I remember when I first met Grant. We were in New York City on our way to West Point (1839), and happened to stop at the same hotel. We had never been introduced before but being both from the west, we struck up an acquaintance and became good friends. We went on the boat together. Up to that time neither of us said a word about where he was going. Grant then said: "I have an appointment at the Military Academy and I am going to stand my examination." I replied, "So am I and we'll go up together."
We were both delighted to find we were destined for the same place. At the Academy in our last year we roomed together and I never had a pleasanter companion. We never had a cross word. He was the clearest headed young man I ever saw and never under any circumstances lost his head. He always wanted to do what was right, and we all had great respect for him. He was liked a singed cat - a great deal better than he looked.
After we graduated I visited him at his home in Ohio. He then promised me to visit me at St. Louis. He had been assigned to Jefferson Barracks, and I was to go a point further west and I hoped to see him at my home for a day or two before I left. He was delayed, and did not reach my father's place till the day after I started. My people had heard me talk about him a good deal; they were glad to see him and they were sorry I was not there. My father lived nearly ten miles out of St. Louis and it was nearly night when Grant got there. My father invited him to stay overnight and then later he was introduced to my sister.