While I was in Canada, I was asked about the situation in Mexico.  I said that we had an army on the Rio Grande to observe the conflict.  I wrote Gen. Rawlins,

Galena Ill. August 20th 1865.

Dear Rawlins,
You will see from the papers how Galena spread herself [o]n Friday last in giving me a welcome home. It was very flattering though some what embarrassing. The same might be said of the whole journey through Canada. You have, no doubt, seen reported what I said in Canada relative to affairs in Mexico! All officials in Canada, Civil and Military, called on me. They show by their questions and conversation that they feared a rupture between the United States and Great Britain, and that they would use all honorable means of averting such a calamity. What I am reported to have said is nearly true except I did not say how many troops we had on the Rio Grande, nor did I say what Government would do. I spoke freely, however, of my own feeling in the matter and what I believed to be the feeling of the American people.
Your letter enclosing one for me to sign recommending the assignment of Col. Morgan was received the evening of my arrival here. You will find it signed and enclosed herewith.
I regret that I did not write to you to remain here as long as you found your health benefited by the stay. If you think a winter of quiet, in this latitude, advantageous why not come here and spend the Fall and Winter? The house presented to me’ by the kindness of the Citizens is entirely at your service if you choose to do so. You will find it very comfortable and containing everything necessary for housekeeping.
I shall not return to Washington before the 1st. of October unless called there. I have had a severe cold and cough, with sore throat, almost ever since I left until the last two days. At Detroit, beginning to be alarmed about it, I commenced taking medicine and care and I believe am getting well. I have gained in flesh until I now weigh 152 pounds, two pounds more than my highest ambition.
I enclose you with this a letter from J. H. Stokes which astonishes me.  I have never done him an unkindness that I am aware of. Burnside and Osborn former President of the Ill. C. R. R. made such a statement against him that, taking it for granted true, I recommended his muster out. After receiving his statement in the matter charged I believed great injustice had been done him. I so wrote and so stated in writing and in conversation with the Sec. of War. I recommended the revocation of the order mustering him out and I did all else that he asked me to do to rectify the injury so far as it could be done. The Sec. of War must have turned him off bluntly throwing all blame for what has been done on me. I wish you would see the Sec. and ask him for me to have Stokes placed as near right as possible law will allow. Stokes’ letter is uncalled for and relieves me of all obligation to do anything to assist him. But believing that he has suffered innocently, and not knowing but he may have heard something to lead him to think I may have acted insincerely, I want you to do for him what is just.
Remember me to all the Staff. When any of you write I should like to hear how my horses flourish.
Yours Truly

U. S. Grant.

Lt. Gen.

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 15, p 300-1