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Grant said this quote during the Virginia Campaign in 1864. Admittedly, it has never been reported that Lee turned that double somersault Grant spoke about but we can imagine what it would have been like if he had!
Ulysses S. Grant was the 18th President of the United States after his impressive role in the Civil War. As a commander, he was calm under pressure, courageous, and confident. He had a can-do attitude and a willingness to take responsibility.
Grant’s quote was said during The Virginia Campaign of The American Civil War. Grant’s troops greatly outnumbered Lee’s but Lee still brought a strong fight early May in 1864. These two forces met in battle in the Wilderness of Virginia. After Lee presented a strong assault, one of Grant’s Union generals expressed his concern about continuing to engage Lee’s men. In response, Grant said one of our favorite quotes: “Oh, I am heartily tired of hearing what Lee is going to do. Some of you always seem to think he is suddenly going to turn a double somersault and land in our rear and on both of our flanks at the same time. Go back to your command and try to think what we are going to do ourselves, instead of what Lee is going to do.”
Before Grant, leaders of The Army of the Potomac had backed down when met with defeat. His refusal to back down marked a turning point for The Army of the Potomac. Grant persisted to the end of Appomattox almost a year later.
Toy Soldier Collectors
People collect toy soldiers for many reasons. Collectors may buy toy soldiers out of a love for history, nostalgia, or just for fun. Whatever the reason for collecting, toy soldiers capture a little piece of history for their owners.
See the stars of TOYmaker TALK on our official site now. Start or build your toy soldier collection with our great selection of collectible toy soldiers.
Stars of TOYmaker TALK
General Robert E. Lee
Union General US Grant
Union Infantry at the Ready 1
Union Artillery Command Set
Artillery Crewman in Shirtsleeves
Union Infantry Iron Brigade Loading
Sources:
“A Quick and Dirty Overview of the Virginia Campaign, May – June 1864.” Ohio State.
McPherson, James, (2007). This Mighty Scourge: Perspectives on the Civil War. New York: Oxford University Press.