Later, Colonel Seawell L. Fremont was assigned to Fort Fisher with the 1st North Carolina Volunteer Artillery and Engineers. New Inlet, the entrance to the Cape Fear River, was the focus of much of his attention. Under Fremont’s guidance, several new artillery batteries were built on what became known as Federal Point at Fort Fisher.

In July 1862, Colonel William Lamb was assigned command of Fort Fisher. He immediately recognized the importance of the fort and set to work constructing the remainder of the fort. “I determined at once to build a work of such magnitude that it could withstand the heaviest fire of any guns in the American Navy,” – William Lamb. Lamb’s design incorporated huge earthen walls that would ultimately stretch from Sheperd’s Battery, near the Cape Fear River, to the Atlantic Ocean. A sea facing wall would be built and stretch south to Battery Lamb – a forty-three foot tall earthen work near New Inlet. For the next 2 1/2 years, the fort commanded the inlet to the Cape Fear River and was so formidable that no major Federal attacks occurred. That would change in December 1864.

The United States government, and military command, recognized the importance of Wilmington’s port. Throughout the war, the U.S. Navy was able to close all of the major ports of the Confederacy – with the exception of Wilmington. Blockade runners were able to enter the port and bring valuable supplies to the Confederate forces. While the U.S. Navy was able to sink many of the blockade runners, they were unable to close the port due to Fort Fisher’s commanding presence. US Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant also knew the importance of the port and assigned Major General Benjamin F. Butler to command an amphibious assault against the fort in December 1864. Rear Admiral David Dixon Porter, a Grant confidant, was assigned to command the naval forces tasked with transporting Butler’s infantry. The plan, as devised by Butler, was to shock the Confederate fort with the explosion of the USS Louisiana near the works. Laden with 200 tons of powder, it was hoped that the explosion would destroy a portion of the sea wall and allow the infantry to storm into the fort’s interior. While well conceived, the plan would ultimately fail when the ship was exploded, too far from the wall, on December 23. The explosion did not damage the fort and the preceding bombardment caused only small amounts of casualties. Butler, still convinced that a land attack might succeed, landed a division north of the fort on Christmas morning. Butler soon lost his nerve and called the attack off, ending the First Battle of Fort Fisher.

Undeterred, Grant ordered a second assault to capture Fort Fisher. Planned for mid-January 1865, it would include the entire North Atlantic Blockading Squadron – 52 ships – again commanded by Porter. US Major General Alfred H. Terry was in command of the ground forces – a provisional corps of 9,000 troops divided among six infantry brigades and siege artillery. An additional naval landing party of marines, commanded by Captain Kidder R. Breese, would be used as a landing party to secure the beach for Terry’s infantry.

Fort Fisher, still under the command of Colonel Lamb, would be reinforced and would reach of strength of 1,900 soldiers. CSA Major General Robert F. Hoke’s division of 6,400 troops were located further north of the peninsula, bringing the entire Rebel force to a combined strength of slightly more than 8,300 troops.

On January 13, Terry would land his provisional corps on the beach north of Fort Fisher – between Hoke’s division and the garrison at Fort Fisher which was now commanded by Whiting himself. Concerned about opening the route to Wilmington, Hoke made no attempt to prevent the landing of Terry’s forces. On the morning of January 15, Porter’s gargantuan naval flotilla opened a devastating bombardment of Fort Fisher and by noon had silenced the majority of the sea facing batteries. Hoke, hearing the distant shelling, detached 1,000 soldiers from his command to reinforce Whiting. However, with Terry’s much larger command blocking much of the way, only 400 men would ever reach the fort.

