Dennis,

A little more detail about the relationship between CSA Gen. Buckner and US Gen. Grant. Buckner and Grant served together in the War with Mexico and kept in touch after. In the 1850's Grant a Capt. in the US Army was posted in the Oregon Territory. He was relieved of his duty for excessive drinking. Grant and his family had a hard time and Grant found himself in New York City with his family. He was broke, jobless, drinking heavily, and about to be put out on the street with his family for not being able to pay his hotel bill. Word of his being down and out reached Buckner who was in New York City on business. Buckner met with Grant and paid his back hotel bill and loaned him enough money to see him through for a while and to take his family to St. Louis where his wife's family lived. Buckner also is supposed to have talked at length with Grant about his drinking and his responsibility to his family. This would have been before 1860. Buckner told Grant that the money was a loan and to pay him when he could. The two did not meet again until Ft. Donelson. Grant had a great deal of respect for Buckner and helped him be exchanged after the surrender. Buckner went on to lead Kentucky and Tennessee troops in the Army of Tennessee for the remainder of the War. After the War, Grant l became Pres. & Buckner became Gov. of Kentucky.

Dr. Robert Massey
Surprise, Arizona