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The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant #2
The Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, Volume Two
After three deadly years of fighting, President Abraham Lincoln had seen a little progress in the West against the Confederacy, but in the main theater of operations, Virginia, the lines were almost exactly where they had been when the American Civil War started. The war was at a stalemate with northern public support rapidly fading. Then, Lincoln summoned General Ulysses S. Grant, victor of the Vicksburg campaign, to come East. In little over a year, America's most catastrophic armed conflict ended, the Union was preserved, and slavery was abolished. This book details how these triumphs were achieved and in the telling earned international acclaim as a superb example of an English-language personal chronicle.
About the Author
Ulysses S. Grant remains one of the giants in American history, revered and respected by his contemporaries, but viewed ever after as one of the country's most controversial figures. He graduated from West Point in 1843 and went on to have a successful military career before becoming the 18th President of the United States for two terms. These grand accomplishments stand in stark contrast with his failures. He became an alcoholic, a failed businessman, and the administration during his presidency is regarded as one of the most corrupt in U.S. history. While other prominent Americans look to publishing their recollections as a crowning event undertaken in the leisure of retirement, Grant had to write his 1885 memoir as a means to pay his debts and support his family.
About the Author
Ulysses S. Grant remains one of the giants in American history, revered and respected by his contemporaries, but viewed ever after as one of the country's most controversial figures. He graduated from West Point in 1843 and went on to have a successful military career before becoming the 18th President of the United States for two terms. These grand accomplishments stand in stark contrast with his failures. He became an alcoholic, a failed businessman, and the administration during his presidency is regarded as one of the most corrupt in U.S. history. While other prominent Americans look to publishing their recollections as a crowning event undertaken in the leisure of retirement, Grant had to write his 1885 memoir as a means to pay his debts and support his family.
348 pages, Paperback
First published July 18, 1969
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About the author
Ulysses S. Grant
238 books133 followersUlysses Simpson Grant, originally Hiram Ulysses Grant, in Civil War victoriously campaigned at Vicksburg from 1862 to 1863, and, made commander in chief of the Army in 1864, accepted the surrender of Robert Edward Lee, general, at Appomattox in 1865; widespread graft and corruption marred his two-term presidency, the eighteenth of the United States, from 1869 to 1877.
Robert Edward Lee surrendered to Ulysses Simpson Grant at Appomattox in 1865.
Robert Edward Lee, Confederate general, surrendered to Ulysses Simpson Grant, Union general, at the hamlet of Appomattox Court House on 9 April 1865 to end effectively the Civil War.
The son of an Appalachian tanner of Ohio, Ulysses Simpson Grant of America entered the military academy at 17 years of age in 1839. The academy graduated him in 1843. In 1846, three years afterward, Grant served as a lieutenant in the Mexican War under Winfield Scott and Zachary Taylor. The conflict concluded in 1848.
Grant abruptly resigned in 1854. After struggling through the succeeding years as a real estate agent, a laborer, and a county engineer, Grant decided to join the northern effort.
Abraham Lincoln appointed Grant to brigadier of volunteers in 1861; he in 1862 claimed the first major capture of fort Henry and fort Donelson in Tennessee. A Confederate attack at the battle of Shiloh surprised him, who emerged, but the severe casualties prompted a public outcry. Following many long initial setbacks and his rescue of the besieged at Chattanooga, however, Grant subsequently established his reputation as most aggression and success to Lincoln. Named lieutenant in 1864, Grant implemented a coordinated strategy of simultaneous attacks, aimed at destroying ability of economy to sustain forces of the south. He mounted a successful attrition against his Confederate opponents to courthouse in 1865.
After Andrew Jackson, four decades earlier, people elected duly popular Grant as a Republican in 1868 and re-elected him in 1872 as the first to serve fully. Grant signed and enforced congressional rights legislation to lead Reconstruction.
Grant built a powerful, patronage-based Republican Party in the south and strained relations between the north and former Confederates. Sometimes, nepotism produced scandal of his Administration; people coined the neologism to describe his politics.
