Ranking of U.S. Presidents by historians

[Sailor Steve]

Actually Andrew Johnson wanted a quiet and peaceful reconstruction just as much as Lincoln did. The problem was a powerful faction in Congress who saw the money to be made, and that they could make the South suffer at the same time. The fights between Johnson and the Carpetbaggers was fierce, and ultimately led to Johnson's impeachment.

Grant also tried to smooth things over, and was quite active in these battles, which is why so many of his former enemies (Lee included) had so much respect for him.

Some more of what his enemies had to say:

"There is one West Pointer, I think in Missouri, little known, and whom I hope the northern people will not find out. I mean Sam Grant. I knew him well at the Academy and in Mexico. I should fear him more than any of their officers I have yet heard of. He is not a man of genius, but he is clear-headed, quick and daring."
-Confederate General Richard S. Ewell to Robert E. Lee, May, 1861

"Do you know Grant? Well, I do. I was in the Corps of Cadets with him at West Point for three years. I was present at his wedding. I served in the same army with him in Mexico. I have observed his methods of warfare in the West, and I believe I know him through and through and I tell you that we cannot afford to underrate him and the army he now commands."
-General James Longstreet, to his fellows who were joking about Grant's abilities

"Grant is not a retreating man. Gentlemen, the Army of the Potomac has a head."
-Robert E. Lee