Leadership and Humility

Where it surfaces

• VII The Mexican War—The Battle of Palo Alto—The Battle of Resaca De La Palma—Army of Invasion—General Taylor—Movement on Camargo

  General Taylor is depicted as a modest, unpretentious leader who valued duty over display, contrasting with the uniform-conscious General Worth.

• Political Intrigue—Buena Vista—Movement Against Vera Cruz—Siege and Capture of Vera Cruz

  Grant contrasts the effective but politically motivated leadership of Scott and Taylor with the self-aggrandizing style of General Worth, who exhausted his troops unnecessarily.

• March to Jalapa—Battle of Cerro Gordo—Perote—Puebla—Scott and Taylor

  Contrasts Scott's careful planning and delegation with Taylor's casual style, and highlights Scott's reliance on engineers.

• XII

  Grant reflects on the fallibility of even great generals like Scott and Taylor, and the importance of learning from experience.

• Appointed Colonel of the 21st Illinois—Personnel of the Regiment—General Logan—March to Missouri—Movement Against Harris at Florida, Mo.—General Pope in Command—Stationed at Mexico, Mo.

  Grant imposes discipline on his regiment, prohibits soldiers from entering private homes without invitation, and earns the respect of local citizens through restraint and order.

• Commissioned Brigadier-General — Command at Ironton, Mo. — Jefferson City — Cape Girardeau — General Prentiss — Seizure of Paducah — Headquarters at Cairo

  Grant's surprise at his promotion and his willingness to serve under Prentiss despite seniority, as well as his decisive but measured actions at Ironton and Paducah.

• General Fremont in Command—Movement Against Belmont—Battle of Belmont—A Narrow Escape—After the Battle

  Grant's personal leadership is evident as he rides alone to reconnoiter, takes responsibility for the guard's withdrawal, and calmly directs the retreat under fire.

• General Halleck in Command—Commanding the District of Cairo—Movement on Fort Henry—Capture of Fort Henry

  Grant demonstrates persistence and strategic vision in advocating for the Tennessee River campaign despite Halleck's initial dismissal, reflecting both leadership and humility in seeking confirmation from subordinates like Smith.

• Investment of Fort Donelson

  Grant demonstrates decisive leadership in demanding unconditional surrender, yet shows humility in his friendly conversation with Buckner and his willingness to let weary Confederates leave.

• XXIII

  Grant accepts Halleck's preference for C. F. Smith without resentment, stating he would have served faithfully under Smith.

• XXIV

  Grant highlights Sherman's steady leadership under fire and acknowledges the performance of troops who initially fled but later proved valiant.

• XXV

  Grant defends Buell against unjust charges, critiques Johnston's vacillation, and acknowledges his own decision to prioritize drill over fortifications.

• Halleck Assumes Command in the Field—The Advance Upon Corinth—Occupation of Corinth—The Army Separated

  Grant's marginalization under Halleck and his willingness to be relieved rather than endure a compromised command illustrates the tension between personal ambition and duty. Grant later humbly critiques his own role as 'little more than an observer.'

• XXVIII

  Grant takes responsibility for the plan and refrains from publicly criticizing Rosecrans despite the failed pursuit.

• Van Dorn's Movements — Battle of Corinth — Command of the Department of the Tennessee

  Grant reflects on his decision to relieve Rosecrans, his frustration with Rosecrans's failure to pursue, and his own relief at being given command of the Department of the Tennessee, showing both his command authority and his self-awareness.

• The Campaign Against Vicksburg

  Grant acknowledges his own learning from the Holly Springs loss, noting that the experience taught him valuable lessons about supply and logistics.

• Headquarters Moved to Holly Springs—General McClernand in Command—Assuming Command at Young’s Point—Operations Above Vicksburg—Fortifications About Vicksburg—The Canal—Lake Providence—Operations at Yazoo Pass

  Grant overrides McClernand’s insubordination for the good of the service, demonstrating selfless command.

