Soldier of Destiny: Slavery, Secession, and the Redemption of Ulysses S. Grant

by John Reeves

Presenting an original, thought-provoking narrative on Ulysses S. Grant, Soldier of Destiny evokes the life of the general through his conflicted connection to slavery, allowing readers a clearer understanding of this great American.

Captain Ulysses S. Grant, an obscure army officer who was expelled for alcohol abuse in 1854, rose to become general-in-chief of the United States Army in 1864. What accounts for this astonishing turn-around during this extraordinary decade? Was it destiny? Or was he just an ordinary man, opportunistically benefiting from the turmoil of the Civil War to advance to the highest military rank?

Soldier of Destiny reveals that Grant always possessed the latent abilities of a skilled commander—and he and was able to develop these skills out West without the overwhelming pressure faced by more senior commanders in the Eastern theater at the beginning of the Civil War. Grant was a true Westerner himself and it was his experience in the West—before and during the Civil War—that was central to his rise.

From 1861 to 1864, Grant went from being ambivalent about slavery to becoming one of the leading individuals responsible for emancipating the slaves. Before the war, he lived in a pro-slavery community near St. Louis, where there were very few outright abolitionists. During the war, he gradually realized that Emancipation was the only possible outcome of the war that would be consistent with America’s founding values and future prosperity. Soldier of Destiny tells the story of Grant’s connection to slavery in far more detail than has been done in previous biographies.

Grant’s life story is an almost inconceivable tale of redemption within the context of his fraught relationships with his antislavery father and his slaveholding wife. This narrative explores the poverty, inequality, and extraordinary vitality of the American West during a crucial time in our nation’s history. Writers on Grant have tended to overlook his St. Louis years (1854-1860), even though they are essential for understanding his later triumphs.

Walt Whitman described Grant as “a common trader, money-maker, tanner, farmer of Illinois—general for the republic, in its terrific struggle with itself, in the war of attempted secession. Nothing heroic, as the authorities put it—and yet the greatest hero. The gods, the destinies, seem to have concentrated upon him.”

Genres: History, Biography, Civil War, Nonfiction, American Civil War, American History, Presidents

289 pages, Hardcover

First published December 5, 2023

About the author

John Reeves has been a teacher, editor, and writer for over twenty-five years. The Civil War, in particular, has been his passion since he first read Bruce Catton’s The American Heritage Picture History of the Civil War as an elementary school student in the 1960s. Recently, John’s articles on Robert E. Lee have been featured in The Washington Post and on the History News Network.
Earlier in his career, he taught European and American history at various colleges in Chicago, the Bronx, and London. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a BA in Economics from Syracuse University in 1984. Later, he received an MA in European History from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and pursued a PhD in History at the University of Illinois at Chicago. His dissertation was on Britain’s role in Persia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Throughout his career, Reeves has tried to make history lively and accessible for ordinary readers and students. Over the years, he has taught European and American history at Lehman College, Bronx Community College, and Southbank University in London. His next book is on the Battle of the Wilderness. He lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife and two children.

Reviews

[Chad Manske · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great new book that casts a different light on the former Union general and President unlike others published. And, Ulysses S. Grant's standing among the presidents has improved in recent years, with critically acclaimed biographies by Ron Chernow and others offering a new perspective on his time in the White House. But the 18th president who led the Union armies to victory in the Civil War still leaves a complicated legacy, especially when it comes to his relationship to slavery. That relationship is the centerpiece of John Reeves' enlightening “Soldier of Destiny: Slavery, Secession and the Redemption of Ulysses S. Grant. Reeves' book isn't a comprehensive biography, and it doesn't cover Grant's time in the White House. But, it gives readers an enlightening look at how he benefited from slavery years before he helped end the institution. Reeves traces the evolution of Grant from someone who “actively participated in the slave culture of St. Louis” before the Civil War. Reeves is fair and blunt in depicting the role slavery played in Grant's life as he tried to provide a “respectable middle-class lifestyle” for his family before the war. And also, unlike other biographical sketches, Grant’s drinking tendencies appear to be more than in past looks. “And this lifestyle, it must be remembered, was dependent on the ownership of human property,” Reeves writes. He also points out the ambivalence Grant displayed about slavery before the Civil War. Reeves doesn't shy from highlighting the stains upon Grant's military legacy including the reports of drinking that dogged Grant throughout the years. He also devotes a chapter to the order Grant issued expelling Jewish people from a military district he oversaw, an effort that was intended to halt illegal cotton speculation and remains a “black mark on his character,” Reeves writes. Reeves manages to stitch Grant's flaws and virtues into a thought-provoking portrait of a key historical figure who never lost faith in himself or his country. it took for Grant to go from an officer who was forced to resign from the Army to one of the most revered military heroes in history. This includes a detailed look at the key battles he faced during the Civil War.

