# Personal Integrity and Self-Reliance in Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant

> Theme guide for Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant by Ulysses S. Grant.

Grant repeatedly demonstrates honesty, modesty, and a refusal to seek political favor, as seen in his rejection of self-promotion and his straightforward, unvarnished account of his own failures and successes.

## Where it surfaces

- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/iii): Grant reflects on his opposition to dueling and his commitment to self-improvement through study.
- [Corpus Christi and the March to the Rio Grande](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/iv): 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/v): 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/vi): 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/vii): Grant emphasizes Taylor's willingness to do his best with available resources and his refusal to publicly complain about difficulties.
- [The Battle of Monterey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/viii): 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/ix): 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/x): Grant's observations on Scott's veracity and the army's resourcefulness in building roads under fire.
- [Chapter XI: The Battles for Mexico City](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/xi): Grant defends General Pierce's courage against unfair political criticisms, emphasizing personal honor over political affiliation.
- [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/xii): Grant criticizes those who rewrite history for sectional pride, advocating for honest accounts over romanticized narratives.
- [Treaty of Peace and Mexican Excursions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/xiii): 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/xiv): 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/xv): Grant and fellow officers attempt to farm for self-sufficiency, illustrating resourcefulness and independence.
- [Resignation—Private Life—Life at Galena—The Coming Crisis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/xvi): 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.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/xviii): 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/xix): 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/xx): 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/xxii): 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/xxiii): Grant stands by his decisions to advance on Nashville and Clarksville, and requests to be relieved when he feels unjustly treated.
- [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/xxiv): Grant reflects on his own movements and decisions, including his injury and his determination to remain at the front despite pain.
- [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/xxxi): 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/xxxii): 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/xxxiii): 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/xxxiv): Grant decides to cut loose from his base and rely on the country for supplies, demonstrating self-reliance and independent judgment.
- [LI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/li): Highlights the discipline and self-reliance of troops in constructing defenses and the telegraph corps' efficiency.
- [LII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/lii): Grant promotes Upton on the spot for gallantry, demonstrating recognition of individual merit and decisive action.
- [LIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/lx): 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.

## Links

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