5. What can you tell about Grant's personality? About his ability as a speech-maker?
6. What traits in Grant's character do you admire?
CHAPTER XXVI
Some Leaders and Heroes
in the
War with Spain
in 1676
[1898-1899]
Thus far we have directed our attention to the prominent events in American history centring about certain leaders and heroes. In so doing we have in every chapter given emphasis to the achievements of some one man. But in all these cases there were many other men that received no mention by name, and yet their co-operation was necessary to the success of the leader in working out his plans.
This is no doubt true of all times and countries, but it is eminently true of our own country, whose history is full of striking instances of individual heroism and devotion to the flag. We shall find no better example of patriotic daring than in the late war with Spain—a war which exhibited to us and to the world the strong and manly qualities of American life and character. It seems fitting, therefore, that we should in this closing chapter briefly consider a few of the recent events that help us to understand what manner of people we have come to be, and what we are able to accomplish in time of earnest endeavor.
The United States Coast and the West Indies.
Distances are given in geographical or sea miles, sixty miles in a degree of latitude.