[Adam Carman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book as part of a virtual book club hosted by the Grant Cottage staff and have been enjoying weekly discussions with them. I will admit to being a bit underwhelmed by the book itself. The title seems to suggest it's going to focus on slavery and secession as well as "redemption" but it's not clear what that means. Grant's conflicted attitude towards slavery is treated almost as if the author is simply desperately trying to avoid the accusations of hero worship lobbed at books like Chernow's "Grant." He highlights that Grant profited from slavery, and technically owned slaves through his wife's family during the buildup and early years of the Civil War. All well and good, but this is not new information. Reeves pushes back against Chernow and others noting that Grant freeing the enslaved man deeded to him by his father in law shows early antislavery tendencies by suggesting that Grant was simply honoring a business deal. Grant's alcoholism is discussed in depth and Reeves seems to take the darker view of it every time it's brought it, insisting that the reports cannot be dismissed out of hand. Again, I don't know that anyone really doesn't acknowledge that Grant had an issue with drink, although it may have been less alcoholism than a low tolerance for it and the occasional bingeing episode. And a whole chapter excoriating Grant's infamous Orders 11 banning Jewish traders from the camp seems like overkill. The author claims Grant had "shocking" anti-Semitic views but beyond the orders doesn't establish any kind of pattern to prove it. And no one is defending these orders so it seems weird to need to devote another chapter to a story that's supposed to be about redemption. Meanwhile, Grant's role in helping refugee enslaved men and women escape during the Vicksburg Campaign is skated over. In the end, the redemption arc is not well spelled out, but it can be inferred that perhaps it simply refers to Grant's military career, given that the book starts with Grant's resignation from the army and ends with him being appointed commander-in-chief of the US Army. All in all, the book included some interesting vignettes but I wouldn't call it a stellar contribution to Grant literature.

[Bill Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. However I think the title should have included Julia Grant because this book spends quite a bit of time looking at Julia’s tie to the peculiar institution, which was Grant’s connection.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short biography of U.S. Grant that focused on his years just before the start of the war through his promotion to head of all U.S. armies after his success in the West. It was an odd place to stop - the final story is about his introduction in Washington after he came from the West to take command. The premise of the book is to focus on Grant and slavery, but there were long stretches that were mainly about his leadership during the war. There was also a focus on his drinking that dominated later parts of the book. I did appreciate the parts on slavery and even how Grant's wife had her personal "servant" with her when she visited him during the war, but there really just wasn't much there for a full book on the issue.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fine account of Grant's Civil War activities, but I do feel that the author gave a little too much credence to the accounts of some of Grant's peers and rivals, men who had reasons to make personal attacks on him. He's also very hand-wavy on the subject of who, exactly, owned the Dent family's enslaved people.