Grant left office in 1877 and embarked upon a two-year world tour. Unsuccessful in winning the nomination for a third in 1880, left destitute by a fraudulent investor, and near the brink of death, Grant wrote his Memoirs, which were enormously successful among veterans, the public, and critics. However, in 1884, Grant learned that he was suffering from terminal throat cancer and, two days after completing his writing, he died at the age of 63. Historians typically rank Grant in the lowest quartile for his tolerance, but in recent years his reputation has improved among some scholars impressed by his support for rights for African Americans.
Robert Edward Lee surrendered to Ulysses Simpson Grant at Appomattox in 1865.
Robert Edward Lee, Confederate general, surrendered to Ulysses Simpson Grant, Union general, at the hamlet of Appomattox Court House on 9 April 1865 to end effectively the Civil War.
The son of an Appalachian tanner of Ohio, Ulysses Simpson Grant of America entered the military academy at 17 years of age in 1839. The academy graduated him in 1843. In 1846, three years afterward, Grant served as a lieutenant in the Mexican War under Winfield Scott and Zachary Taylor. The conflict concluded in 1848.
Grant abruptly resigned in 1854. After struggling through the succeeding years as a real estate agent, a laborer, and a county engineer, Grant decided to join the northern effort.
Abraham Lincoln appointed Grant to brigadier of volunteers in 1861; he in 1862 claimed the first major capture of fort Henry and fort Donelson in Tennessee. A Confederate attack at the battle of Shiloh surprised him, who emerged, but the severe casualties prompted a public outcry. Following many long initial setbacks and his rescue of the besieged at Chattanooga, however, Grant subsequently established his reputation as most aggression and success to Lincoln. Named lieutenant in 1864, Grant implemented a coordinated strategy of simultaneous attacks, aimed at destroying ability of economy to sustain forces of the south. He mounted a successful attrition against his Confederate opponents to courthouse in 1865.
After Andrew Jackson, four decades earlier, people elected duly popular Grant as a Republican in 1868 and re-elected him in 1872 as the first to serve fully. Grant signed and enforced congressional rights legislation to lead Reconstruction.
Grant built a powerful, patronage-based Republican Party in the south and strained relations between the north and former Confederates. Sometimes, nepotism produced scandal of his Administration; people coined the neologism to describe his politics.
Grant left office in 1877 and embarked upon a two-year world tour. Unsuccessful in winning the nomination for a third in 1880, left destitute by a fraudulent investor, and near the brink of death, Grant wrote his Memoirs, which were enormously successful among veterans, the public, and critics. However, in 1884, Grant learned that he was suffering from terminal throat cancer and, two days after completing his writing, he died at the age of 63. Historians typically rank Grant in the lowest quartile for his tolerance, but in recent years his reputation has improved among some scholars impressed by his support for rights for African Americans.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 24, 2016
This book was daunting. I will read it again someday, maybe this summer, but I will have to allow much time to be able to concentrate and absorb all the details. Next time, I will have the maps in front of me so I can follow the battles as he is describing them. I have much more respect for U.S. Grant than I ever had before. His telling is honest, tactful and fair.
September 18, 2017
I really enjoyed this book, 1) it's really fantastic memoir, from someone from a pretty unique position in history 2) written under highly tragic circumstances 3) who was also a clear influence on a whole lot of subsequent writers (looking at you Hemingway).
Some of the things I highlighted from here and volume 1.
For me, it was an edifying read, thinking about both how much has changed, and how little.
Some of the things I highlighted from here and volume 1.
In the case of the war between the States it would have been the exact truth if the South had said,—"We do not want to live with you Northern people any longer; we know our institution of slavery is obnoxious to you, and, as you are growing numerically stronger than we, it may at some time in the future be endangered. So long as you permitted us to control the government, and with the aid of a few friends at the North to enact laws constituting your section a guard against the escape of our property, we were willing to live with you. You have been submissive to our rule heretofore; but it looks now as if you did not intend to continue so, and we will remain in the Union no longer." Instead of this the seceding States cried lustily,—"Let us alone; you have no constitutional power to interfere with us."
