An illustration of Robert E. Lee surrendering to Ulysses S. Grant at the end of the Civil War. At the start of the Civil War, Ulysses S. Grant was put in charge of a volunteer regiment. Campwillowlake/iStock via Getty Images PlusThe āSā in Ulysses S. Grant has long invited questions about his middle name. As president, Ulysses S. Grant was not necessarily the most qualified. Famous Ulysses S. Grant Quotes