[Urey Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

An abbreviated biography of Ulysses Grant, beginning in 1854 with his resignation from the Army and ending ten years later in 1864 with his promotion to Lieutenant General assuming command of all Union army forces. It is interesting, but limited in scope and depth... there are better, more complete and fuller biographies available (see Grant by Chernow, for example). Reeves focusses largely (almost exclusively) on Grant’s views on slavery, the gradual evolution of his attitudes regarding slavery, his drinking problem and his relations with his family – his father and his father-in-law and to a much lesser extent, his wife Julia. At every stage of his life in this ten year period, Reeves examines slavery and his suppositions about the life experiences of slaves owned by the Grant family, Grant’s drinking issues, and interactions with those three family members. His actual military exploits (Forts Henry and Donelson, Shiloh, Vicksburg) are related in brief, and Grant’s abilities in command are somewhat derided by Reeves. Campaigns after Vicksburg are ignored, although Chattanooga gets a passing mention. Interesting, but incomplete.

Reeves engages in considerable second-guessing and criticism, and regularly speculates as to what specific individuals must have thought or felt or understood. Grant’s slow evolution of thought regarding slavery was not unusual in the times... it was rather exactly the maturation that occurred in the country, among most of the population, and that ultimately led to the irreversible end of the institution. Reeves seems to imply that Grant should have been ahead of his times, more in step with Lincoln’s leadership than with the general conventions of thought characteristic of the non-slave states at the time. That is an unreasonable reach, I think.

Even Lincoln’s positions regarding slavery evolved over time, and he was further hampered by the reality of having to move steadily, decisively, but not too much so to avoid alienating the public so necessary to fighting the war and ending slavery. It was a delicate balancing act that he successfully pulled off, but there were time the issue was in doubt and the war could have ended by armistice without the South losing its favored institutions. That was a measure of Lincoln’s genius. Grant came along more slowly, as did the nation. However, during his Presidency he was decisively, vigorously, actively committed to enforcing Reconstruction and equal rights. He was the most pro-equal rights President until arguably Eisenhower and integration. You would not know that from Reeves account.

Equally Reeves seems puzzled by Grant’s predilection for having his wife accompany him during his various assignments and locations. However, Grant was aware of his alcoholism. He could not control it, but he was aware of it. He did not drink when he was actively campaigning, actively performing his military duties. He fell off the wagon when he was alone, and when he was idle, bored or biding time between engagements. He did not drink when Julia was with him – ergo, her frequent accompaniments on his assignments, in war zones and out. He did not drink when selected trusted aides were with him – Rawlins, for example – and although he did not actively insure their presence as he tried to do with Julia, they went to great lengths to insure one of them was with him. It really is not such a puzzle why he went to such lengths to have Julia with him.

So ultimately the book is an interesting look into a ten year window in Grant’s life, focused on his thoughts and relations with slavery, his drinking, and his immediate family relations. This limited focus is problematic in the sense that it ignores context, and it is mildly misleading in the depiction of the man and his place in history. Still, worth the read – it does present provocative counter-points to the conventional understanding of Grant the man and his travails as a person, outside the grander experiences of command in an existential civil war.

[Charles Inglin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author covers the period in U.S. Grant's life from his resignation from the Army while serving on the Pacific Coast in 1854 to his appointment as commanding general of the Union armies in 1863. During much of this period many considered Grant to be a failure and there were persistent rumors of his alcoholism. The author gives a well balanced account of the reality. On returning to civilian life Grant decided his true calling was to be a farmer, and it appears he was good at it. He not only worked land received from his father-in-law but also took over management of his father-in-law's plantation. It was the financial panic of 1857 and his father-in-law's poor financial decisions that caused him to leave farming. Unfortunately, he doesn't seem to have had a head for business.
Grant's setbacks may have in a way prepared him for army command. While maybe not a brilliant tactician on the level of General Lee, he was a solid tactician and he was persistent. He was able to recover from mistakes and reverses and come back, always keeping the objective in sight. He lacked the egotism of someone like McClellan and was able to listen to and work with subordinates.
One of the curious aspects of Grant's life was that, while he wasn't in favor of slavery, his father-in-law was a slave owner and gave Grant's wife four slaves.
An interesting read.

