legislation appropriate legislation to enforce that. what role do you think grant played in the passage of the 15th amendment? he thought of it as may be the most important act since passing the constitution. an action that instantly changed the political calculus of the south. blacks made up 36% of the former confederacy and for outright majorities in mississippi and south carolina. that inspired hope for freed slaves, but clan members knew if they could frighten flacks, thet nothing. bret: are special is not available any time on fox nation. the book to rescue the republic: ulysses s. grant, the fragile union, and the crisis of 1876 is not available wherever you buy books. i actually just signed a whole bunch of books at a barnes & noble bookstore just on the street here in new york, if you happen to be there.