of frenzy and generally hurling confusion through the camp. Even
Grant, who never uttered an oath in his life, was often sorely
tried by these exasperating experiences, but he kept command of his
temper and by his quiet persistence brought order out of chaos in
spite of beasts and men.

His disappointment was bitter, however, when the attack on Monterey
began and he found himself left without any assignment in the field.
Lieutenant Meade, destined at a later date to command the Union
forces at Gettysburg, was one of the officers entrusted with the
preliminary reconnoissance against the city, and when the fighting
actually commenced on September 21st, 1846, the deserted Quartermaster
mounted his horse and rode to the scene of the action, determined to
see something of the battle even if he could not take part in it.
He arrived at the moment when his regiment was ordered to charge
against what was known as the Black Fort, and dashed forward
with his men into the very jaws of death. Certainly "someone had
blundered," for the charge which had been intended merely as a
feint was carried too far and scores of men were mowed down under
the terrible fire of the enemy's guns. Temporary shelter was at
last reached, however, and under cover of it the Adjutant borrowed
Grant's horse; but he fell soon after the charge was renewed and the
Colonel, noticing the impetuous Quartermaster, promptly appointed
him to take the fallen officer's place. By this time the troops
had fought their way into the town and the enemy, posted in the
Plaza or Principal Square, commanded every approach to it. As long
as the Americans kept in the side streets they were comparatively
safe, but the moment they showed themselves in any of the avenues
leading to the Plaza, they encountered a hail of bullets. This
was serious enough; but at the end of two days the situation became