Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant · Chapter
Sherman's March North explained
Grant details the strategic coordination of Union forces in early 1865, focusing on Sherman's march through the Carolinas, the difficulties with Canby and Thomas in executing supporting movements, and the Confederate efforts to concentrate
What happens
Grant details the strategic coordination of Union forces in early 1865, focusing on Sherman's march through the Carolinas, the difficulties with Canby and Thomas in executing supporting movements, and the Confederate efforts to concentrate troops under Joseph E. Johnston to oppose Sherman. Grant approves Sherman's proposal to march north instead of moving by sea, and outlines the logistical and tactical preparations for the campaign.
Themes in this chapter
Leadership and Humility
Grant shows willingness to approve Sherman's alternative plan, demonstrating flexible command and trust in subordinates.
The Horrors and Cost of War
Grant describes the destruction of railroads and infrastructure, and the demoralization of Confederate troops after constant defeat.
National Union and Constitutional Crisis
The campaign aims to crush the rebellion and restore the Union by cutting off Confederate resources and forcing surrender.
Characters to notice
- Ulysses S. Grant
Author and commander, coordinating multiple Union armies and approving Sherman's march north.
- William T. Sherman
Commanding the march through the Carolinas; proposed the overland route instead of transport by sea.
- Edward R. S. Canby
Delayed in executing orders to move against Mobile and into Alabama; criticized by Grant for lack of promptness.
- George H. Thomas
Failed to launch cavalry expedition in time; his army was depleted to reinforce Canby.
- John M. Schofield
Arrived at Annapolis and was sent with troops to Cape Fear River to cooperate with Sherman.
- Joseph E. Johnston
Put in command of Confederate troops in the Carolinas to oppose Sherman.
- Abraham Lincoln
Mentioned indirectly through the administration; Grant references Mr. Davis's opposition to Johnston.
- Jefferson Davis
Noted as not favoring Johnston; involved in Confederate command decisions.
Key passages
“I would advise you to overcome great obstacles to accomplish this. Charleston was evacuated on Tuesday last.”
Grant urges Canby to push forward despite difficulties, noting that Charleston has been abandoned.
Grant's emphasis on urgency and the changing strategic situation.
“I expected your movements to be cooperative with Sherman's last. This has now entirely failed.”
Grant expresses frustration that Canby's delays prevented coordination with Sherman's campaign.
Highlights the challenge of synchronizing multiple army movements.
“The men of both Lee's and Johnston's armies were, like their brethren of the North, as brave as men can be; but no man is so brave that he may not meet such defeats and disasters as to discourage him and dampen his ardor for any cause, no matter how just he deems it.”
Grant acknowledges the courage of Confederate soldiers but notes that repeated defeats can break any soldier's spirit.
Reflects Grant's respect for the enemy's bravery and his understanding of morale.
