Rensselaer Republican, Volume 20, Number 45, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 July 1888 — GRANTS LUCK. [ARTICLE]

GRANTS LUCK.

How the Hero Narrowly Escaped Selling His Book for SIO,OOO. Chicago Times. Leonard Swett told an interesting story the other day illustrative of General Grant’s traditional good luck, as well as his lack of what is called shrewd ness in commercial dealings. WhenGrant was engaged in writing his mem oirs the Century Company, which had been publishing some of his war articles in the Century Magazine, offered him SIO,OOO for the manuscript of his book. Webster, the publisher, also had his eye on the alert for the forthcoming work and one day called on the General to inquire about it. Grant was seated at his desk, about to attach his : signature to the Century contract, which lay before him. It had apparently never occurred to him to ask more for his literary production. Webster intimated 'that he would like to make an offer. “If if would not be impertinent,” he said, “I would like to inquire how much the Century Company agrees to pay you?” ' . “Ten thousand dollars,” General Grant said. “Then I wouldn’t sign that contract just yet,” said Webster. “Why not?” “Because I will pay you $50,000.” General Grant opened his eyes in amazement. It had not occurred to him to set so high a value on his work; he had not thought of dickering Beyond the first offer. But he did not sign the contract. Afterwards Mark Twain, Webster’s relative and business partner, called and told the General that none of the publishers had offered him what his manuscript was worth. “I will give SIOO,OOO and a royalty,” he said. So Webster & Co. became Grant’s publishers. The firm has grown rich out of Grant’s book and Grant’s family has been paid over $500,000.