Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant · Concept
The Role of Providence and Fate
Grant frequently acknowledges a higher power guiding events, from his accidental appointment to West Point to his belief that Providence led both nations and men during the war.
Grant frequently acknowledges a higher power guiding events, from his accidental appointment to West Point to his belief that Providence led both nations and men during the war.
Grant's narrative of his early life and the events that shaped him suggests a sense of destiny or providence in his path.
Grant's presentiment that he might one day occupy General Scott's place, and the sense of destiny in his appointment and journey.
Grant speculates on how his life might have differed had Congressman Hamer lived, noting that men control little of their own destiny.
Grant's reflection on knowing Lee's mortality and the chance meetings at West Point suggest a sense of fate in his later command.
Characters
Chapters
- I
- II
- VII The Mexican War—The Battle of Palo Alto—The Battle of Resaca De La Palma—Army of Invasion—General Taylor—Movement on Camargo
- Return of the Army—Marriage—Ordered to the Pacific Coast—Crossing the Isthmus—Arrival at San Francisco
- San Francisco—Early California Experiences—Life on the Pacific Coast—Promoted Captain—Flush Times in California
- Resignation—Private Life—Life at Galena—The Coming Crisis
- XXIII
- Retrospect of the Campaign
