From Duty, Honor, Country, a Novel of West Point & the Civil War
18 June 1861
Springfield, MO
21st Illinois Regiment
The undersigned, having been duly appointed Colonel of the 7th Congressional District Regt of Illinois Volunteers by order of Govr. Richard Yates, hereby assumes command.
In accepting this command, your Commander will require the cooperation of all the commissioned and non-commissioned Officers in instructing the command, and in maintaining discipline, and hopes to receive also the hearty support of every enlisted man.
Colonel Ulysses S. Grant, Commanding 21st Illinois
12 July 1861
Quincy, MO
21st Illinois Regiment
The Colonel commanding this Regiment deems it his duty at this period in the march to return his thanks to the Officers and Men composing the command on their general Obedience and Military discipline. Having for a period of years been accustomed to strict military duties and discipline he deems it not inappropriate at this time to make a most favorable comparison of this command with that of veteran troops in point of Soldierly bearing, general good order, and cheerful execution of commands.
Colonel Ulysses S. Grant, Commanding 21st Illinois
These two orders sum up Grant’s leadership style.
Only those who have tried to lead men and instill discipline and pride through example, dignity, humanity, and competence really know what you’re talking about there.
Regarding Grant’s initial orders in June of 1861, the city of origin should be Springfield, Illinois — not Missouri. Grant’s troops were mustered at Camp Yates, which at the time was located just beyond the western city limits of Springfield, Illinois.