Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant — Volume 1

About this book

Grant’s first volume is a first-person account of his life and military service, moving from his early years and the Mexican War into the Civil War for readers seeking a commander’s view of events. While describing the march toward Vera Cruz, he portrays General Worth as impatient even when there was little reason to hurry. At Belmont, the riverbank’s marshes and the enemy position help explain Grant’s decision to land and attack the camp. Later, at Grand Junction, thousands of formerly enslaved people bring the account to the practical questions of food and paid labor, which Grant addressed with Chaplain Eaton.