Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant · Chapter
XLVI explained
Grant is appointed lieutenant-general, meets President Lincoln, and assumes command of all Union armies.
What happens
Grant is appointed lieutenant-general, meets President Lincoln, and assumes command of all Union armies. He visits Meade, reassures him of his command, and begins planning the spring campaign. The chapter also covers Sherman's Meridian expedition and the failed cavalry operation under Sooy Smith against Forrest.
Themes in this chapter
Leadership and Humility
Grant accepts the commission with gratitude, defers credit to the armies and Providence, and shows humility in his first interview with Lincoln.
Duty and Service
Meade offers to step aside for the good of the nation, and Grant emphasizes that soldiers should wait to be selected rather than seek position.
The Role of Providence and Fate
Grant's reply to Lincoln acknowledges 'the favor of that Providence which leads both nations and men.'
Characters to notice
- Ulysses S. Grant
Receives commission as lieutenant-general from President Lincoln, assumes command of all Union armies, and begins preparations for the spring campaign.
- Abraham Lincoln
Presents Grant with his commission, expresses the nation's trust, and shares his own plan of campaign while assuring Grant he will not interfere.
- William T. Sherman
Promoted to Grant's former position; leads the Meridian expedition to clear Confederate forces east of the Mississippi.
- George G. Meade
Meets Grant at Brandy Station; offers to step aside if Grant wishes to replace him, demonstrating selflessness.
- James B. McPherson
Promoted to command Sherman's department after Sherman's advancement.
- John A. Logan
Promoted to command McPherson's corps.
- Henry W. Halleck
Cautions Grant against sharing his plans with the President.
- Edwin M. Stanton
Cautions Grant against sharing plans with the President; later offers Buell an assignment.
Key passages
“Mr. President, I accept the commission, with gratitude for the high honor conferred. With the aid of the noble armies that have fought in so many fields for our common country, it will be my earnest endeavor not to disappoint your expectations. I feel the full weight of the responsibilities now devolving on me; and I know that if they are met, it will be due to those armies, and above all, to the favor of that Providence which leads both nations and men.”
Grant thanks Lincoln for the honor, promises to do his best with the help of the armies, and acknowledges his heavy responsibility, attributing success to the troops and divine providence.
Grant's formal acceptance of the lieutenant-general commission.
“He urged that the work before us was of such vast importance to the whole nation that the feeling or wishes of no one person should stand in the way of selecting the right men for all positions. For himself, he would serve to the best of his ability wherever placed.”
Meade told Grant that the national cause was more important than any individual's feelings, and he was willing to serve in any capacity.
Meade's selfless offer to step aside if Grant wanted to replace him.
“The worst excuse a soldier can make for declining service is that he once ranked the commander he is ordered to report to.”
A soldier should never refuse an assignment simply because he once outranked his new commander.
Grant's criticism of Buell's refusal to serve under Sherman or Canby.
