Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant · Chapter
LXIV explained
Grant details the final campaign against Petersburg and Richmond, beginning with Sheridan's arrival and the strategic plan to capture Five Forks.
What happens
Grant details the final campaign against Petersburg and Richmond, beginning with Sheridan's arrival and the strategic plan to capture Five Forks. Despite heavy rains and difficult terrain, the Union forces execute a coordinated assault on April 2, 1865, breaking through Confederate lines. Sheridan's cavalry and the 5th Corps rout the enemy at Five Forks, while Wright and Parke storm the outer works of Petersburg, securing a decisive victory that forces Lee's retreat and leads to the fall of Richmond.
Themes in this chapter
Leadership and Humility
Grant's willingness to listen to Sheridan's advice and his careful management of corps commanders illustrate his adaptive leadership and strategic humility.
The Horrors and Cost of War
The description of quicksands swallowing horses and mules, and the heavy artillery and musketry fire during the assault, underscores the brutal conditions and human cost of the campaign.
National Union and Constitutional Crisis
The final assault on Petersburg and the imminent fall of Richmond represent the climax of the struggle to preserve the Union and resolve the constitutional crisis of secession.
Characters to notice
- Ulysses S. Grant
As commander, Grant orchestrates the final assault on Petersburg, issues orders to corps commanders, and communicates directly with President Lincoln.
- Philip H. Sheridan
Sheridan leads the cavalry and 5th Corps in the capture of Five Forks, displaying confidence and decisive action.
- George G. Meade
Meade is referenced as commander of the Army of the Potomac, under whom the movements are coordinated.
- Gouverneur K. Warren
Warren commands the 5th Corps, but is criticized by Grant for slow movement in supporting Sheridan at Five Forks.
- Andrew A. Humphreys
Humphreys commands the 2nd Corps, which advances and captures intrenched picket-lines during the assault.
- Edward Ord
Ord leads the Army of the James on the left, successfully capturing enemy intrenchments before Wright's arrival.
- Horatio G. Wright
Wright commands the corps designated for the main assault, sweeping from Hatcher's Run and capturing artillery and prisoners.
- John G. Parke
Parke leads the assault on the right, capturing a considerable length of the enemy's line and holding it against counterattacks.
Key passages
“I said to him: 'General, this portion of your instructions I have put in merely as a blind;' and gave him the reason for doing so, heretofore described. I told him that, as a matter of fact, I intended to close the war right here, with this movement, and that he should go no farther.”
Grant confided to Sheridan that the contingency plan to cut loose and join Sherman was only a decoy; his real intention was to end the war with the current offensive.
Grant reveals his strategic deception to maintain secrecy and boost Sheridan's confidence.
“Sheridan moved back to Dinwiddie Courthouse on the night of the 30th , and then took a road leading northwest to Five Forks. He had only his cavalry with him. Soon encountering the rebel cavalry he met with a very stout resistance.”
Sheridan's cavalry advanced toward Five Forks but faced heavy opposition from Confederate forces, forcing him to request reinforcements.
Describes the initial phase of the Battle of Five Forks, highlighting the fierce resistance.
“At that hour Parke’s and Wright’s corps moved out as directed, brushed the abatis from their front as they advanced under a heavy fire of musketry and artillery, and went without flinching directly on till they mounted the parapets and threw themselves inside of the enemy’s line.”
Describes the successful assault that broke through Petersburg's outer works.
