Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant · Character
Philip H. Sheridan
The slight, ferocious cavalryman Grant plucks from obscurity on Halleck's one-word recommendation, and who never once makes him regret it.
major
Also known as Sheridan, General Sheridan, P. H. Sheridan, Major-General Sheridan, Major-General P. H. Sheridan
First appearance: i
As a major figure in Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant, Philip H. Sheridan is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Met by Grant at Corinth; Sheridan was eager to join Buell but Grant initially expressed surprise and nettled by his desire to leave.
When Grant complains to Lincoln that the cavalry has accomplished almost nothing, Halleck offers Sheridan's name and Grant seizes it instantly, telegraphing for him the same day. The appointment displaces Pleasonton and signals Grant's willingness to gamble on aggressive fighters over seniority. Sheridan's first raid opens the grand campaign, and his relentless pursuit of Lee in the final days — troops marching without rations, without rest, without straggling — becomes the instrument that makes surrender inevitable.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Character Web
45 connectionsA slice of how Philip H. Sheridan sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Professional
- Rivalry
- Other
Character groups
- Grant's Inner Circle
- Protagonist
- Army of the Potomac
+40 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative 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 readingRelationships
- Ulysses S. Grant
professional · positive
Sheridan was one of Grant's most trusted and aggressive subordinate commanders, executing… How this plays out →
- Robert E. Lee
rivalry · negative
- Jubal Early
rivalry · negative
- Winfield S. Hancock
professional · positive
- Ulysses S. Grant
professional · positive
Sheridan was one of Grant's most trusted and aggressive subordinate commanders, executing… How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Philip H. Sheridan in iIn the story
Philip H. Sheridan appears across 18 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
- Chapter XXVII
- Commencement of the Grand Campaign—General Butler’s Position—Sheridan’s First Raid
- The Battle of the Wilderness
- LI
- LII
- 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
- Left Flank Movement Across the Chickahominy and James—General Lee—Visit to Butler—The Movement on Petersburg—The Investment of Petersburg
- Chapter LVII
- +10 more
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Philip H. Sheridan unlock in the free preview.
See Philip H. Sheridan in i