Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant · Chapter
XII explained
Grant reflects on the Mexican-American War, critiquing military strategy and praising Generals Scott and Taylor, while discussing the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, the political fallout for Scott, and the broader lessons about war, leadershi
What happens
Grant reflects on the Mexican-American War, critiquing military strategy and praising Generals Scott and Taylor, while discussing the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, the political fallout for Scott, and the broader lessons about war, leadership, and historical truth.
Themes in this chapter
Leadership and Humility
Grant reflects on the fallibility of even great generals like Scott and Taylor, and the importance of learning from experience.
The Horrors and Cost of War
Discusses the heavy casualties at Chapultepec and Molino del Rey, and the human cost of military campaigns.
Reconciliation and Magnanimity
Grant calls for truthful history that honors the courage of all soldiers, and anticipates eventual reconciliation over the issue of slavery.
Personal Integrity and Self-Reliance
Grant criticizes those who rewrite history for sectional pride, advocating for honest accounts over romanticized narratives.
Characters to notice
- Winfield Scott
Praised for his strategy and successes in the Mexican-American War; later faced political opposition and was relieved of command.
- Zachary Taylor
Commended for his leadership and the discipline of his regular troops in early battles of the Mexican-American War.
- John B. Floyd
Mentioned as one of the generals who opposed Scott after the fall of Mexico City.
- Gideon J. Pillow
Noted for his opposition to General Scott and subsequent arrest for insubordination.
- William O. Butler
Assigned to replace Scott as commander of the army in Mexico.
Key passages
“But my later experience has taught me two lessons: first, that things are seen plainer after the events have occurred; second, that the most confident critics are generally those who know the least about the matter criticised.”
Grant observes that hindsight makes events clearer, and that the loudest critics are often the least informed.
Reflects on the nature of criticism and the value of experience.
“The treaty was finally signed the 2nd of February, 1848, and accepted by the government at Washington. It is that known as the 'Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo,' and secured to the United States the Rio Grande as the boundary of Texas, and the whole territory then included in New Mexico and Upper California, for the sum of $15,000,000.”
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed on February 2, 1848, gave the U.S. the Rio Grande border and vast southwestern territories for $15 million.
Key historical event concluding the Mexican-American War.
“I would not have the anniversaries of our victories celebrated, nor those of our defeats made fast days and spent in humiliation and prayer; but I would like to see truthful history written.”
Grant advocates for honest historical accounts rather than partisan celebrations or mourning.
Expresses desire for objective history over sectional bias.