Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant · Chapter
Chapter LVII explained
Grant orchestrates the defense of Washington and the Shenandoah Valley by appointing Sheridan to command, overrides objections from Stanton, and coordinates troop movements to threaten Richmond and prevent Confederate reinforcements from re
What happens
Grant orchestrates the defense of Washington and the Shenandoah Valley by appointing Sheridan to command, overrides objections from Stanton, and coordinates troop movements to threaten Richmond and prevent Confederate reinforcements from reaching Early. He also manages the crisis of the draft resistance in the North, supports Sherman's campaign near Atlanta by sending raw troops, and oversees the construction of the mine at Petersburg for a planned assault.
Themes in this chapter
Leadership and Humility
Grant's decisive command and Hunter's selfless request to be relieved exemplify leadership and humility in service.
The Horrors and Cost of War
The chapter discusses troop movements, battles, and the mining operation at Petersburg, highlighting the ongoing human and material costs.
National Union and Constitutional Crisis
The draft resistance scheme in the North underscores the constitutional and national unity challenges during the war.
Characters to notice
- Ulysses S. Grant
Author and central commander; makes strategic decisions, issues orders, and travels to Monocacy to direct operations.
- Philip H. Sheridan
Appointed to command in the field against Early; arrives at Monocacy by special train to receive instructions.
- Henry W. Halleck
Informs Grant of draft resistance scheme and suggests drawing troops from the field; involved in command disputes.
- Abraham Lincoln
Sends a characteristic dispatch endorsing Grant's aggressive orders and urging vigilance.
- Edwin M. Stanton
Objects to Sheridan's appointment due to his youth.
- David Hunter
Relinquishes command of the department, showing patriotism; Grant writes instructions for him.
- William T. Sherman
Requests reinforcements for his campaign near Atlanta; Grant assures him of support.
- Ambrose E. Burnside
Commences mining operation under Confederate lines at Petersburg, approved by Grant and Meade.
Key passages
“I want Sheridan put in command of all the troops in the field, with instructions to put himself south of the enemy and follow him to the death. Wherever the enemy goes let our troops go also.”
Grant orders that Sheridan be given full command of the field forces and pursue the enemy relentlessly, moving wherever the enemy goes.
Grant's aggressive strategy for the Shenandoah Valley campaign.
“I repeat to you it will neither be done nor attempted unless you watch it every day, and hour, and force it.”
Lincoln warns Grant that his orders will not be carried out without constant personal oversight and enforcement.
Lincoln's characteristic insistence on active supervision of military operations.
“He did not want, in any way, to embarrass the cause; thus showing a patriotism that was none too common in the army.”
Hunter's willingness to step down demonstrated a rare and selfless patriotism.
Grant's praise for Hunter's patriotic decision to relinquish command.
