# Reconciliation and Magnanimity in Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant

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

Grant’s generous terms at Appomattox, allowing Confederate officers to keep their side arms and horses, and his lack of revenge toward a defeated foe, underscore a theme of healing over punishment.

## Where it surfaces

- [Dedication](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/dedication): By dedicating the work to both Union and Confederate soldiers and sailors, Grant emphasizes a spirit of national unity and magnanimity after the war.
- [Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/personal-memoirs-of-u-s-grant): Grant emphasizes the importance of generous terms for the defeated Confederacy to foster national unity.
- [The Battle of Monterey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/viii): Grant notes the fraternization between U.S. soldiers and Mexican civilians, and the humane parole of prisoners, reflecting a spirit of reconciliation after the battle.
- [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/xii): Grant calls for truthful history that honors the courage of all soldiers, and anticipates eventual reconciliation over the issue of slavery.
- [The Surrender of Vicksburg](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/xxxviii): Grant's generous terms and the respectful treatment of the defeated Confederate garrison reflect a spirit of reconciliation.
- [Retrospect of the Campaign](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/xxxix): Grant orders that medicine and food be sent to destitute families and wounded in Jackson and Raymond, and instructs troops to abstain from taking unnecessary items.
- [Battle of Chattanooga](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/xliv): Grant reflects on Bragg's character with a mix of criticism and respect, and notes the absence of jealousy among Union troops.
- [Chapter LV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/lv): Grant's efforts to arrange truces for collecting wounded and returning captured soldiers reflect a desire for humane treatment even amid conflict.
- [Arrival of the Peace Commissioners—Lincoln and the Peace Commissioners—An Anecdote of Lincoln—The Winter Before Petersburg—Sheridan Destroys the Railroad—Gordon Carries the Picket Line—Parke Recaptures the Line—The Line of Battle of White Oak Road](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/lxiii): Lincoln's generous spirit toward Southerners and Grant's respectful treatment of the peace commissioners reflect a desire for reunion without vengeance.
- [The Capture of Petersburg—Meeting President Lincoln in Petersburg—The Capture of Richmond—Pursuing the Enemy—Visit to Sheridan and Meade](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/lxv): Grant expresses hope for no bickering between soldiers after the war, and Lincoln's conversation hints at a generous peace.
- [The Correspondence and Surrender at Appomattox](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/lxvi): Grant's letters emphasize a desire to avoid further bloodshed and offer terms that focus on peace rather than punishment, reflecting a magnanimous approach to the defeated enemy.
- [LXVII: Negotiations at Appomattox](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/lxvii): Grant stops the salute of a hundred guns to avoid exulting over the defeated Confederates, and grants generous terms including allowing soldiers to keep their horses.
- [LXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/lxix): Grant's desire to offer generous terms to Johnston, mirroring those given to Lee, and Sherman's attempt to extend a political settlement reflect the theme of magnanimity in ending the war.
- [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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/lxx): Grant reflects on the need for garrisons in the South to ensure obedience to laws and protect all classes, showing a concern for post-war order.
- [Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/conclusion): Grant notes with gratification that Confederates joined in postwar reconciliation efforts.
- [Appendix](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/appendix): The appendix includes the terms of surrender and correspondence that reflect Grant's magnanimous approach to Lee and the Confederate forces.
- [Report of Lieutenant-General U. S. Grant, of the United States Armies 1864–65](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/report-of-lieutenant-general-u-s-grant-of-the-united-states-armies-1864-65): Grant's generous surrender terms—allowing officers to keep side-arms and private horses, and paroling men to return home—reflect a magnanimous approach aimed at lasting peace.
- [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/endnotes): The endnotes include a letter from President Lincoln expressing profound gratitude to Grant and his troops, reflecting a spirit of recognition and unity.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/themes/reconciliation_and_magnanimity
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/themes