The President, however, did not insist on General Grant's compliance with his request, and at the suggestion of the latter readily substituted Lieutenant-General Sherman, who went upon the mission, with results--according to his own narrative--more laughable than valuable.

General Grant always believed that Mr.Seward had originated the suggestion, and had desired him to go upon the mission from some motives of his own not made fully apparent.

The incident did not interfere with the kindly relations between the President and General Grant, as was shown by General Grant's acceptance of the War Office ten months after the Mexican Mission had come to its profitless conclusion.
From all the circumstances of the case, it is not difficult therefore to understand why the quarrel between the President and General Grant should be viewed with substantial satisfaction by the Republicans of the country.

The National Convention of the party of 1868 had already been called, and it might be awkward for its members, while denouncing President Johnson in the platform, to be reminded that the candidate of their party was on terms of personal friendship with him, and had been so throughout his administration.

Such a fact would embarrass the canvass in many ways, and would dull the edge of partisan weapons already forged for the contest.