Grant and Lee Summary

In Bruce Catton’s, “Grant and Lee: A Study in Contrasts”. On April 9, 1865, Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee met in a parlor of a modest house at Appomattox Court House, in Virginia to work out the terms for the surrender of General Lee’s Army, which would put a close to the war, and create a new chapter in American life. Catton describes the difference in views on society, personality, and aspirations. However, he points out the comparisons of these two great men. They were in fact marvelous fighters. Furthermore, their fighting qualities were really very much alike. Lastly, and perhaps the greatest of all, there was an ability at the end, to turn quickly from war to peace, for the greater cause, which was the future prosperity of America.