# March to Jalapa—Battle of Cerro Gordo—Perote—Puebla—Scott and Taylor explained — Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant

> Chapter companion for Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant by Ulysses S. Grant.

## What happens

Grant describes the logistical challenges and strategic decisions of General Scott's campaign from Vera Cruz toward Mexico City, including the Battle of Cerro Gordo, the capture of Perote and Puebla, and contrasts Scott's professionalism with Taylor's informal style.

## Themes in this chapter

### Leadership and Humility

Contrasts Scott's careful planning and delegation with Taylor's casual style, and highlights Scott's reliance on engineers.

### The Horrors and Cost of War

References to casualties, the vomito, and the destruction of ordnance underscore war's toll.

### Personal Integrity and Self-Reliance

Grant's observations on Scott's veracity and the army's resourcefulness in building roads under fire.

## Character check-ins

### Ulysses S. Grant

Narrator and participant, serving as a quartermaster and witnessing the campaign.

### Winfield Scott

Commanding general of the U.S. forces, praised for his strategic planning and leadership.

### Zachary Taylor

Contrasted with Scott; noted for his informal dress and different command style.

### Robert E. Lee

Captain of engineers who supervised reconnaissances at Cerro Gordo.

### Gideon J. Pillow

Commanded a division and made a demonstration on the left at Cerro Gordo.

### John A. Quitman

Mentioned as a division commander in Scott's army.

## Key lines

> General Scott having now only nine or ten thousand men west of Vera Cruz, and the time of some four thousand of them being about to expire, a long delay was the consequence.

With only about 10,000 troops west of Vera Cruz and many enlistments ending, Scott faced a prolonged halt.

_Highlights logistical constraints and manpower issues._

> The attack was made as ordered, and perhaps there was not a battle of the Mexican war, or of any other, where orders issued before an engagement were nearer being a correct report of what afterwards took place.

Scott's battle orders were remarkably accurate in predicting the actual course of the fight.

_Emphasizes Scott's strategic foresight and planning._

> General Taylor never wore uniform, but dressed himself entirely for comfort.

Taylor dressed for comfort rather than military formality.

_Illustrates the contrast between Taylor and Scott's command styles._

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