Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant · Concept
National Union and Constitutional Crisis
Grant argues that the Constitution was not designed for rebellion, justifying extraordinary wartime measures to preserve the Union, and reflects on the necessity of a strong central government.
Grant argues that the Constitution was not designed for rebellion, justifying extraordinary wartime measures to preserve the Union, and reflects on the necessity of a strong central government.
Grant analyzes the constitutional arguments around secession, the failure of the framers to anticipate such a crisis, and the inherent right of revolution versus the illegality of secession.
The chapter opens with the secession crisis and Lincoln's oath to maintain the Union, highlighting the constitutional struggle as states secede and Fort Sumter is attacked.
The campaign against Fort Henry is framed as a crucial step in preserving the Union by breaking the Confederate defensive line and opening the Tennessee River to Union forces.
The campaign for Corinth and the subsequent dispersal of Union forces highlight the strategic challenges of preserving the Union by controlling key transportation hubs and dividing the Confederacy.
Characters
Chapters
- Resignation—Private Life—Life at Galena—The Coming Crisis
- Outbreak of the Rebellion — Presiding at a Union Meeting — Mustering Officer of State Troops — Lyon at Camp Jackson — Services Tendered to the Government
- General Halleck in Command—Commanding the District of Cairo—Movement on Fort Henry—Capture of Fort Henry
- Halleck Assumes Command in the Field—The Advance Upon Corinth—Occupation of Corinth—The Army Separated
- Chapter XXVII
- XXVIII
- Van Dorn's Movements — Battle of Corinth — Command of the Department of the Tennessee
- Movement Against Jackson—Fall of Jackson—Intercepting the Enemy—Battle of Champion's Hill
