Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant · Theme
Duty and Service
How Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant develops 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.
Where it surfaces
- Army Life—Causes of the Mexican War—Camp Salubrity
Grant describes the routine of military duty at Jefferson Barracks and the subsequent deployment to Louisiana.
- Advance of the Army—Crossing the Colorado—The Rio Grande
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.
- Outbreak of the Rebellion — Presiding at a Union Meeting — Mustering Officer of State Troops — Lyon at Camp Jackson — Services Tendered to the Government
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.
- Siege of Vicksburg
The troops work tirelessly on defenses and approaches, and Grant notes that many wounded continued on duty, reflecting a strong sense of duty.
- The Relief of Knoxville
Sherman's troops, despite exhaustion and deprivation, willingly march to Knoxville 'for the good of the cause,' exemplifying selfless service.
- XLVI
Meade offers to step aside for the good of the nation, and Grant emphasizes that soldiers should wait to be selected rather than seek position.