There was no time during the rebellion when I did not think, and often say, that the South was more to be benefited by its defeat than the North. The latter had the people, the institutions, and the territory to make a great and prosperous nation. The former was burdened with an institution abhorrent to all civilized people not brought up under it, and one which degraded labor, kept it in ignorance, and enervated the governing class.
While at Milledgeville the soldiers met at the State House, organized a legislature, and proceeded to business precisely as if they were the legislative body belonging to the State of Georgia. The debates were exciting, and were upon the subject of the situation the South was in at that time, particularly the State of Georgia. They went so far as to repeal, after a spirited and acrimonious debate, the ordinance of secession.
As time passes, people, even of the South, will begin to wonder how it was possible that their ancestors ever fought for or justified institutions which acknowledged the right of property in man.
For me, it was an edifying read, thinking about both how much has changed, and how little.
April 25, 2022
I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
U. S. GRANT,
Lieutenant-General.
THE END
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
U. S. GRANT,
Lieutenant-General.
THE END
March 11, 2018
This was a great book, the best I've read so far this year. Every bit as good as the other volume, which I reviewed about the middle of last year.
August 13, 2017
The story of how General Grant changed the Union strategy of the Civil War. General Grant took command of the Union Armies and immediately concluded the only way to end the Civil War required that he completely reduce the rebellion with overwhelming force. He had to take the war to Lee. Grant knew of Lee and served with him in a junior capacity. Unlike many other Union officers, Grant respected Lee, but did not fear him. Grant not only felt the passion of his cause, he also calculated coldly Lee's biggest risks and exploited them ruthlessly to achieve as quick an end to the war as possible. He forced Lee to make a hard choice to either defend Richmond or to choose a different battleground and join other Confederate forces. Each time Lee paused to consider, Grant tightened the noose on him all the way to Appomattox. Grant describes this in considerable detail, and in the process provides interesting assessments of his generals and the Confederacy's generals. He also provides some insight in working with the Secretary of War and Presidents Lincoln and Johnson. Having later served as President himself, he holds an unique perspective on the interaction between military leadership and the civilian superiors in the chain of command.
Most interesting in these times, is Grant's assessment on the causes of the Civil War. He believes slavery to be the cause. He allows, though, that if slavery not be the cause of the War, then it was the Southern elites who wormed their ways into national government with the purpose of compelling the anti-slavery northerners to accept the unacceptable by being required to help slave owners maintain their crude institution. For example, the Fugitive Slave Act required northerners to be a party in returning to human property to slave owners within their own jurisdictions. This, Grant says, convinced northerners that slavery had to end: to be parties to this appalling practice, even indirectly, grew untenable to the north. So, Grant says, if slavery not be the cause of the war, its knock-on effects certainly caused the war. Though he wrote this in the 1880s, Grants thoughts echo now to the nation being forced to accept a cramped view of law and order that refuses to accept sanctuary status, compels local officials to assist the deporting or law-abiding families, and in general requires an acceptance of southern, white hegemony. The current administration should real Grant and reflect.
Grant writes well and his lucidity does service to work and cause.
Most interesting in these times, is Grant's assessment on the causes of the Civil War. He believes slavery to be the cause. He allows, though, that if slavery not be the cause of the War, then it was the Southern elites who wormed their ways into national government with the purpose of compelling the anti-slavery northerners to accept the unacceptable by being required to help slave owners maintain their crude institution. For example, the Fugitive Slave Act required northerners to be a party in returning to human property to slave owners within their own jurisdictions. This, Grant says, convinced northerners that slavery had to end: to be parties to this appalling practice, even indirectly, grew untenable to the north. So, Grant says, if slavery not be the cause of the war, its knock-on effects certainly caused the war. Though he wrote this in the 1880s, Grants thoughts echo now to the nation being forced to accept a cramped view of law and order that refuses to accept sanctuary status, compels local officials to assist the deporting or law-abiding families, and in general requires an acceptance of southern, white hegemony. The current administration should real Grant and reflect.
