Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant · Chapter
XLIII explained
Grant details the preparations for battle at Chattanooga, including Thomas's advance on the first line of the enemy, Sherman's assault on Missionary Ridge, and Hooker's fight at Lookout Mountain.
What happens
Grant details the preparations for battle at Chattanooga, including Thomas's advance on the first line of the enemy, Sherman's assault on Missionary Ridge, and Hooker's fight at Lookout Mountain. The chapter covers the movements of troops, the construction of bridges, and the capture of prisoners, with Grant coordinating efforts to relieve Burnside at Knoxville.
Themes in this chapter
Leadership and Humility
Grant coordinates multiple commanders and adapts plans under pressure, showing decisive leadership while acknowledging the limits of his control.
The Horrors and Cost of War
The chapter reports significant casualties (about 1,100 killed and wounded on the Union side) and the grim realities of battle.
National Union and Constitutional Crisis
The campaign to relieve Burnside and break the siege reflects the broader struggle to preserve the Union.
Characters to notice
- Ulysses S. Grant
Commander of the Military Division, directing the overall battle plan and coordinating troop movements.
- William T. Sherman
Led the assault on Missionary Ridge, crossing the Tennessee River with his command.
- George H. Thomas
Commanded the Army of the Cumberland, advancing the first line of the enemy on November 23rd.
- Joseph Hooker
Led the attack on Lookout Mountain, driving the enemy from their positions.
- Abraham Lincoln
President who congratulated Grant on the success and urged him to remember Burnside.
- Henry W. Halleck
Chief of Staff who telegraphed congratulations and expressed concern for Burnside.
- Ambrose E. Burnside
Under siege at Knoxville, the relief of whom was a primary objective of Grant's operations.
- Braxton Bragg
Confederate commander who sent a deceptive letter and detached troops to reinforce Longstreet.
Key passages
“The advantage was greatly on our side now, and if I could only have been assured that Burnside could hold out ten days longer I should have rested more easily.”
Grant felt confident in his position but remained anxious about Burnside's ability to withstand the siege at Knoxville.
Grant expresses his strategic concern for Burnside's situation.
“The day was hazy, so that Hooker's operations were not visible to us except at moments when the clouds would rise. But the sound of his artillery and musketry was heard incessantly.”
The fog obscured Hooker's movements, but the constant noise of battle indicated ongoing fighting.
Describes the limited visibility during the Battle of Lookout Mountain.