Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant · Chapter
Confederate Army explained
This chapter provides a detailed organizational breakdown of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia as of August 31, 1834, listing the command structure, divisions, brigades, and artillery units under General Robert E.
What happens
This chapter provides a detailed organizational breakdown of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia as of August 31, 1834, listing the command structure, divisions, brigades, and artillery units under General Robert E. Lee.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
Grant’s severe sick headache—a physical manifestation of immense psychological strain—reaches its peak just as…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- The Horrors and Cost of War
The detailed listing of units and commanders underscores the massive scale and human cost of the conflict.
- Leadership and Humility
The command hierarchy from Lee down to brigade commanders illustrates the chain of command and the burden of leadership.
Characters to notice
- Robert E. Lee
Commanding General of the Army of Northern Virginia
- Jubal Early
Commanding the Second Army Corps
- Ambrose P. Hill
Commanding the Third Army Corps
- Wade Hampton
Commanding the Cavalry Corps
- John B. Gordon
Commanding a division in the Second Army Corps
- George E. Pickett
Commanding a division in the First Army Corps
- Henry Heth
Commanding a division in the Third Army Corps
- Richard S. Ewell
Mentioned as commanding a division (Edward Johnson's Division) in the Second Army Corps
Key passages
“Organization of the Army of Northern Virginia, Commanded by General Robert E. Lee, August 31st, 1834.”
The Army of Northern Virginia was organized under General Robert E. Lee as of August 31, 1834.
Establishes the date and command of the army.
“First Army Corps: Lieut. -Gen. R. H. Anderson, Commanding.”
The First Army Corps was led by Lieutenant General R. H. Anderson.
Identifies the commander of the First Corps.
