Democratic Sentinel, Volume 5, Number 4, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 March 1881 — A Soldier of Fortune. [ARTICLE]

A Soldier of Fortune.

Mr. Thurlow Weed has added another to his thousand and one reminiscences. The last one is designed to reflect glory upon Gen. Grant, whereas it but represents him as a soldier of fortune in politics, ready to accept the nomination of either party. Mr. Weed says that he saw that the cunning Democratic leaders were preparing to give Grant their nomination in 1868, and that he headed them off by getting a lot of Republicans together and committing them to Grant as a candidate, and then hurrying to Grant to commit him to the Republicans. Says Mr. Weed: “As 1 had known Gen. Grant at Willard’s Hotel during the Rebellion, the canvass and its results were freely and frankly talked over for an hour. I informed the General with what astonishment and incredulity Gen. Taylor listened to the first suggestion of his name for President. 1 also reminded him that a grateful country had rewarded Washington, Jackson, Harrisoq Mid Tayipr for

distinguished services rendered in our several wars, and that history was about to repeat itself in his case. 1 added that, happily, he need not personally trouble himself about the election ; that ho had done his work with the bayonet, and the people would do their work with the ballot, concluding with the remark that he oonld take the Presidential chair unincumliered, free to discharge its responsible duties with an eye single to the prosperity and welfare of the people and country.” It has been the opinion of well-informed persons for many years that Grant was in the attitude, in 1868, toward the great parties, of first come, first served. Mr. Weed’s explanation shows his appreciation of the situation, and how lie advantaged by it for his party.