Somewhat relevant to today

"Much to Lincoln's delight, Grant understood the role of a general officer in wartime and the delicate relationship between commander in chief and soldier. Military men must subordinate themselves to political authorities. 'So long as I hold a commission in the Army I have no views of my own to carry out," Grant explained to Representative Elihu B. Washburn, his sponsor in Congress. 'Whatever may be the orders of my superiors, and law, I will execute. No man can be efficient as a commander who sets his own notions above law and those whom he is sworn to obey.'"

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