The Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant: The Complete Annotated Edition

by Ulysses S. Grant, John F. Marszalek (Editor), David S. Nolen (With), Louie P. Gallo (With), Frank J. Williams (Preface by)

Overview

“Leaps straight onto the roster of essential reading for anyone even vaguely interested in Grant and the Civil War.”
—Ron Chernow, author of Grant

“Provides leadership lessons that can be obtained nowhere else… Ulysses Grant in his Memoirs gives us a unique glimpse of someone who found that the habit of reflection could serve as a force multiplier for leadership.”
—Thomas E. Ricks, Foreign Policy

Ulysses S. Grant’s memoirs, sold door-to-door by former Union soldiers, were once as ubiquitous in American households as the Bible. Mark Twain and Henry James hailed them as great literature, and countless presidents credit Grant with influencing their own writing. This is the first comprehensively annotated edition of Grant’s memoirs, clarifying the great military leader’s thoughts on his life and times through the end of the Civil War and offering his invaluable perspective on battlefield decision making. With annotations compiled by the editors of the Ulysses S. Grant Association’s Presidential Library, this definitive edition enriches our understanding of the pre-war years, the war with Mexico, and the Civil War. Grant provides essential insight into how rigorously these events tested America’s democratic institutions and the cohesion of its social order.

“What gives this peculiarly reticent book its power? Above all, authenticity… Grant’s style is strikingly modern in its economy.”
—T. J. Stiles, New York Times

“It’s been said that if you’re going to pick up one memoir of the Civil War, Grant’s is the one to read. Similarly, if you’re going to purchase one of the several annotated editions of his memoirs, this is the collection to own, read, and reread.”
—Library Journal

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780674237858
Publisher:	Harvard University Press
Publication date:	05/06/2019
Pages:	816
Sales rank:	83,676
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.20(h) x 1.50(d)

About the Author

John F. Marszalek is W. L. Giles Distinguished Professor of History Emeritus, and Executive Director and Managing Editor of the Ulysses S. Grant Association’s U. S. Grant Presidential Library, at Mississippi State University.

Table of Contents

Preface Frank J. Williams xv

Introduction xvii

Editorial Procedure xxvii

Abbreviations xxix

Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant

Preface 3

1 Ancestry-Birth-Boyhood 5

2 West Point-Graduation 16

3 Army Life-Causes of the Mexican War-Camp Salubrity 27

4 Corpus Christi-Mexican Smuggling-Spanish Rule in Mexico-Supplying Transportation 38

5 Trip to Austin-Promotion to Full Second Lieutenant-Army of Occupation 47

6 Advance of the Army-Crossing the Colorado-The Rio Grande 54

7 The Mexican War-The Battle of Palo Alto-The Battle of Resaca de la Palma-Army of Invasion-General Taylor-Movement on Camargo 60

8 Advance on Monterey-The Black Fort-The Battle of Monterey-Surrender of the City 70

9 Political Intrigue-Buena Vista-Movement against Vera Cruz-Siege and Capture of Vera Cruz 78

10 March to Jalapa-Battle of Cerro Gordo-Perote-Puebla-Scott and Taylor 86

11 Advance on the City of Mexico-Battle of Contreras- Assault at Churubusco-Negotiations for Peace-Battle of Molino del Rey-Storming of Chapultepee-San Cosine- Evacuation of the City-Halls of the Montezumas 95

12 Promotion to First Lieutenant-Capture of the City of Mexico-The Army-Mexican Soldiers-Peace Negotiations 111

13 Treaty of Peace-Mexican Bull Fights-Regimental Quartermaster-Trip to Popocatepetl-Trip to the Caves of Mexico 121

14 Return of the Army-Marriage-Ordered to the Pacific Coast-Crossing the Isthmus-Arrival at San Francisco 132

15 San Francisco-Early California Experiences-Life on the Pacific Coast-Promoted Captain-Flush Times in California 139

16 Resignation-Private Life-Life at Galen-The Coming Crisis 146

17 Outbreak of the Rebellion-Presiding at a Union Meeting-Mustering Officer of State Troops-Lyon at Camp Jackson-Services Tendered to the Government 160

18 Appointed Colonel of the 21st Illinois-Personnel of the Regiment-General Logan-March to Missouri-Movement against Harris at Florida, Mo.-General Pope in Command-Stationed at Mexico, Mo. 170

19 Commissioned Brigadier-General-Command at Ironton, Mo.-Jefferson City-Cape Girardeau-General Prentiss-Seizure of Paducah-Headquarters at Cairo 179