• The Vicksburg Campaign: Running the Batteries

  Grant declines to seek command through influence, believing that his responsibility ends with doing his best; he credits Lincoln and Halleck for their support.

• Attack on Grand Gulf — Operations Below Vicksburg

  Grant personally inspects both flanks at Port Gibson, adapts his plan based on terrain, and acknowledges the contributions of his subordinates.

• Capture of Port Gibson — Grierson's Raid — Occupation of Grand Gulf — Movement Up the Big Black — Battle of Raymond

  Grant praises division commanders Logan and Crocker as competent, and notes Colonel Wilson working alongside men in the water to build the bridge.

• Movement Against Jackson—Fall of Jackson—Intercepting the Enemy—Battle of Champion's Hill

  Grant demonstrates decisive leadership by cutting loose from his base and making rapid strategic decisions, while also showing humility in his interactions with Sherman and the factory proprietor.

• Battle of Black River Bridge—Crossing the Big Black—Investment of Vicksburg—Assaulting the Works

  Grant leads from the front, mounts his horse to observe Lawler's charge, and later acknowledges the troops' morale by ordering a second assault despite doubts.

• Siege of Vicksburg

  Grant's decision to switch to a regular siege after the failed assault shows strategic humility; he also delegates engineering work to West Point graduates and accepts Halleck's reinforcements without complaint.

• The Surrender of Vicksburg

  Grant demonstrates decisive leadership by holding final authority while still consulting his commanders, and shows humility in his interactions with Pemberton.

• First Meeting with Secretary Stanton—General Rosecrans—Commanding Military Division of Mississippi—Andrew Johnson’s Address—Arrival at Chattanooga

  Grant accepts command without fanfare, listens to subordinates like Thomas and W. F. Smith, and makes decisive changes to relieve the crisis.

• Assuming the Command at Chattanooga—Opening a Line of Supplies—Battle of Wauhatchie—On the Picket Line

  Grant personally reconnoiters the enemy lines and credits subordinates like W. F. Smith for their judgment, demonstrating hands-on leadership and willingness to delegate.

• XLII

  Grant demonstrates strategic leadership by coordinating multiple armies, adapting plans based on conditions, and ensuring supply lines are restored.

• XLIII

  Grant coordinates multiple commanders and adapts plans under pressure, showing decisive leadership while acknowledging the limits of his control.

• Battle of Chattanooga

  Grant coordinates multiple army corps without rivalry, emphasizing unity of purpose and effective command.

• The Relief of Knoxville

  Grant demonstrates decisive leadership by overriding Granger's reluctance and ordering Sherman to march, while also showing humility in acknowledging the suffering of his troops.

• XLVI

  Grant accepts the commission with gratitude, defers credit to the armies and Providence, and shows humility in his first interview with Lincoln.

• The Military Situation—Plans For the Campaign—Sheridan Assigned to Command of the Cavalry—Flank Movements—Forrest at Fort Pillow—General Banks's Expedition—Colonel Mosby—An Incident of the Wilderness Campaign

  Grant demonstrates strategic leadership by concentrating forces and coordinating a simultaneous advance, while also showing humility in acknowledging Banks's opposition to the Red River expedition and taking no credit for the plan's shortcomings.

• Commencement of the Grand Campaign—General Butler’s Position—Sheridan’s First Raid

  Grant acknowledges his own mistake in using the 'bottle' analogy without attribution and expresses a desire to correct any injustice done to General Butler.

• Sherman's Campaign in Georgia—Siege of Atlanta—Death of General McPherson—Attempt to Capture Andersonville—Capture of Atlanta

  Sherman's strategic skill and Grant's praise of his subordinates highlight effective command and humility.

• The Battle of the Wilderness

  Grant's decision to continue the campaign despite the bloody stalemate, and Lee's personal attempt to rally his troops, illustrate contrasting styles of command under pressure.

• LI

  Grant reflects on his own command decisions, the qualities of his generals, and the role of accident in battle.

• LII

  Grant takes personal blame for not having a staff officer with Burnside, showing accountability and self-reflection.

