# The Vicksburg Campaign: Running the Batteries explained — Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant

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

## What happens

Grant reflects on his reluctance to seek command through influence, his strategic planning for the Vicksburg campaign, and the daring naval operation to run the Confederate batteries. He describes the cooperation with Admiral Porter, the passage of the fleet, and the subsequent movement of troops under McClernand, Sherman, and McPherson.

## Themes in this chapter

### Leadership and Humility

Grant declines to seek command through influence, believing that his responsibility ends with doing his best; he credits Lincoln and Halleck for their support.

### The Horrors and Cost of War

The night passage of the batteries is described as 'magnificent, but terrible,' with the burning transport Henry Clay and the constant threat of enemy fire.

### Personal Integrity and Self-Reliance

Grant keeps his plans secret even from his staff until necessary, and he refuses to use political influence to advance his career.

## Character check-ins

### Ulysses S. Grant

Narrator and commander of the Department of the Tennessee; plans and oversees the movement against Vicksburg.

### David D. Porter

Admiral commanding the naval fleet; cooperates with Grant and prepares steamers to run the batteries.

### John A. McClernand

Major-General commanding the Thirteenth Army Corps (right wing); leads the advance through Louisiana.

### William T. Sherman

Major-General commanding the Fifteenth Army Corps (left wing) in the movement.

### James B. McPherson

Major-General commanding the Seventeenth Army Corps (center) in the campaign.

### Abraham Lincoln

President and Commander-in-Chief; Grant notes Lincoln's constant support despite political pressure.

### Henry W. Halleck

General-in-Chief; Grant acknowledges Halleck's support during the campaign.

## Key lines

> I said that I would give anything if I were commanding a brigade of cavalry in the Army of the Potomac and I believed I could do some good.

Grant expressed a strong desire to lead a cavalry brigade in the main eastern army, feeling he could make a difference there.

_Grant's personal ambition and humility are evident; he later rejects the idea of seeking a transfer through influence._

> The sight was magnificent, but terrible.

The spectacle of the fleet running the batteries under enemy fire was awe-inspiring yet horrifying.

_Grant's description captures the duality of war's beauty and destruction._

> I had no more authority to command Porter than he had to command me.

Grant acknowledges that he and Admiral Porter were equals in their respective services, requiring cooperation rather than orders.

_Highlights the necessity of joint army-navy collaboration for the campaign's success._

## Links

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