[noreast_bookreviewsnh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soldier of Destiny: Slavery, Secession, and the redemption of Ulysses S Grant by John Reeves
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An interesting and thoughtful analysis of the years 1854 to 1864 in the life of Ulysses S Grant; starting as an obscure army captain at Fort Humboldt on the west coast who resigns his commission in 1854 due to drinking problem paired with depression from missing his wife and kids, we witness his meteoritic rise to become lieutenant general in 1864 commanding the whole federal army and claiming victory in the rebellion. In this ten year span the author paints a vibrant portrait of who Grant was as a man, with warts and all, offering many internal contradictions that Grant faced as he grappled with his understanding of slavery, race and his struggle with alcohol. If one is looking for a short summation of Grants life up until his commission as lieutenant general in 1864, this is a beautifully written book that serves to fill that niche, but if one wants to absorb the entirety of Grant’s life I would highly recommend other books such as American Ulysses by Ronald White or Ron Chernow’s Grant. In my opinion this book adds nothing new to the monumental biographies that already exist, although still a short and enjoyable read nonetheless.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two years after Grant's death, General Sherman, who knew Grant better than most, wrote to a friend, "Grant's whole character was a mystery even to himself--a combination of strength and weakness not paralleled by any of whom I have ever read in Ancient or Modern History..." For those of us who have always been great admirers of Grant, Reeves's short biography certainly sheds light on Sherman's observation. For Reeves, Grant was, without question, the decisive and audacious general that made him a hero, but he also shows that Grant was as much a flawed man as he was a national legend. Reeves does not hide the black marks of Grant's character that many other biographers ignore. Grant's early ambivalence about slavery, his latent antisemitism (General Orders 11), his questionable business ethics, his lack of preparation for battle at Shiloh and his dangerous drinking sprees show us the man, if not the General, whom Sherman knew so well and whom Reeves presents in this book. Yet, despite these faults, it was Grant's utter dedication to the preservation of the Union, his coolness under fire, and his unshakeable confidence in final victory, despite the odds, that make him a hero in my book.

[Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy the writings of John Reeves. His prior book on the Battle of the Wilderness was particularly well-written. With Soldier of Destiny, Reeves isn’t trying to portray a deeply detailed biography of Grant. Instead, as the subtitle of the book notes, this is the story of Grant’s redemption arc starting from his resignation from the U.S. Army in 1854 to his promotion as commander of all Union armies in March 1864. Along the way, we get more information on the lives of people who were particularly instrumental in this rise to success. There’s much info to be had on his spouse, Julia; her father, Frederick Dent; and Grant’s father, Jesse Root Grant. Despite some personal failings, Grant’s story personifies the American dream and Reeves shows his audience how Grant elevated himself in the most crucial period of American history.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

This isn't intended as a full biography of Grant, and instead covers the 10 years in which he went from an unknown virtual failure to the highest ranking general in the land. If that's what's meant by the "redemption" of the sub-title, good so far. But there seems to be a lack of focus, as we read about Grant's developing views on slavery, his re-emergence as a winning but flawed military officer, his apparent ability to succeed despite his problems with alcohol, his difficulties with his father-in-law and finally, his redemption in the eyes of his father. There is also quite a bit of content about the importance of Grant's wife, Julia Dent, in his life. All of this in less than 250 pages. Despite all that, I enjoyed reading it, because while much as been written about Grant in recent years, he remains a difficult man to get to know.

[Boudica · Rating 5 out of 5]

The research behind this book is impeccable, drawing on a wide range of primary sources to construct a detailed and credible narrative. The author's expertise in the subject matter is evident, yet the book remains accessible and engaging. The book does an excellent job of highlighting Grant's role in the post-Civil War era, particularly his efforts towards the Reconstruction and the protection of African American rights. This aspect of Grant's career is often overshadowed by his military achievements, but "Soldier of Destiny" gives it the attention it deserves.

All in all, it's a very good book about a great man.

[John Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fascinating and informative book discusses many aspects of U. S. Grant's life, including those generally covered. We learn about his relationship with his wife, Julia, and both of their families, his career history in and out of the army, his personal beliefs, including slavery, and his contentious relationship with the bottle. The author offers a quite readable account with many viewpoints that often differ from the usual ideas and allows an open-minded exploration of this complex and frequently misunderstood man.

