# Retrospect of the Campaign 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 the aftermath of the Vicksburg campaign, including the capture of prisoners and arms, the strategic importance of the victory, and the subsequent operations to clear the region. He discusses the harmonious cooperation with the Navy under Porter, the character of General Blair, and the painful accident that left him incapacitated. The chapter also covers the dispatch of troops to support Rosecrans after Chickamauga and the broader impact of Vicksburg and Gettysburg on Union morale.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Horrors and Cost of War

Grant describes the inferior arms of Union troops, the suffering of wounded and sick left behind, and the destruction of mills, bridges, and railroads in the interior.

### National Union and Constitutional Crisis

The Vicksburg victory and opening of the Mississippi strengthened the Union cause and divided the Confederacy, directly addressing the crisis of secession.

### The Role of Providence and Fate

Grant reflects that 'Providence had directed the course of the campaign while the Army of the Tennessee executed the decree.'

### Reconciliation and Magnanimity

Grant orders that medicine and food be sent to destitute families and wounded in Jackson and Raymond, and instructs troops to abstain from taking unnecessary items.

## Character check-ins

### Ulysses S. Grant

Narrates the chapter; reflects on the campaign, his injury, and command decisions.

### William T. Sherman

Commands the pursuit of Johnston after Vicksburg; declines to assume command during Grant's absence but assists with orders.

### David D. Porter

Commended for the Navy's indispensable role and perfect harmony with the Army during the campaign.

### John A. McClernand

Noted as one of the generals who ended the campaign fitted to command independent armies.

### John C. Pemberton

Surrendered Vicksburg; his army's deserters and demoralization are discussed.

### Joseph E. Johnston

Evacuates Jackson after Sherman's approach; his army's deserters are mentioned.

### Henry W. Halleck

Sends dispatches regarding prisoners and orders for troop movements; expresses concern over Chattanooga.

### Abraham Lincoln

Implied as part of the administration that was 'frantic' over the situation at Chattanooga.

## Key lines

> The capture of Vicksburg, with its garrison, ordnance and ordnance stores, and the successful battles fought in reaching them, gave new spirit to the loyal people of the North.

Taking Vicksburg and its supplies, along with the victories along the way, revived Northern morale.

_Grant emphasizes the psychological boost of the victory._

> Without its assistance the campaign could not have been successfully made with twice the number of men engaged.

The Navy's help was so crucial that even double the troops could not have succeeded without it.

_Grant acknowledges the indispensable role of the Navy under Porter._

> It looks now as though Providence had directed the course of the campaign while the Army of the Tennessee executed the decree.

In hindsight, it seems divine guidance steered the campaign, carried out by the army.

_Grant attributes the campaign's success to a higher power._

> I thought it only fair that we should return to these people some of the articles we had taken while marching through the country.

I believed it was just to give back some of the supplies we had seized during our march.

_Grant shows magnanimity toward the civilian population._

## Links

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