Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant · Chapter
II explained
Grant recounts his appointment to West Point, his reluctant departure from Georgetown, Ohio, his journey east via steamboat and canal, his arrival at the Academy, his four years as a cadet, his graduation and commissioning as a second lieut
What happens
Grant recounts his appointment to West Point, his reluctant departure from Georgetown, Ohio, his journey east via steamboat and canal, his arrival at the Academy, his four years as a cadet, his graduation and commissioning as a second lieutenant in the 4th Infantry, and his return home on leave.
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 Exposition.
- 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
- Personal Integrity and Self-Reliance
Grant's determination to face the Academy despite his fears of failure, and his honest reflection on his own mediocrity as a cadet.
- The Role of Providence and Fate
Grant's presentiment that he might one day occupy General Scott's place, and the sense of destiny in his appointment and journey.
Characters to notice
- Ulysses S. Grant
Narrator and protagonist; describes his appointment, journey, and cadet years at West Point.
- Abraham Lincoln
Mentioned as the political opponent of Jefferson Davis in the context of Georgetown's Democratic leanings.
- Jefferson Davis
Mentioned as the candidate Georgetown would have voted for over Lincoln during the rebellion.
- Winfield Scott
Recalled as the commanding figure who reviewed the cadets during Grant's first encampment.
- Charles F. Smith
Mentioned as Commandant of Cadets at West Point, one of the two men Grant most envied.
- Thomas J. Jackson
Not directly mentioned in excerpts; no match found.
Key passages
“I would have been glad to have had a steamboat or railroad collision, or any other accident happen, by which I might have received a temporary injury sufficient to make me ineligible, for a time, to enter the Academy.”
Grant wished for a minor accident that would delay his entry to West Point.
Reflects his anxiety about attending the Academy.
“I thought the perfection of rapid transit had been reached. We travelled at least eighteen miles an hour, when at full speed, and made the whole distance averaging probably as much as twelve miles an hour. This seemed like annihilating space.”
Grant marveled at the speed of the railroad, which he considered the ultimate in fast travel.
Highlights the technological wonder of early railroads.
“I could never resemble him in appearance, but I believe I did have a presentiment for a moment that some day I should occupy his place on review—although I had no intention then of remaining in the army.”
Grant felt a fleeting premonition that he would one day command a review like General Scott.
Foreshadows Grant's future military prominence.
