Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant · Chapter
The Capture of Petersburg—Meeting President Lincoln in Petersburg—The Capture of Richmond—Pursuing the Enemy—Visit to Sheridan and Meade explained
Grant describes the final days of the Petersburg and Richmond campaigns, including the capture of Petersburg, his meeting with President Lincoln, the fall of Richmond, and the relentless pursuit of Lee's army.
What happens
Grant describes the final days of the Petersburg and Richmond campaigns, including the capture of Petersburg, his meeting with President Lincoln, the fall of Richmond, and the relentless pursuit of Lee's army. He recounts strategic decisions, the ruse of a Confederate engineer, and the desperate conditions of Lee's forces as they fled toward Appomattox.
Themes in this chapter
The Horrors and Cost of War
Grant describes the devastation of Richmond on fire, the demoralization of Lee's army, and the suffering of soldiers on both sides.
Reconciliation and Magnanimity
Grant expresses hope for no bickering between soldiers after the war, and Lincoln's conversation hints at a generous peace.
Leadership and Humility
Grant shows restraint by not ordering artillery fire on fleeing Confederates, and demonstrates strategic foresight in outmaneuvering Lee.
Characters to notice
- Ulysses S. Grant
Narrator and commander; makes strategic decisions to cut off Lee's retreat and coordinates with Lincoln and subordinates.
- Abraham Lincoln
Visits Grant in Petersburg after its capture; discusses the end of the war and the need for reconciliation.
- Robert E. Lee
Confederate commander; attempts to evacuate Richmond and join Johnston, but is pursued and cut off by Union forces.
- Philip H. Sheridan
Leads cavalry and infantry in pursuit; intercepts Lee's army at Jetersville and reports on enemy movements.
- George G. Meade
Commands the Army of the Potomac; initially misled by a Confederate ruse but follows Grant's orders to pursue Lee.
- Godfrey Weitzel
Reports the capture of Richmond and the city being on fire; directs troops to extinguish the flames.
- Andrew A. Humphreys
Commands a corps; marches without rations to keep up the pursuit of Lee's army.
- Horatio G. Wright
Commands a corps; halts to clear roads and obtain rations, but resumes march at 3 a.m.
Key passages
“I never expected any such bickering as I have indicated, between the soldiers of the two sections; and, fortunately, there has been none between the politicians.”
Grant expresses relief that no post-war animosity has arisen between Union and Confederate soldiers or politicians.
Reflects Grant's hope for national reconciliation after the war.
“I did not have artillery brought up, because I was sure Lee was trying to make his escape, and I wanted to push immediately in pursuit. At all events I had not the heart to turn the artillery upon such a mass of defeated and fleeing men, and I hoped to capture them soon.”
Grant chose not to use artillery on the retreating Confederates, preferring to capture them rather than inflict unnecessary casualties.
Demonstrates Grant's humanity and strategic focus on ending the war quickly.
“My judgment was that Lee would necessarily have to evacuate Richmond, and that the only course for him to pursue would be to follow the Danville Road. Accordingly my object was to secure a point on that road south of Lee, and I told Meade this.”
Grant correctly predicted Lee's escape route and aimed to block it by seizing the Danville Railroad south of Lee's position.
Highlights Grant's strategic acumen in anticipating enemy movements.
