Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant · Chapter
VII The Mexican War—The Battle of Palo Alto—The Battle of Resaca De La Palma—Army of Invasion—General Taylor—Movement on Camargo explained
Grant recounts his experiences during the early battles of the Mexican-American War, including the Battle of Palo Alto and the Battle of Resaca de la Palma.
What happens
Grant recounts his experiences during the early battles of the Mexican-American War, including the Battle of Palo Alto and the Battle of Resaca de la Palma. He describes the siege of Fort Brown, General Taylor's leadership and character, the arrival of volunteers, and the army's movement to Camargo. Grant reflects on his own feelings of fear before battle, the conduct of soldiers, and the importance of duty and humility in command.
Themes in this chapter
The Horrors and Cost of War
Grant reflects on the fear and uncertainty of battle, the casualties at Fort Brown, and the sobering reality of combat for a young officer.
Leadership and Humility
General Taylor is depicted as a modest, unpretentious leader who valued duty over display, contrasting with the uniform-conscious General Worth.
Personal Integrity and Self-Reliance
Grant emphasizes Taylor's willingness to do his best with available resources and his refusal to publicly complain about difficulties.
The Role of Providence and Fate
Grant speculates on how his life might have differed had Congressman Hamer lived, noting that men control little of their own destiny.
Characters to notice
- Ulysses S. Grant
As a young second-lieutenant, Grant describes his fear before battle and his participation in the charge at Resaca de la Palma, capturing a Mexican colonel.
- Zachary Taylor
General Taylor is portrayed as a calm, responsible commander who faced danger and responsibility without complaint, and who avoided ostentation in uniform.
- Thomas J. Jackson
Not directly mentioned in the excerpts, but no other character is present; omitted.
- John A. Rawlins
Not mentioned in the excerpts; omitted.
Key passages
“I felt sorry that I had enlisted.”
Grant regretted his decision to join the army when he first heard hostile gunfire.
Grant admits his initial fear and doubt upon facing battle for the first time.
“My exploit was equal to that of the soldier who boasted that he had cut off the leg of one of the enemy. When asked why he did not cut off his head, he replied: 'Someone had done that before.'”
Grant downplays his own role in the battle, comparing it to a soldier who claimed a trivial achievement after the real work was done.
Grant humorously acknowledges that the battle would have been won without his personal contribution.
“No soldier could face either danger or responsibility more calmly than he. These are qualities more rarely found than genius or physical courage.”
Grant praises General Taylor's composure under pressure, valuing it above brilliance or bravery.
Grant highlights Taylor's steady leadership as a rare and admirable trait.
“It is probable that all the most important people of the territory occupied by our army left their homes before we got there, but with those remaining the best of relations apparently existed.”
Grant notes that while many wealthy residents fled, the U.S. army maintained good relations with those who stayed, partly due to fair treatment of private property.
Grant describes the policy of General Taylor to prevent pillaging and ensure fair compensation.
