whatever" with the Confederacy would reduce the military
strength of the United States at least 33 per cent. "No
matter what restrictions," he said, "may be thrown around
trade, it will be made a means of supplying the enemy
with what they want. ¹ In 1862, while still in north Missis-
sippi, he issued regulations for the government of persons
engaging in trade. The purchase of cotton or other produce
at any military post was confined to those who had special
permission, and it was made an act of disloyalty to go beyond
the lines to make purchases. The railroads were of course
controlled by the military authorities, and freight agents were
required to make daily reports of their shipments. Licenses
were granted to loyal persons at all military posts to sell
articles of necessity, in small quantities, to those only who
were willing to take the oath of allegiance to the United
States. ² The purpose of this latter requirement was to aid
in building up the nucleus of a Union party in the state.
Grant's whole policy, in fact, was to encourage the inhabit-
ants to return to their allegiance. It is shown in his orders
and instructions to the division commanders and in his private
correspondence. The policy was not entirely without results,
as will be seen later.

From time to time the regulations established for north
Mississippi were modified as experience or circumstances
dictated. Thus, supply stores were authorized, the names
and addresses of purchasers were registered, together with
the date and amount of sale, and buyers were compelled
to make oath that the articles purchased were for their own
use. The occupation of Vicksburg, together with the banks
of the Mississippi River above and below the city, made
more elaborate regulations necessary. Thus, rules were
established for the government of express companies, requir-
ing them to transmit packages in a certain manner, and
strictly according to military orders. ³ Similarly, rules for
the regulation of the postal service, which was declared to
be established exclusively for the benefit of the military
authorities, were prescribed and enforced. Mails were
required to be made up at military headquarters and sent
to the post office by army officers, and no letters were trans-
mitted except those coming from designated military authori-
ties. ⁴ The great influx of speculators after the fall of

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