U. S. Grant's Military Career

In 1843, he graduated from West Point. His rank was Second Lieutenant. He was assigned to the 4th Infantry Regiment near St. Louis, Missouri.

Grant's regiment was sent to Louisiana in 1844. After a year there he was moved to Texas.

He was engaged to Julia Dent, but their wedding was delayed because he was sent to the Mexican War.

The Mexican War began in 1846 and he was put in charge of supplies. He also ran the bakery for the regiment. When the company moved to Veracruz he baked fresh bread for the soldiers.

It was during the Mexican War that people noticed that he drank a lot of whiskey.

During the war he volunteered to carry a message through a town full of snipers. This shows that he was courageous.

During the battle of Molina Del Ray he was often seen assisting wounded soldiers on the battlefield. He was known as a ministering angel with a kind heart.

In 1847 Grant was part the capture of Mexico City. At the end of the Mexican War he reached the rank of First Lieutenant.

His experiences taught him many lessons he used in the Civil War. He was honest and always gave a straight answer. He did not change as a person even when he was in the White House.

In 1854, he resigned from the army.

In 1861 he was appointed to the rank of Colonel over Illinois volunteers.

This gentleman is a reenactor portraying General Grant.