These numbers may be denied, but the proof is on record.
The programme of General Grant in the approaching campaign was one of
very great simplicity. He intended to "hammer continuously" as he wrote
to President Lincoln, and crush his adversary at whatever expense of
money and blood. From 1861 to 1864, war had been war, such as the world
understands it. Pitched battles had been fought--defeats sustained--or
victories gained.
Then the adversaries rested before new pitched battles: more defeats or
victories. General Grant had determined to change all that. It had been
tried, and had failed. He possessed a gigantic weapon, the army of the
United States. In his grasp was a huge sledge-hammer--the army of the
Potomac. He was going to clutch that tremendous weapon, whirl it aloft
like a new Vulcan, and strike straight at Lee's crest, and try to end
him. If one blow did not suffice, he was going to try another. If that
failed, in its turn, he would strike another and another. All the year
was before him; there were new men to fill the places of those who
fell; blood might gush in torrents, but the end was worth the cost.
Would it hurl a hundred thousand men into bloody graves? That was
unfortunate, but unavoidable. Would the struggle frighten and horrify
the world? It was possible.
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