Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant · Chapter
Capture of Port Gibson — Grierson's Raid — Occupation of Grand Gulf — Movement Up the Big Black — Battle of Raymond explained
Grant describes the capture of Port Gibson, the construction of a bridge across the South Fork of the Bayou Pierre, and the reinforcement by Crocker's division.
What happens
Grant describes the capture of Port Gibson, the construction of a bridge across the South Fork of the Bayou Pierre, and the reinforcement by Crocker's division. He recounts the battle at Thompson's Hill, the loss of his son Frederick and Mr. Dana finding their own mounts, and the decision to abandon Grand Gulf as a base after learning Banks could not cooperate. Grant resolves to cut loose from his base, live off the country, and move independently against Vicksburg. He details the collection of a motley train of ammunition wagons, the foraging for food, and the orders for reconnaissance to deceive the enemy.
Themes in this chapter
Leadership and Humility
Grant praises division commanders Logan and Crocker as competent, and notes Colonel Wilson working alongside men in the water to build the bridge.
Personal Integrity and Self-Reliance
Grant decides to cut loose from his base and rely on the country for supplies, demonstrating self-reliance and independent judgment.
The Horrors and Cost of War
Detailed casualty figures are given: 66 killed, 339 wounded, 37 missing on the Union side; 100 killed, 305 wounded, 415 captured on the Confederate side.
Characters to notice
- Ulysses S. Grant
Narrates the chapter; makes strategic decisions to abandon Grand Gulf and move independently against Vicksburg.
- James B. McPherson
Commands a corps; orders the road cleared and Logan's and Crocker's divisions forward at Port Gibson.
- John A. Logan
Commands a division; leads the assault at Port Gibson, capturing the enemy position.
- John A. McClernand
Commands a corps; Grant considers detaching his corps to cooperate with Banks.
- William T. Sherman
Arrives at Grand Gulf and crosses his command; advises Grant about supply difficulties.
- James H. Wilson
Plans and supervises the construction of the raft-bridge across the South Fork of the Bayou Pierre.
- Nathaniel P. Banks
Reported to be on the Red River and unable to cooperate at Port Hudson as planned.
- Henry W. Halleck
Grant anticipates Halleck's caution would disapprove of the independent campaign.
Key passages
“I regarded Logan and Crocker as being as competent division commanders as could be found in or out of the army and both equal to a much higher command.”
Grant considered Logan and Crocker among the best division commanders available, capable of handling even greater responsibilities.
Grant's high praise for his subordinates' abilities.
“I therefore determined to move independently of Banks, cut loose from my base, destroy the rebel force in rear of Vicksburg and invest or capture the city.”
Grant decided to operate without Banks, abandon his supply base, defeat the Confederate forces behind Vicksburg, and besiege or take the city.
Key strategic decision to abandon the original plan and act independently.
“I do not calculate upon the possibility of supplying the army with full rations from Grand Gulf. I know it will be impossible without constructing additional roads. What I do expect is to get up what rations of hard bread, coffee and salt we can, and make the country furnish the balance.”
Grant did not expect to fully supply the army from Grand Gulf; he planned to bring limited staples and rely on foraging for the rest.
Grant's realistic assessment of supply limitations and his reliance on local resources.
