# LI explained — Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant

> Chapter companion for Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant by Ulysses S. Grant.

## What happens

After the Battle of the Wilderness, Grant describes the army's successful crossing of the Rapidan, the use of telegraph and signal corps, and the movement by the left flank toward Spotsylvania. He details the intense fighting, the accidental Confederate occupation of Spotsylvania due to fires, and the missed opportunities to crush Anderson's corps.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Horrors and Cost of War

Describes the desperate fighting and severe losses in the Wilderness, emphasizing the human cost.

### Leadership and Humility

Grant reflects on his own command decisions, the qualities of his generals, and the role of accident in battle.

### Personal Integrity and Self-Reliance

Highlights the discipline and self-reliance of troops in constructing defenses and the telegraph corps' efficiency.

## Character check-ins

### Ulysses S. Grant

Author and commander, reflecting on the battle and strategic decisions.

### George G. Meade

Commander of the Army of the Potomac; Grant considered him a gallant soldier.

### Gouverneur K. Warren

Led the 5th Corps; criticized for his tactical approach but praised for ability and courage.

### John Sedgwick

Commanded the 6th Corps; slow to support Warren but reliable in serious work.

### Winfield S. Hancock

Commanded the 2nd Corps; held at Todd's Tavern and ready to support.

### Ambrose E. Burnside

Commanded the 9th Corps; positioned with wagon trains on the extreme left.

### Philip H. Sheridan

Cavalry commander; fought at Todd's Tavern and issued orders for Spotsylvania.

### Robert E. Lee

Confederate commander; initially misjudged Grant's movement toward Spotsylvania.

## Key lines

> More desperate fighting has not been witnessed on this continent than that of the 5th and 6th of May.

The fighting on May 5 and 6 was among the most intense ever seen in North America.

_Grant emphasizes the ferocity of the Battle of the Wilderness._

> Our victory consisted in having successfully crossed a formidable stream, almost in the face of an enemy, and in getting the army together as a unit.

Our success was crossing a difficult river under enemy threat and uniting the army.

_Grant defines victory as the successful crossing and consolidation._

> But accident often decides the fate of battle.

Chance frequently determines the outcome of battles.

_Grant reflects on how unforeseen events, like the fires, influenced the campaign._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/li
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters