Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant · Chapter
XLII explained
Grant describes the logistical and strategic preparations for the Battle of Chattanooga, including the rebuilding of railroads, the relief of Burnside in East Tennessee, and the coordinated attack plan involving Sherman, Hooker, and Thomas
What happens
Grant describes the logistical and strategic preparations for the Battle of Chattanooga, including the rebuilding of railroads, the relief of Burnside in East Tennessee, and the coordinated attack plan involving Sherman, Hooker, and Thomas against Bragg's forces.
Themes in this chapter
Leadership and Humility
Grant demonstrates strategic leadership by coordinating multiple armies, adapting plans based on conditions, and ensuring supply lines are restored.
The Horrors and Cost of War
The chapter describes the destruction of railroads, bridges, and the starvation of animals, highlighting the immense logistical and human cost of the campaign.
National Union and Constitutional Crisis
The military operations in Tennessee and East Tennessee reflect the broader struggle to preserve the Union and control key territories.
Characters to notice
- Ulysses S. Grant
As overall commander, Grant orchestrates the relief of Burnside, orders Sherman's movements, and finalizes the battle plan for Chattanooga.
- William T. Sherman
Sherman is ordered to abandon road repairs and move his force to Stevenson, Alabama, then to Bridgeport, and is assigned to attack the enemy's right flank at Missionary Ridge.
- Ambrose E. Burnside
Burnside is besieged in Knoxville, holding out with limited supplies; Grant communicates plans for his relief and encourages him to hold his position.
- George H. Thomas
Thomas commands the Army of the Cumberland in the center and is to assault Missionary Ridge while the enemy is engaged on both flanks.
- Joseph Hooker
Hooker is initially ordered to ascend Lookout Mountain and later redirected to cross the Tennessee River and move to Rossville to threaten the enemy's rear.
- John A. McClernand
Mentioned indirectly as part of the command structure; not directly active in this chapter.
- James B. McPherson
Not directly mentioned in the excerpts; excluded from active check-in.
- John A. Rawlins
Not directly mentioned in the excerpts; excluded from active check-in.
Key passages
“Having got the Army of the Cumberland in a comfortable position, I now began to look after the remainder of my new command.”
After securing the Army of the Cumberland, Grant turned his attention to the rest of his forces.
Grant transitions from stabilizing one army to addressing the broader strategic situation.
“Sherman, with his characteristic promptness, abandoned the work he was engaged upon and pushed on at once.”
Sherman quickly stopped his current task and moved forward without delay.
Highlights Sherman's decisiveness and efficiency in following orders.
“The plan of battle was for Sherman to attack the enemy’s right flank, form a line across it, extend our left over South Chickamauga River so as to threaten or hold the railroad in Bragg’s rear.”
The battle plan called for Sherman to strike the enemy's right side, create a line across it, and push our left beyond the South Chickamauga River to menace Bragg's supply line.
Describes the key tactical objective of the upcoming battle.