Grant writes well and his lucidity does service to work and cause.
June 25, 2020
Phew. That took awhile. I'll admit I didn't find this volume as scintillating as the last.
Grant outlines many battles, with observations about individual officers, etc. I was fascinated to read about one particular plan (suggested, I believe, by several soldiers who were miners when not part of the army) to tunnel under the enemy lines and then blow a huge hole to attack. And how Grant says that he can't think of any way in which the plan or the orders could have been improved, except to give the orders to entirely different people.
An interesting quote toward the end of the book: “Although Sheridan had been marching all day, his troops moved with alacrity and without any straggling. They began to see the end of what they had been fighting four years for.” p. 480
I was surprised to read that Grant considered the Constitution "on hold" during the war: “The Constitution was not framed with a view to any such rebellion as that of 1861-5. While it did not authorize rebellion it made no provision against it. Yet the right to resist or suppress rebellion is as inherent as the right of self-defense, and as natural as the right of an individual to preserve his life when in jeopardy. The Constitution was therefore in abeyance for the time being, so far as it in any way affected the progress and termination of the war.” That does not seem like an idea that would fly nowadays.
I also found Grant's whole attitude toward black people disturbing. While he makes several broad statements throughout both volumes of his autobiography about the evil of slavery and about the equality of all people, he doesn't write about black people like he considers them equal. Reading the end of this volume shortly after the death of George Floyd brought this fact even more sharply into focus for me.
Grant outlines many battles, with observations about individual officers, etc. I was fascinated to read about one particular plan (suggested, I believe, by several soldiers who were miners when not part of the army) to tunnel under the enemy lines and then blow a huge hole to attack. And how Grant says that he can't think of any way in which the plan or the orders could have been improved, except to give the orders to entirely different people.
An interesting quote toward the end of the book: “Although Sheridan had been marching all day, his troops moved with alacrity and without any straggling. They began to see the end of what they had been fighting four years for.” p. 480
I was surprised to read that Grant considered the Constitution "on hold" during the war: “The Constitution was not framed with a view to any such rebellion as that of 1861-5. While it did not authorize rebellion it made no provision against it. Yet the right to resist or suppress rebellion is as inherent as the right of self-defense, and as natural as the right of an individual to preserve his life when in jeopardy. The Constitution was therefore in abeyance for the time being, so far as it in any way affected the progress and termination of the war.” That does not seem like an idea that would fly nowadays.
I also found Grant's whole attitude toward black people disturbing. While he makes several broad statements throughout both volumes of his autobiography about the evil of slavery and about the equality of all people, he doesn't write about black people like he considers them equal. Reading the end of this volume shortly after the death of George Floyd brought this fact even more sharply into focus for me.
December 12, 2023
I found parts of this quite fascinating while admitting that the blow by blow descriptions of civil war battles had little interest for me. My version was annotated with footnotes that helped explain things but I would have liked some maps to help me understand the many battles described in this volume.
March 19, 2024
Among U.S. Presidents, the only one who is a better writer than Grant is Lincoln, imo. Every sentence is written like an order given to a subordinate on the battlefield.
Reading Grants account of what happened at Appomattox is fascinating.
My only criticism is that his memoirs only cover the Civil War, not his presidency.
Reading Grants account of what happened at Appomattox is fascinating.
My only criticism is that his memoirs only cover the Civil War, not his presidency.
November 25, 2017
Excellent
Any citizen interested in our nations future should read of her trials of her past. This is a voice of wisdom relevant for today as we too face trials and important decisions.
Any citizen interested in our nations future should read of her trials of her past. This is a voice of wisdom relevant for today as we too face trials and important decisions.
August 22, 2017
Good but dry
October 20, 2017
Great story by a great American
June 22, 2019
A remarkable and important work.
February 19, 2020
It isn't an easy read like a novel, or a modern history book. But it's a view of the Civil War from an entirely different prospective than any other history.