• LIII

  Grant's willingness to relieve Warren for slowness, his personal attention to a Union family, and his strategic reduction of artillery demonstrate decisive yet humble leadership.

• Movement by the Left Flank—Battle of North Anna—An Incident of the March—Moving on Richmond—South of the Pamunkey—Position of the National Army

  Grant's careful planning and delegation of dangerous reconnaissance duties, and his humane treatment of a Southern family, reflect his leadership and magnanimity.

• Chapter LV

  Grant admits regret for the assault at Cold Harbor and justifies the Vicksburg assault, showing reflective and accountable leadership.

• Left Flank Movement Across the Chickahominy and James—General Lee—Visit to Butler—The Movement on Petersburg—The Investment of Petersburg

  Grant acknowledges his own miscalculation regarding the delay in capturing Petersburg, showing humility in assessing his orders.

• Chapter LVII

  Grant's decisive command and Hunter's selfless request to be relieved exemplify leadership and humility in service.

• LVIII

  Grant defers to Sheridan's tactical judgment, allowing him to execute his own plan despite having prepared a detailed strategy.

• The Campaign in Georgia—Sherman’s March to the Sea—War Anecdotes—The March on Savannah—Investment of Savannah—Capture of Savannah

  Grant defends Johnston's cautious strategy and praises Sherman's independent planning, showing respect for fellow commanders.

• The Battle of Franklin—The Battle of Nashville

  Grant's struggle with Thomas's deliberate command style and his own decision to travel to Washington rather than immediately relieve Thomas illustrates the challenges of military leadership.

• LXI: Expedition Against Fort Fisher

  Grant contrasts Butler's failure with Terry's effective command, emphasizing the importance of following orders and cooperation between army and navy.

• Sherman's March North

  Grant shows willingness to approve Sherman's alternative plan, demonstrating flexible command and trust in subordinates.

• LXIV

  Grant's willingness to listen to Sheridan's advice and his careful management of corps commanders illustrate his adaptive leadership and strategic humility.

• The Capture of Petersburg—Meeting President Lincoln in Petersburg—The Capture of Richmond—Pursuing the Enemy—Visit to Sheridan and Meade

  Grant shows restraint by not ordering artillery fire on fleeing Confederates, and demonstrates strategic foresight in outmaneuvering Lee.

• The Correspondence and Surrender at Appomattox

  Grant demonstrates decisive leadership in initiating surrender talks while showing humility by shifting responsibility for further bloodshed and seeking a peaceful resolution.

• LXVII: Negotiations at Appomattox

  Grant suffers from a sick headache but continues his duties; he treats Lee with respect and avoids any display of triumph.

• LXIX

  Grant's quiet, behind-the-scenes handling of the Sherman controversy, allowing Sherman to negotiate without public knowledge of Grant's presence, demonstrates humble and effective leadership.

• The End of the War — The March to Washington — One of Lincoln’s Anecdotes — Grand Review at Washington — Characteristics of Lincoln and Stanton — Estimate of the Different Corps Commanders

  Grant contrasts Lincoln's trust in his generals with Stanton's interference, and evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of various commanders.

• Report of Lieutenant-General U. S. Grant, of the United States Armies 1864–65

  Grant expresses humility by leaving judgment of his actions to the people, stating he acted 'conscientiously, to the best of my ability' for the country's interests.

• Organization Charts—Union and Confederate

  The detailed command structures reflect the hierarchical leadership required to manage large armies.

• Union Army on the Rapidan, May 5, 1864

  Grant's role as Commander-in-Chief, working alongside Meade and other corps commanders, illustrates the collaborative leadership structure of the Union army.

• Confederate Army

  The command hierarchy from Lee down to brigade commanders illustrates the chain of command and the burden of leadership.

• Maps

  Grant's reliance on maps reflects his methodical approach to leadership, but also his humility in acknowledging the limits of his knowledge and the need for accurate information.

• Endnotes

  Grant's letters show his strategic leadership and his willingness to recommend promotions for subordinates, including Meade and Sherman.