20 General Fremont in Command-Movement against Belmont-Battle of Belmont-A Narrow Escape-After the Battle 190

21 General Halleck in Command-Commanding the District of Cairo-Movement on Fort Henry-Capture of Fort Henry 198

22 Investment of Fort Donelson-The Naval Operations-Attack of the Enemy-Assaulting the Works-Surrender of the Fort 206

23 Promoted Major-General of Volunteers-Unoccupied Territory-Advance upon Nashville-Situation of the Troops-Confederate Retreat-Relieved of the Command- Restored to the Command-General Smith 219

24 The Army at Pittsburg Landing-Injured by a Fall-The Confederate Attack at Shiloh-The First Day's Fight at Shiloh-General Sherman-Condition of the Army-Close of the First Days Fight-The Second Day's Fight-Retreat and Defeat of the Confederates 228

25 Struck by a Bullet-Precipitate Retreat of the Confederates-Intrenchments at Shiloh-General Buell-General Johnston-Remarks on Shilab 241

26 Halleck Assumes Command in the Field-The Advance upon Corinth-Occupation of Corinth-The Army Separated 253

27 Headquarters Moved to Memphis-On the Road to Memphis-Escaping Jackson-Complaints and Requests-Halleck Appointed Commander-in-Chief-Return to Corinth-Movements of Bragg-Surrender of Clarksville-The Advance upon Chattanooga-Sheridan Colonel of a Michigan Regiment 262

28 Advance of Van Dorn and Price-Price Enters Iuka-Battle of Iuka 277

29 Van Dorn's Movements-Battle of Corinth-Command of the Department of the Tennessee 284

30 The Campaign against Vicksburg-Employing the Freedmen-Occupation of Holly Springs-Sherman Ordered to Memphis-Sherman's Movements down the Mississippi-Van Dorn Captures Holly Springs-Collecting Forage and Food 291

31 Headquarters Moved to Holly Springs-General McClernand in Command-Assuming Command at Young's Point-Operations above Vicksburg-Fortifications about Vicksburg-The Canal-Lake Providence-Operations at Yazoo Pass 302

32 The Bayous West of the Mississippi-Criticisms of the Northern Press-Running the Batteries-Loss of the Indianola-Disposition of the Troops 316

33 Attack on Grand Gulf-Operations below Vicksburg 329

34 Capture of Port Gibson-Grierson's Raid-Occupation of Grand Gulf-Movement up the Big Black-Battle of Raymond 338

35 Movement against Jackson-Fall of Jackson-Intercepting the Enemy-Battle of Champion's Hill 348

36 Battle of Black River Bridge-Crossing the Big Black-Investment of Vicksburg-Assaulting the Works 362

37 Siege of Vicksburg 368

38 Johnston's Movements-Fortifications at Haines' Bluff-Explosion of the Mine-Explosion of the Second Mine-Preparing for the Assault-The Flag of Truce-Meeting with Pemberton-Negotiations for Surrender-Accepting the Terms-Surrender of Vicksburg 379

39 Retrospect of the Campaign-Sherman's Movements-Proposed Movement upon Mobile-A Painful Accident-Ordered to Report at Cairo 394

40 First Meeting with Secretary Stanton-General Rosecrans-Commanding Military Division of Mississippi-Andrew Johnson's Address-Arrival at Chattanooga 404

41 Assuming the Command at Chattanooga-Opening a Line of Supplies-Battle of Wauhatchie-On the Picket Line 413

41 Condition of the Army-Rebuilding the Railroad-General Burns ides Situation-Orders for Battle-Plans for the Attack-Hooker's Position-Sherman's Movements 422

43 Preparations for Battle-Thomas Carries the First Line of the Enemy-Sherman Carries Missionary Ridge-Battle of Lookout Mountain-General Hooker's Fight 434

44 Battle of Chattanooga-A Gallant Charge-Complete Rout of the Enemy-Pursuit of the Confederates-General Bragg-Remarks on Chattanooga 443

45 The Relief of Knoxville-Headquarters Moved to Nashville- Visiting Knoxville-Cipher Dispatches-Withholding Orders 452

46 Operations in Mississippi-Longstreet in East Tennessee-Commissioned Lieutenant-General-Commanding the Armies of the United States-First Interview with President Lincoln 464

47 The Military Situation-Plans for the Campaign-Sheridan Assigned to Command of the Cavalry-Flank Movements-Forrest at Fort Pillow-General Banks's Expedition-Colonel Mosby-An Incident of the Wilderness Campaign 475