April 28, 2021
oh, General Thomas
May 8, 2023
A must read. Sorry I didn’t recognize it sooner
May 22, 2023
I enjoyed the first volume of his memoirs more than the second. This one had a lot of details about troop movements that didn't mean all that much to me. However, I'm glad to have read it.
June 8, 2023
I had issues with the amount of detail he used. Overall it was an excellent read. I have a different opinion on his life that most people do not understand.
April 4, 2012
Ulysses S. Grant had his memoirs published on 1885 entitled Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant (vols. I & II). Except for the first few chapters of volume I, before he graduated from West Point and a couple more when he resigned his commission and took up employment in private life, the book serves more as a tactical description of his part in either the War with Mexico or the Civil War. It does afford the reader a clear and comprehensive view of many lesser known battles and skirmishes of these two wars. He takes pains to record, not only the troop movements and his motivation hereof but also the numbers of combatants on both sides, the battle operations and outcome but also the numbers of dead, injured, captured and/or missing from both armies. The second volume begins with the preparations to the Battle of Chattanooga and this is painted in vivid detail. The Battle for Atlanta and Grant’s appointment as Commander in Chief are all related in detail. Fully three quarters of the book is designated to the four years of the Civil War. I can’t believe that he knew, could know or could remember all of these facts in detail but had to have “recalled” them later from official documents, army dispatches and official letters. How he obtained the information is immaterial, what counts is its apparent accuracy. I must admit that his memoirs aren’t suggested for everyone as it contains a very detailed account of both Union and Confederate movements, actions and results. A very detailed topographical map of the area from that time is necessary to fully understand his descriptions and accounts. I have seldom read a more complete account of that event, filled with unimaginable detail and still highly readable. On all these points he would receive a very high score from me.
October 15, 2014
I read Volumes I and II mostly from the "Project Gutenberg" Kindle version with images. The images provided a map of the key battles that Grant participated in or commanded; however, the images using Kindle could not be enlarged. I also bought an original 1865 edition of Grant's memoirs which contains the same maps but "life size" facsimiles of hand written terms of surrender for Fort Donaldson and later the surrender of Robert E. Lee.
Volume 1 covers Grant years leading up to West Point and service in several locations before he resigns from the Army and lives a civilian life albeit not very successfully. He then rejoins the US Army at the beginning of the "Rebellion". Volume 1 ends after the key Union victory at Vicksburg. Interesting insights are provided regarding his relationships between the Generals he encountered on both sides, how he fought with them during the American-Mexican war.
Volume II contains Grant's own account of the battles he fought in and later commanded, his frustrations with some of his Generals and especially with some the bureaucrats in Washington and his special relationship with Abraham Lincoln. He includes some fascinating antidotes related to President Lincoln and some of his Generals. Grant's account of General Sherman's march to the sea and how it fit into the strategy of bringing the war to a close was quite enlightening.
It's hard to comprehend the amount of causalities inflicted on both sides even in some of more obscure battles. It was not unusual for either side to have lost 5000 men in the course of an hour or two. The high price paid in blood to end slavery and to keep our nation whole should never be forgotten.
Volume 1 covers Grant years leading up to West Point and service in several locations before he resigns from the Army and lives a civilian life albeit not very successfully. He then rejoins the US Army at the beginning of the "Rebellion". Volume 1 ends after the key Union victory at Vicksburg. Interesting insights are provided regarding his relationships between the Generals he encountered on both sides, how he fought with them during the American-Mexican war.
Volume II contains Grant's own account of the battles he fought in and later commanded, his frustrations with some of his Generals and especially with some the bureaucrats in Washington and his special relationship with Abraham Lincoln. He includes some fascinating antidotes related to President Lincoln and some of his Generals. Grant's account of General Sherman's march to the sea and how it fit into the strategy of bringing the war to a close was quite enlightening.
