Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant · Chapter
LVIII explained
Grant describes his strategic planning for the final campaign of the war, including the relief of General Hancock and the assignment of General Humphreys to command the 2nd Corps.
What happens
Grant describes his strategic planning for the final campaign of the war, including the relief of General Hancock and the assignment of General Humphreys to command the 2nd Corps. He details his visit to General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley, Sheridan's decisive victory over Early at Opequon Creek, and the subsequent destruction of Confederate supplies. Grant also notes the political context of the 1864 election and the administration's concerns about Sheridan's pursuit.
Themes in this chapter
Leadership and Humility
Grant defers to Sheridan's tactical judgment, allowing him to execute his own plan despite having prepared a detailed strategy.
The Horrors and Cost of War
The chapter describes the destruction of crops and property in the Shenandoah Valley, and the heavy losses sustained by both sides.
National Union and Constitutional Crisis
The political context of the 1864 election and the threat of treasonous talk at the Democratic convention highlight the ongoing constitutional crisis.
Characters to notice
- Ulysses S. Grant
Author and commander, plans the final campaign and visits Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley.
- Philip H. Sheridan
Commands forces in the Shenandoah Valley, defeats Early at Opequon Creek and pursues him up the valley.
- Winfield S. Hancock
Relieved from command of the 2nd Corps and ordered to Washington to organize a veteran corps.
- Andrew A. Humphreys
Chief-of-staff of the Army of the Potomac, assigned to command the 2nd Corps succeeding Hancock.
- Jubal Early
Confederate commander in the Shenandoah Valley, defeated by Sheridan at Opequon Creek and Fisher's Hill.
- Abraham Lincoln
President, expresses concern about Sheridan's pursuit and the political impact of the battle on the November elections.
- Edward Ord
Leads the 18th Corps in an advance on Richmond to prevent Lee from reinforcing Early.
- Henry W. Halleck
Mentioned as someone whose caution might interfere with Grant's orders to Sheridan.
Key passages
“I knew it was impossible for me to get orders through Washington to Sheridan to make a move, because they would be stopped there and such orders as Halleck’s caution (and that of the Secretary of War) would suggest would be given instead, and would, no doubt, be contradictory to mine.”
Grant believed that any orders sent through Washington would be altered by Halleck and Stanton, so he bypassed them by meeting Sheridan directly.
Grant's distrust of the Washington command structure led him to personally deliver his instructions to Sheridan.
“He said that if he had permission he would move so-and-so (pointing out how) against the Confederates, and that he could 'whip them.'”
Sheridan confidently outlined his plan to attack and defeat the Confederates.
Sheridan's confidence impressed Grant, who then deferred to his plan.
“But this decisive victory was the most effective campaign argument made in the canvass.”
Sheridan's victory at Opequon Creek was the strongest political argument for the administration during the election campaign.
Grant highlights the political impact of military success on the 1864 election.
