Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant · Chapter
Political Intrigue—Buena Vista—Movement Against Vera Cruz—Siege and Capture of Vera Cruz explained
Grant recounts the political maneuvering behind the Mexican-American War, detailing how President Polk's administration, wary of Whig generals gaining popularity, first sidelined General Scott, then left General Taylor in command, and final
What happens
Grant recounts the political maneuvering behind the Mexican-American War, detailing how President Polk's administration, wary of Whig generals gaining popularity, first sidelined General Scott, then left General Taylor in command, and finally sent Scott to lead the invasion of Vera Cruz to undercut Taylor's rising political star. He describes the logistical challenges of assembling the invasion force, the landing at Vera Cruz, and the successful siege and capture of the city and fortress of San Juan de Ulloa.
Themes in this chapter
Leadership and Humility
Grant contrasts the effective but politically motivated leadership of Scott and Taylor with the self-aggrandizing style of General Worth, who exhausted his troops unnecessarily.
Personal Integrity and Self-Reliance
Grant notes that Taylor sincerely regretted his presidential nomination, preferring a quiet life to the abuse of high office, illustrating a theme of personal integrity over ambition.
The Horrors and Cost of War
The siege of Vera Cruz resulted in casualties on both sides, including the decapitation of Major Albertis by a cannon shot, underscoring the human cost of war.
Characters to notice
- Winfield Scott
General Scott, a Whig, was initially denied command of the Mexican campaign due to political concerns, but was later sent to lead the invasion of Vera Cruz. Grant notes his professional capacity and the administration's efforts to undermine him.
- Zachary Taylor
Colonel (brevet brigadier-general) Taylor was left in command after Scott was sidelined. His victory at Buena Vista made him the Whig presidential nominee, a role Grant believes he regretted.
- James K. Polk
President Polk, a Democrat, is depicted as orchestrating political intrigue to prevent Whig generals from gaining popularity, including attempts to supersede Scott with Senator Benton.
- William Worth
General Worth commanded the division Grant was transferred to for the Vera Cruz campaign. Grant describes him as nervous, impatient, and prone to exhausting his troops with unnecessary forced marches.
- David Twiggs
General Twiggs commanded the division Grant was originally in under Taylor's command before the reorganization for the Vera Cruz expedition.
- Thomas H. Benton
Senator Benton was proposed by President Polk for a lieutenant-general appointment to supersede Scott, but Congress refused.
Key passages
“The Mexican war was a political war, and the administration conducting it desired to make party capital out of it.”
Grant asserts that the Mexican-American War was driven by political motives, with the administration seeking to exploit it for partisan gain.
Grant frames the entire conflict as being manipulated for political advantage, setting the tone for his critique of the administration's actions.
“Why, the thing looks as if it was propelled by the force of circumstances.”
Lieutenant Sidney Smith joked that the novel steam propeller dispatch-boat seemed to be moved by the force of circumstances rather than visible means.
This humorous remark captures the novelty and mystery of the propeller-driven vessel to soldiers accustomed to sidewheelers.
“I believe that he sincerely regretted this turn in his fortunes, preferring the peace afforded by a quiet life free from abuse to the honor of filling the highest office in the gift of any people, the Presidency of the United States.”
Grant believes General Taylor was unhappy with his rise to the presidency, valuing a peaceful, private life over the honor and scrutiny of the highest office.
Grant's personal reflection on Taylor's character emphasizes a theme of humility and the burdens of political ambition.
