# XLIII explained — Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/xliii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters