The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant v. 31; January 1, 1883-July 23, 1885 2 Revised edition

Mexico had interested Ulysses S Grant since the young lieutenant fought there. As president of the Mexican Southern Railroad, he emerged as a strong advocate of increased trade and investment. Appointed by President Chester A Arthur to negotiate a commercial treaty, Grant spent most of January 1883, working on the project.