Duty and Service

Grant emphasizes his reluctant acceptance of military duty, from his appointment to West Point to his command of Union armies, portraying service as an obligation to country and family rather than personal ambition.

Grant describes the routine of military duty at Jefferson Barracks and the subsequent deployment to Louisiana.

Grant's decision to march on foot with his men, and his acceptance of the horse only out of respect for his captain's wishes, reflects a sense of duty and humility.

Grant's immediate response to the call for troops—presiding at the meeting, helping raise a company, and volunteering his services to the governor—exemplifies a sense of duty to the nation.

The troops work tirelessly on defenses and approaches, and Grant notes that many wounded continued on duty, reflecting a strong sense of duty.