Grant running the gauntlet of the Mexicans at Monterey in riding to the relief of his comrades . . Frontispiece September 23, 1846. Lee with Mrs. Lewis (Nellie Custis) applying to General Andrew Jackson to aid in securing his cadetship at West Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 1825. Grant on his horse, "York," making exhibition jump in the Riding Academy at West Point . . . . . . . . . . 32 June, 1843. Lee sending the Rockbridge battery into action for the second time at Antietam or Sharpsburg . . . . . . . 144 September 17, 1862. Lee rallying his troops at the Battle of the Wilderness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232 May 6, 1864. Grant at the entrenchments before Petersburg . . . . . 260 March, 1865. Illustrations in the Text Signature of Grant on reporting at West Point . . . . 25 (From the original records of the U. S. Military Academy.) First signature of Grant as U. S. Grant . . . . . . . 27 (From the original records of the U.S. Military Academy.) Grant's letter demanding unconditional surrender of forces at Fort Donnelson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Diagram map (not drawn to scale) showing strategy of the opening of the Battle of Chancellorsville, May 1 and 2, 1863 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157 Diagram map (not drawn to scale) showing Grant's series of movements by the left flank from the Wilderness to Petersburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229 Facsimile of telegraphic message drafted by Lieutenant- General Grant, announcing Lee's surrender, May 9, 1865 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275 Lee's letter of August 3, 1866, acknowledging receipt of the extension of his furlough . . . . . . . . . . . 283 Chapter I. -- Three Civil Wars England was an uncomfortable place to live in during the reign of Charles the First. Almost from the moment that that ill-fated monarch ascended the throne he began quarreling with Parliament; and when he decided to dismiss its members and make himself the supreme ruler of the land, he practically forced his subjects into a revolution. Twelve feverish years followed--years of discontent, indignation and passion--which arrayed the Cavaliers, who supported the King, against the Roundheads, who upheld Parliament, and finally flung them at each other's throats to drench the soil of England with their blood.