Ood  bless  you  all.  "A.  Lincoln,"

(Congress  also  voted  him  a  medal,  and  the  different
Legislatures   passed  a  vote  of  thanks,   and  the  people


OBAirr   AT   HOLtNO   DEL   BET.
began  to  demand  that  he  should  be  made  comniander-in-
ciiief  of  all  the  armies.  In  answer  to  this  demand,  a  bill
was  passed  creating  the  rank  of  Lieutenant-General ;  and
floon  after  the  President  sent  in  Grant's  name  for  the
office,  and  it  was  agreed  to  bestow  it  upon  him.
