Chris Calle (American, B. 1961) "Ulysses S. Grant" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day of Issue Postal Card for the U.S. 20c Ulysses S. Grant Classic Collection Series stamp issued June 29, 1995. Short and stocky, quiet and unassuming, honest and trustworthy, Hiram Ulysses Grant would fail at almost everything he tried before the outbreak of the Civil War. The congressman who appointed him to the U.S. Military Academy mistakenly wrote his name as "Ulysses S. Grant." Grant never corrected the error for fear his classmates might tease him about his real initials "H.U.G." An average student at West Point, Grant excelled only in mathematics and horsemanship. Although he fought in the Mexican War and was promoted for his skill and bravery, he was later unable to support his family on a captain's pay and left them with his parents in Ohio. Grant resigned from the Army in 1854. For the next six years, he failed at various enterprises. When the Civil War began in 1861, the Governor of Illinois appointed him colonel of the 21st Illinois Volunteers. Grant learned fast and, in August 1861, Abraham Lincoln promoted him to brigadier general. In battle, Grant took the initiative, fought aggressively and made quick decisions. Although many congressman asked Lincoln to replace him after he suffered heavy losses in the Union victory at Shiloh, Lincoln declared, "I can't spare this man -- he fights!" A popular hero after the war, Grant was elected president even though he admittedly had no political experience. Much was accomplished during his two terms in office, 1869-1877, yet his administration was one of the most corrupt in U.S. history. Image Size: 15.5 x 14.5 in. Overall Size: 23.25 x 15.5 in. Unframed. (B15013) See More