West point Quote by Ulysses S. Grant
““know both of them felt badly over this estrangement, and would have been glad at any time to come to a reconciliation; but neither would make the advance. Under these circumstances my father would not write to Hamer for the appointment, but he wrote to Thomas Morris, United States Senator from Ohio, informing him that there was a vacancy at West Point from our district, and that he would be glad if I could be appointed to fill it. This letter, I presume, was turned over to Mr. Hamer, and, as there was no other applicant, he cheerfully appointed me. This healed the breach between the two, never after reopened””
About This Quote
Source Letter: Personal correspondence, 1865
A man reconciles with a strained relationship by leveraging a political appointment, restoring trust through indirect mediation.
In simple terms: He uses a job offer to heal a rift.
Use opportunities to mend broken ties.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- family conflict
- career advancement
- political patronage
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Can professional favors replace genuine apology?
- What are the risks of indirect reconciliation?
The appointment may create dependency or resentment later.