It's hard to comprehend the amount of causalities inflicted on both sides even in some of more obscure battles. It was not unusual for either side to have lost 5000 men in the course of an hour or two. The high price paid in blood to end slavery and to keep our nation whole should never be forgotten.
March 1, 2014
The descriptions of the campaigns are as detailed as one might expect. As such, the book provides unique perspective of the movements of troops, coordination of effort, and military strategy. Grant expresses frustrations as well as praises for his colleagues. He is also unqualified in his respect for the opponent; well, not quite unqualified. Throughout both volumes comes Grant's political and even moral philosophy that is in harmony with the Declaration of Independence and the principles of the U.S. One wonderful passage describes the transition to war. Grant states that most Northerners were not motivated to change the practice of slavery in the South prior to the war. As long as the Northerner did not have to practice slavery he was content with the status quo. But the laws requiring Northerners to return runaway slaves along with the increased access to long distance travel forced the issue. Simultaneously, the Southerners were described as becoming desperate about the long term potential for maintaining the institution. This made each side prone to battle. Grant explains this all very succinctly even if incompletely. One other priceless contribution was Grant's assessment of Lincoln. He states that the South lost their best ally in the assassination while unleashing the rage of the worst part of the Union.
I will probably reread this book after reading more accounts of the war, especially the geography and the timing of battles. This will bring out the full value of Grant's account.
I will probably reread this book after reading more accounts of the war, especially the geography and the timing of battles. This will bring out the full value of Grant's account.
May 12, 2016
An important read for anyone interested in the Civil War. Grant played a significant role in setting the tone for the re-United States in that he rejected the desires of many Northern politicians for war crimes trials and firing squads. He seemed to understand what was necessary to bring the Union back together. Grant's Memoirs, both volumes, emphasize his coolness under stress and his understanding that to win the war the North's armies needed to keep pressing their many advantages often resulting in much slaughter on both sides. He is often criticized for his persistence in spite of great loss, but it is probably due to his doggedness and commitment to stay on the attack late in the war that brought it to conclusion prior to Lincoln's assassination... who knows what would have happened had Lincoln died before the surrender !
March 9, 2016
I was led to believe that this was an unusually frank and forthcoming biography by an American president. Which is true, if you are interested in the military arts of leading men into battle. I was most interested in Grant's take on the Civil War, but Grant spends almost all the time relating details of battles than the politics behind the war (for that please read James McPherson's superb Battle Cry of Freedom which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1986. It is interesting to note, in light of efforts over the years by Southerners to glorify the Civil War, that Grant repeatedly refers to it as "The Rebellion." Which is what it was: a rebellion to dissolve these United States for the right to own and exploit slaves. This is an interesting historical document -- reputedly written to help pay off debts in Grant's old age -- but not that great of a read.
November 18, 2016
Grant's memoirs are truly a clear and concise way of learning a great deal about the Civil War. He explains the thought process behind decisions, and gives credit where credit is due. He is a bit hard on George Thomas, but other than that, he is very gracious to all, but will give faint praise to those whom he believes did not perform well. The fact that he did this all while dying of throat cancer make it all the more impressive.
If you want to learn more about how the Civil War was fought by one of the most important generals of the time, then this book is an amazing resource. Grant writes clearly, and in a way that is rather engaging even though there are no writing "flourishes". He writes plainly, clearly, and in such a way that you can picture in your mind what is going on. This is no simple feat.
I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the US's Civil War.
If you want to learn more about how the Civil War was fought by one of the most important generals of the time, then this book is an amazing resource. Grant writes clearly, and in a way that is rather engaging even though there are no writing "flourishes". He writes plainly, clearly, and in such a way that you can picture in your mind what is going on. This is no simple feat.
I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the US's Civil War.
February 8, 2016
Finished my gym book on the walk today.
Grant's memoirs get a 2 because his focus on numbers isn't terribly exciting to me. When he isn't listing numbers, he gives an intriguing first hand account (though from the perspective of remembering it 20 years later) of the decisions he made in the later half of the Civil War.
