Personal Integrity and Self-Reliance

Where it surfaces

• I

  Grant's father's self-education and hard work, and Grant's own labor from a young age, illustrate self-reliance and integrity.

• II

  Grant's determination to face the Academy despite his fears of failure, and his honest reflection on his own mediocrity as a cadet.

• Army Life—Causes of the Mexican War—Camp Salubrity

  Grant reflects on his opposition to dueling and his commitment to self-improvement through study.

• Corpus Christi and the March to the Rio Grande

  Grant's anecdote about his fall into the sea and his ability to swim and recover without injury demonstrates self-reliance and a sense of humor about personal mishaps.

• Trip to Austin—Promotion to Full Second Lieutenant—Army of Occupation

  Grant's self-deprecating account of his lack of hunting skill and his honest handling of the mule and horse incidents reflect personal integrity.

• Advance of the Army—Crossing the Colorado—The Rio Grande

  Grant's resourcefulness in breaking the wild mustang and his self-reliance during the march illustrate his personal integrity.

• 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 emphasizes Taylor's willingness to do his best with available resources and his refusal to publicly complain about difficulties.

• The Battle of Monterey

  Grant's decision to join the charge despite orders, his resourcefulness in obtaining a horse, and his volunteer mission for ammunition demonstrate personal initiative and moral courage.

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

  Grant notes that Taylor sincerely regretted his presidential nomination, preferring a quiet life to the abuse of high office, illustrating a theme of personal integrity over ambition.

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

  Grant's observations on Scott's veracity and the army's resourcefulness in building roads under fire.

• Chapter XI: The Battles for Mexico City

  Grant defends General Pierce's courage against unfair political criticisms, emphasizing personal honor over political affiliation.

• XII

  Grant criticizes those who rewrite history for sectional pride, advocating for honest accounts over romanticized narratives.

• Treaty of Peace and Mexican Excursions

  Grant's decision to leave the bullfight early and his determination to continue the cave expedition despite guard obstruction reflect his personal integrity and self-reliance.

• Return of the Army—Marriage—Ordered to the Pacific Coast—Crossing the Isthmus—Arrival at San Francisco

  Grant takes initiative to dismiss a failing contractor and secure mule transport at Cruces, demonstrating self-reliance under crisis.

• San Francisco—Early California Experiences—Life on the Pacific Coast—Promoted Captain—Flush Times in California

  Grant and fellow officers attempt to farm for self-sufficiency, illustrating resourcefulness and independence.

• Resignation—Private Life—Life at Galena—The Coming Crisis

  Grant describes his hard work farming, his refusal to rely on others, and his decision to leave the Know-Nothing party after one meeting, emphasizing personal honesty and independence.

• 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 studies Hardee's tactics on his own, relying on common sense and his West Point foundation to command effectively without revealing his lack of prior study.

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

  Grant's selection of Rawlins for his firmness and integrity, and his independent decision to seize Paducah without waiting for orders.

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

  Grant's decision to attack Belmont despite lacking explicit orders reflects his self-reliance and commitment to maintaining the confidence of his command.

• Investment of Fort Donelson

  Grant relies on his own judgment and reconnaissance, acting without explicit approval from Halleck, and later allows prisoners to leave if they swear off further service.

• XXIII

  Grant stands by his decisions to advance on Nashville and Clarksville, and requests to be relieved when he feels unjustly treated.

• XXIV

  Grant reflects on his own movements and decisions, including his injury and his determination to remain at the front despite pain.

• XXV

  Grant emphasizes the importance of discipline and drill for volunteer soldiers, and reflects on his own integrity in handling reports and correspondence.

• Chapter XXVII

  Grant describes his refusal to arrest civilians without cause, his sympathy for Colonel Mason's weakness, and his insistence on protecting the church from disloyal sermons.

• 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’s resolve to go forward to a decisive victory despite public and political pressure reflects his personal integrity.

• The Vicksburg Campaign: Running the Batteries

  Grant keeps his plans secret even from his staff until necessary, and he refuses to use political influence to advance his career.

• Attack on Grand Gulf — Operations Below Vicksburg

  Grant's determination to press forward despite being cut off from his base and his reliance on careful planning and resourcefulness.

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

  Grant decides to cut loose from his base and rely on the country for supplies, demonstrating self-reliance and independent judgment.

• LI

  Highlights the discipline and self-reliance of troops in constructing defenses and the telegraph corps' efficiency.

• LII

  Grant promotes Upton on the spot for gallantry, demonstrating recognition of individual merit and decisive action.

• LIII

  Grant's orders emphasize self-reliance in the ranks, and his decision to reduce artillery reflects a practical, integrity-driven approach to command.

• The Battle of Franklin—The Battle of Nashville

  Thomas's steadfastness in preparing his forces despite Grant's pressure, and Grant's eventual restraint in not replacing him, highlight themes of integrity and trust.