Ulysses S. Grant, 1861-1864: His Rise from Obscurity to Military Greatness

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McFarland, Jul 15, 2014 - History - 324 pages

On May 3, 1861, Illinois Governor Richard Yates appointed a Mexican War veteran with Democratic sympathies and southern ties to be chief mustering officer at Camp Yates in Springfield. And so began Ulysses S. Grant's reluctantly revived military career. Over the next three years, Grant would have a chance to display a myriad of talents few suspected, including a remarkable penchant for organization, decided skill at written communication and a quick understanding of military potential. By March 1864, Grant had risen to lieutenant general, a rank last held by George Washington.

This biography details the three years which saw Ulysses S. Grant's extraordinary rise from mediocre shop clerk to general-in-chief of the U.S. Army. Beginning with Grant's work at his family's leather shop in Galena, Illinois, it records his re-entry into a military life as a volunteer from Illinois. Grant's most spectacular campaigns, including Vicksburg and Chattanooga, are discussed in depth. Special emphasis is placed on events such as politicking, rumors, and intrigue which took place between the various battles. Other topics include Grant's personal qualities and background, his extraordinary good fortune and the general's informal and unorthodox command style. The work is indexed.

 

Contents

Introduction
1
Galena Illinois
11
Springfield Illinois
19
Colonel Grant
26
Florida Missouri
33
Brigadier General Grant
40
Paducah Kentucky
47
Calm Before the Storm
54
The Most Anxious Period of the War
127
Acoustic Shadow at Iuka
132
The Battle of Corinth
139
The First Vicksburg Campaign
146
The Beginning of Total War
153
The Second Vicksburg Campaign
161
Steele Bayou Expedition
175
Champion Hill
190

Belmont Missouri
61
Winter Quarters
69
Cairo Dogs of War
76
Fort Donelson
83
Americas Most Wanted Man
91
Shiloh
98
Disgrace
106
The Occupation of Memphis
112
Reunited with Family
119
MajorGeneral Grant
210
New Orleans
223
Missionary Ridge
239
Celebrity in St Louis
256
LieutenantGeneral Grant
271
Notes
285
Bibliography
309
Copyright

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About the author (2014)

William Farina is a retired real estate consultant for the federal government, now living in Evanston, Illinois. He has written books on Arthurian legend, early Christianity, the American Civil War, Shakespeare and baseball.

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