This volume focuses on the decisions at the Battles of Chattanooga and then his time as the commander of armies during the Civil War, against the Army of Northern Virginia: Wilderness, Spotslyvania, Cold Harbor, etc.
Sometimes his turn of phrase could be beautiful. Has definitely given me a different impression of Grant as a writer, as a politician, in addition to his military credentials.
Grant's memoirs get a 2 because his focus on numbers isn't terribly exciting to me. When he isn't listing numbers, he gives an intriguing first hand account (though from the perspective of remembering it 20 years later) of the decisions he made in the later half of the Civil War.
This volume focuses on the decisions at the Battles of Chattanooga and then his time as the commander of armies during the Civil War, against the Army of Northern Virginia: Wilderness, Spotslyvania, Cold Harbor, etc.
Sometimes his turn of phrase could be beautiful. Has definitely given me a different impression of Grant as a writer, as a politician, in addition to his military credentials.
November 19, 2011
Grant wrote well, but I got lost in microgeography of Civil War Virginia. To Grant, every creek, wood, and junction was important, and he catalogued all of them as his armies crossed them.
Grant was quick to judge his subordinates. Sometimes too quick. He was on his way to fire George Thomas when Thomas destroyed the army of John Hood at the Battle of Nashville. Grant admitted he was wrong in his assessment of Thomas but never advanced Thomas's career.
If you read Grant's memoirs, be sure to read the appendices.
I also recommend W T Sherman's memoirs.
Grant was quick to judge his subordinates. Sometimes too quick. He was on his way to fire George Thomas when Thomas destroyed the army of John Hood at the Battle of Nashville. Grant admitted he was wrong in his assessment of Thomas but never advanced Thomas's career.
If you read Grant's memoirs, be sure to read the appendices.
I also recommend W T Sherman's memoirs.
February 17, 2013
Just saw a great piece on Sunday morning about President U.S. Grant and his autobiography is one of my favs. Lincoln said, "Grants my man." I grew up near the cabin he hand built in Afton, MO, a suburb of St. Louis, and Jefferson Barracks where he was stationed as a young Lieutenant. Once, he was courting his fiance, Julia Bent, in St. Louis and barely made it back over Gravois Greek to the Barracks...I and even my sons played in Gravois Creek, which flows through Afton and fished for crawdads when we were kids.
May 7, 2013
An interesting and informative book. The writing is sometimes too flowery but that was the style of the times of the late 1800's. It gave a unique peek into Grant's life and thoughts. He never wanted to be a soldier. He knew John Brown when Brown was a youth. He never believed in turning around but always believed in going forward toward his destination. He excelled in math but not in war tactics at West Point. This writing shows him to be a man of humor who is willing to admit his mistakes. A revealing pictures of the times and the wars. Well worth the time. (I read the combined edition.)
November 25, 2014
Great information if not tedious.
Incredible amount of information about the deployment of troops throughout the entire theatre of operations. Although I am retired army with much interest in the battles of our armed forces I was overwhelmed by the end of volume 2. I would not recommend this book to the casual reader. Having said that, it is a rarity to read the innermost thoughts of a commanding general in what in my opinion is the most important war fought by the United States.
Incredible amount of information about the deployment of troops throughout the entire theatre of operations. Although I am retired army with much interest in the battles of our armed forces I was overwhelmed by the end of volume 2. I would not recommend this book to the casual reader. Having said that, it is a rarity to read the innermost thoughts of a commanding general in what in my opinion is the most important war fought by the United States.
September 15, 2010
It is well written and quite comprehensive, took quite a while to read. However, I am disappointed that he did not write about anything about his life after the war though it is understandable considering some of his misfortunes. However, I believe it would have been a worthwhile read in understanding his political and economic decisions and also possibly exonerating against charges of corruption against him when he was President.
November 19, 2009
Always nice to have look at history through an eyewitness. I actually read the first part - couldn't find it here - and though Grant is an uneventful and somewhat boring voice, his meticulous description of places and customs in Mexico and the United States in his time, give an interesting glimpse into this age.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews