This was because as the nation’s chief military officer, Grant continued to be discreet in his public remarks. Further, in contrast to President Johnson and firebrands Thaddeus Stevens, Charles Sumner, and Wendell Phillips, he maintained a calm demeanor that allowed him to move back and forth among powerful and contentious personalities. Grant’s personal secretary, Adam Badeau, offered his insight: “His equanimity of temper was as important at this juncture as either his steadfastness or unselfishness of purpose.”
