Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant · Question
How does Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant develop the theme of The Role of Providence and Fate?
Answer
Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant by Ulysses S. Grant develops The Role of Providence and Fate across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
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.
Evidence in the book
- I
Grant's narrative of his early life and the events that shaped him suggests a sense of destiny or providence in his path.
- II
Grant's presentiment that he might one day occupy General Scott's place, and the sense of destiny in his appointment and journey.
- VII The Mexican War—The Battle of Palo Alto—The Battle of Resaca De La Palma—Army of Invasion—General Taylor—Movement on Camargo
Grant speculates on how his life might have differed had Congressman Hamer lived, noting that men control little of their own destiny.
- Return of the Army—Marriage—Ordered to the Pacific Coast—Crossing the Isthmus—Arrival at San Francisco
Grant's reflection on knowing Lee's mortality and the chance meetings at West Point suggest a sense of fate in his later command.
- San Francisco—Early California Experiences—Life on the Pacific Coast—Promoted Captain—Flush Times in California
The Columbia River flood that destroys the potato crop is seen as a fortunate turn, saving labor; promotion comes unexpectedly after a death.
- Resignation—Private Life—Life at Galena—The Coming Crisis
Grant reflects on the unforeseen contingencies that the Constitution's framers could not have anticipated, and the 'inevitable conflict' that began with the annexation of Texas.
- XXIII
Grant remarks 'Providence ruled differently' regarding the missed chance to seize Confederate territory quickly.
- Retrospect of the Campaign
Grant reflects that 'Providence had directed the course of the campaign while the Army of the Tennessee executed the decree.'