48 Commencement of the Grand Campaign-General Butler's Position-Sheridan's First Raid 491

49 Sherman's Campaign in Georgia-Siege of Atlanta-Death of General McPherson-Attempt to Capture Andersonville-Capture of Atlanta 498

50 Grand Movement of the Army of the Potomac-Crossing the Rapidan-Entering the Wilderness-Battle of the Wilderness 510

51 After the Battle-Telegraph and Signal Service-Movement by the Left Flank 531

52 Battle of Spottsylvania-Hancock's Position-Assault of Warren's and Wright's Corps-Upton Promoted on the Field-Good News from Butler and Sheridan 539

53 Hancock's Assault-Losses of the Confederates-Promotions Recommended-Discomfiture of the Enemy-Ewell's Attack-Reducing the Artillery 546

54 Movement by the Left Flank-Battle of North Anna-An Incident of the March-Moving on Richmond-South of the Pamunkey-Position of the National Army 558

55 Advance on Cold Harbor-An Anecdote of the War-Battle of Cold Harbor-Correspondence with Lee-Retrospective 572

56 Left Flank Movement across the Chickahominy and James-General Lee-Visit to Butler-The Movement on Petersburg-The Investment of Petersburg 582

57 Raid on the Virginia Central Railroad-Raid on the Weldon Railroad-Early's Movement upon Washington-Mining the Works before Petersburg-Explosion of the Mine before Petersburg-Campaign in the Shenandoah Valley-Capture of the Weldon Railroad 597

58 Sheridan's Advance-Visit to Sheridan-Sheridan's Victory in the Shenandoah-Sheridan's Ride to Winchester-Close of the Campaign for the Winter 615

59 The Campaign in Georgia-Sherman's March to the Sea-War Anecdotes-The March on Savannah-Investment of Savannah-Capture of Savannah 628

60 The Battle of Franklin-The Battle of Nashville 649

61 Expedition against Fort Fisher-Attack on the Fort-Failure of the Expedition-Second Expedition against the Fort-Capture of Fort Fisher 657

62 Sherman's March North-Sheridan Ordered to Lynchburg-Canby Ordered to Move against Mobile-Movements of Schofield and Thomas-Capture of Columbia, South Carolina- Sherman in the Carolinas 666

63 Arrival of the Peace Commissioners-Lincoln and the Peace Commissioners-An Anecdote of Mr. Lincoln-The Winter before Petersburg-Sheridan Destroys the Railroad-Gordon Carries the Picket Line-Parke Recaptures the Line-The Battle of White Oak Road 679

64 Interview with Sheridan-Grand Movement of the Army of the Potomac-Sheridan's Advance on Five Forks-Battle of Five Forks-Parke and Wright Storm the Enemy's Line-Battles before Petersburg 689

65 The Capture of Petersburg-Meeting President Lincoln in Petersburg-The Capture of Richmond-Pursuing the Enemy-Visit to Sheridan and Meade 700

66 Battle of Sailor's Creek-Engagement at Farmville-Correspondence with General Lee-Sheridan Intercepts the Enemy 710

67 Negotiations at Appomattox-Interview with Lee at McLean's House-The Terms of Surrender-Lee's Surrender-Interview with Lee after the Surrender 717

68 Morale of the Two Armies-Relative Conditions of the North and South-President Lincoln Visits Richmond-Arrival at Washington-President Lincoln's Assassination- President Johnson's Policy 728

69 Sherman and Johnston-Johnston's Surrender to Sherman-Capture of Mobile-Wilson's Expedition-Capture of Jefferson Davis-General Thomas's Qualities-Estimate of General Canby 738

70 The End of the War-The March to Washington-One of Lincoln's Anecdotes-Grand Review at Washington-Characteristics of Lincoln and Stanton-Estimate of the Different Corps Commanders 747

Conclusion 756

Acknowledgments 765

Index 769

Editorial Reviews

[Grant’s] memoirs, presented at last in an impressive scholarly edition by John F. Marszalek, were the fruit of a last triumphant battle…Grant’s own words restore him to the pantheon of great soldier-presidents. He stands alongside Washington, Andrew Jackson, Teddy Roosevelt and Eisenhower, a select company to which he has always rightfully belonged.

History Today - Nigel Jones

A worthy capstone to compliment the now completed thirty-two volume The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant…Marszalek, et. al., have done a thorough job in annotating Grant’s text…Readers of this well-constructed and highly recommended edition of Grant’s Memoirs will not fail to appreciate the man’s modesty, but they should also keep in mind that under that modesty lay a cold-blooded willingness to keep right on.

