From 1852 to 1861, Ulysses Grant experienced near-constant failure and hardship. Even his limited successes seemed to be allowed only so that he would have something more to lose. He saw friends and fellow officers, women and children die in Panama. He lost his money in California, then his Army commission, and perhaps even his self-respect.
Yet he never gave up, never quit, and did whatever he found necessary to provide for his family. At the same time, Ulysses Grant never lost his fundamentally good view of human nature and never became embittered by his tough times. He could always sympathize with a friend, and those willing to take advantage of his kindness found it easy.
In ten years of failure, he endured more than most. In the end Grant had been tempered enough to lead men into battle, humble enough to know he must improve, and wise enough to accept his own faults. This is the story of a ten years of failure, yes, but years that led to undimmed glory.