[Kathy Condon-Boettcher · Rating 2 out of 5]

I learned a good deal more about Julia and the Dent family than in any other Grant bio, so I appreciate that. Beyond that, however, I found the author's approach odd. I guess it's not a requirement that a biographer like their subject, but dang, if there was something bad to be said about Grant, Reeves made sure to say it. Even if it wasn't totally substantiated, and especially if drinking was involved. I don't think there was one mention of drinking that Reeves didn't drag out and beat to a pulp.

[Paul Womack · Rating 4 out of 5]

An overview of Grant’s actions with the issue of slavery and his ownership of several such persons, through which we might get some notion of his subjective attitude toward enslavement. I am not sure I have any conclusive idea, but the personality and his dynamics negotiating a plurality of expectations about what he should be is illuminating.

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great resource to know a bit more about U.S. Grant. I learned a lot. The book really wasn’t a definitive testament of his battles, but more on the character of the man. It showed you his life. Struggles, victories, flaws and challenges were all laid bare for us to see. If you are interested in Grant the man, this is a great place to start.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The history of Grant was interesting. He was dogged by the rumors of drinking problems. The papers loved to publish anything and it reminded me that he was lucky that he didn't have to deal with rumors on social media. A must read for anyone who wants to read about this famous general.

[Claire Kormanik · Rating 3 out of 5]

“‘He smokes his cigar with coolness in the midst of flying shot. He has no fear because he is an honest man. I like Grant. I do not say he is a hero; I do not believe in heroes; but I know he is a gentleman, and a good man.’” Union General William Tecumseh Sherman on Ulysses S. Grant

[Andy Tuite · Rating 4 out of 5]

A shorter bio of Grant - actually seemed like it ended abruptly. Some interesting struggles with slavery and antisemitism that never were fully resolved. Interspersed with letters a nice touch

[Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Very readable. I started the book before bed, and woke up the next morning wanting to read it. The exploration of Grant's relationships with his father and wife was fantastic.

[Gareth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good re cap after reading Ron Chernows blog a few years ago

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story about what seems to be a misunderstood General and president. The book did a good job at not really explaining his exact view on slavery.

[Jane]

I made it about halfway through. It was good, just got distracted by other reading

[Ryan Harp · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great look into Grant’s life (starting after the Mexican war) and the struggles he faced and his rise to top of the Union Army. Such an interesting man.

[Kenny Schwarz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read several books on U.S. Grant. This one is unique as it concentrates heavily on Grant’s early years as a soldier, and courtship of Julia while leaving his later political/presidential years alone. The details on Grant’s military career are detailed but a bit dry. On the whole this book falls smack in the middle of the Grant bios that I’ve read.

[Don Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone looking for a definitive biography on Grant (see White's book "American Ulysses"), this is not that book. What this book is, is a unique delve into Grant's years after leaving the U.S. Army in 1854 until he was given command of the U.S. Army in 1864.

John Reeves provides the reader with the human side of Grant, starting with his parents and extended family. From the incident that led to him resigning his first commission, Reeves shows how life experiences made Grant evolve in a way that showed him that his greatest strengths were realized when he was commanding troops in war time.

The book is not long (under 300 pages) and is a fairly easy read. Having met the author, I can honestly say that he is passionate about Grant and separates historical myth from historical fact.

[Dora Ashby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an insightful biography that forced me to reevaluate what I think of Grant and his service during the war. The discussion of Grant’a relationship to slavery was very eye opening as was were the discussions of his drinking.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is like the “three bears “, not as harsh as McFeelys Grant or as praiseworthy as Chernows. Possible right down the middle. Sometimes when things are lukewarm, spit them out and try again. Read McFeelys or Chernow.

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and its treatment of Ulysses’ personal life. It offers an intimate perspective of an enigmatic American while also highlighting his achievements in war time. I would suggest this to anyone curious about the time or the greatest military leader in our history.