Civil War Book Review - Larry A. Grant

Grant’s style is direct and plain, but it has a kind of quiet music to it, the indescribable quality of an authentic voice. There is a level of intimacy that no amount of confessional writing could guarantee. Grant’s assessment of the Civil War and the decisions that went into its waging is mostly brisk and engaging, but what really compelled me through the book were the psychological insights on nearly every page—both of the prominent men whom Grant encountered and of the masses of people whose desires and fears he recognized, sympathized with, and often exploited. Grant’s ability to be empathetic and ruthless in the span of a few sentences—coolly calculating the costs of losing lives against the benefits of pushing on; testing what Southerners could bear and what would make them break—is consistently on display. Whatever Grant hides in his memoir is less than what he reveals. He was a man who could cringe at the cruelty of a bullfight but was willing to send men into certain slaughter to gain a riverbank, a man who understood both dignity and disgrace.

New Yorker - Louisa Thomas

If Mark Twain called Grant’s Memoirs ‘a great, unique and unapproachable literary masterpiece,’ The Complete Annotated Edition is its ‘unique’ companion. Renowned Civil War historian John Marszalek and his team of editors are owed our gratitude. Their annotated edition will increase appreciation among both longtime admirers and a new generation discovering why Grant is winning his deserved place among American leaders.

Ronald C. White

[R]espect for Grant can only be reinforced by reading…The Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant. This is the best presidential memoir written, once earning praise from no less than Mark Twain… Grant wrote in a clear and logical style, much as he issued orders, which brings the day-to-day challenges and tremors of war to his readership with never a suggestion of embellishment.

The Australian - Stephen Loosley

As the first fully annotated edition of Ulysses S. Grant’s Personal Memoirs, this fine volume leaps straight onto the roster of essential reading for anyone even vaguely interested in Grant and the Civil War. The book is deeply researched, but it introduces its scholarship with a light touch that never interferes with the reader’s enjoyment of Grant’s fluent narrative. John F. Marszalek and the folks at the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library are building a formidable array of books illuminating many aspects of the general’s life.

Ron Chernow

Ron Chernow’s Grant has been a national bestseller, deservedly so, but we think that the new edition of The Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant, edited and annotated [by] John F. Marszalek[,] should share that spotlight. Possibly the best presidential memoir written, annotations by Marszalek with David Nolen and Louis Gallo illuminate and contextualize the memoir for the modern reader.

Literary Hub - Lyn Roberts

A richly annotated new edition… What gives this peculiarly reticent book its power? Above all, authenticity. If Grant’s voice is never confessional, it almost never rings false… Grant’s style is strikingly modern in its economy.

New York Times - T. J. Stiles

Of the many editions of the memoirs, I recommend the annotated edition published by Harvard University Press overseen by John F. Marszalek, director of the U. S. Grant Presidential Library at Mississippi State, for its invaluable notes identifying almost every personage mentioned by Grant, expanding on incidents and events Grant glosses over and even correcting his occasional misstatements.

Los Angeles Times - Michael Hiltzik

A brilliant new annotated version.

Open Letters Monthly - Steve Donoghue

[This] new edition, the most thoroughly annotated ever produced, provides the general reader and scholar alike with detailed access to the general’s early life and military career.

New York Review of Books - David W. Blight

The Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant provides leadership lessons that can be obtained nowhere else…Ulysses Grant in his Memoirs gives us a unique glimpse of someone who found that the habit of reflection could serve as a force multiplier for leadership.

Foreign Policy - Thomas E. Ricks

10/01/2017
Renowned Civil War historian and editor of the Ulysses S. Grant papers Marszalek collaborates with Louie P. Gallo (Ulysses S. Grant Assn.) and David S. Nolen (Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Lib.) to edit the most copious annotated edition of Grant's (1822-85) indispensable memoirs to date. The result is a valuable publishing history on the 18th president's writings, along with useful annotations on people, places, and events that set his written works in historical context. Historians have regarded Grant's memoirs as a classic in military writing and a revealing example of the public memoir genre; they provide essential insight into the general's approaches to war, experiences leading armies to victory, and justifications for thoughts and actions during the Mexican-American War and the U.S. Civil War. The memoirs also reveal his trenchant observations on the nature of courage, the call to public service, and the character of Americans. VERDICT It's been said that if you're going to pick up one memoir of the Civil War, Grant's is the one to read. Similarly, if you're going to purchase one of the several annotated editions of his memoirs, this is the collection to own, read, and reread.—Randall M. Miller, St. Joseph's Univ., Philadelphia

Library Journal