Lieutenant Commander Kidder’s landing force attacked the section of the fort where the land and sea sides connected – known as the Northeast Bastion. While this assault would be repulsed, it would pull critical troops away from the point which Brigadier General Adelbert Ames’ division attacked on the land side of the fort. While Kidder’s attack was in progress, Ames ordered his first brigade to attack the fort. It was 2:00 p.m. The first brigade was able to storm through the abatis and reach the first traverse. Wanting to keep the momentum going, Ames ordered his second brigade against the works near the river side gate at the western edge of the fort. With his first brigade stalled near the fourth traverse, Ames ordered his third brigade into action. By this time, the Confederate defenders at Battery Buchanan, located at the south edge of the fort, near New Inlet, turned their heavy guns on the north wall. Additionally, Whiting led a counterattack against the Federals and was severely wounded after receiving several demands for his surrender.

Porter’s attack squadron was also busy, taking out numerous gun placements as the Federal infantry continued to swarm along both walls of the fort. Ordering all of his troops to counterattack again, Colonel Lamb was severely wounded and taken, along with Whiting, towards Battery Buchanan. Department commander, General Braxton Bragg, never realized how untenable the situation at Fort Fisher had become. Tiring of repeated calls for reinforcements from Whiting, Bragg ordered Brigadier General Alfred H. Colquitt to the fort to relieve Whiting. He arrived at Battery Buchanan as Whiting and Lamb were being evacuated. The situation Colquitt found himself in proved untenable and General Terry knew this to be true. With his forces inside the fort, and the artillery on both faces haven fallen silent, he determined to capture the rest of the fort that evening. Ames, in command of the forces in the fort, sent a portion of his command in a flanking movement to the rear of the Confederate position. Colquitt would leave the fort before the surrender in a rowboat. Left behind, the soldiers in the fort, now commanded by Major James Reilly, would be forced to surrender. Around 10 p.m., General Terry would ride to Battery Buchanan and receive the official surrender from General Whiting.

The fall of Fort Fisher was a terrible blow to the dying Confederacy. With no other Atlantic ports available for the blockade runners, it became a matter of time for the Rebel armies as supplies quickly began to dwindle. Little more than three months later, CSA General Robert E. Lee would surrender the Army of Northern Virginia to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House.

Today, Fort Fisher State Historic Site stands near the original land wall of the fort. Much of the land wall fortifications have been rebuilt to look much as they did in 1865. The trail leading from the visitors center winds through the position of the west river gate. Shepard’s Battery has a large cannon on its precipice. Battery Buchanan still sits over New Inlet – albeit with no cannon. If you find yourself in the vicinity of Wilmington, North Carolina, I would encourage you to make the drive to Kure Beach to visit this wonderful historic site.

To view my photo essay from my visit to Fort Fisher State Historic Site, click on the following link.

Mike’s Photo Essay on Fort Fisher State Historic Site

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This past September, I was able to visit Arlington National Cemetery, as I do on many occasions when I am in Washington D.C. I never tire of the serenity and beauty of the place. With so many Civil War soldiers to visit, I always plan my trip ahead of time. On this visit I was able to pay my regards to several Civil War notables: William F. “Baldy” Smith, John P. Hatch, Frank Wheaton, George Crook, Samuel D. Sturgis and Philip H. Sheridan. Some lesser known soldiers were also part of my itinerary and included: Joseph A. Mower, Stephen G. Burbridge, Thomas T. Crittenden and Green C. Smith. To view my photo essay click on the following link:

Mike’s September 2011 Arlington National Cemetery photo essay

To view more photos of Arlington National Cemetery, click on the following link:

Mike’s Flickr Collection of Arlington National Cemetery graves

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C.S.A. Chief Surgeon Hunter H. McGuire

Birth Date: October 11, 1835
Birth Place: Winchester, Virginia

Date of Death: September 19, 1900
Location of Death: Richmond, Virginia

Education: Winchester Medical College

Military Experience: United States Civil War

Major Battles: Served as a surgeon in the Army of Northern Virginia throughout the Civil War

Awards/Medals/Promotions: Enlisted as a private Company F, 2d Virginia Infantry regiment (1861), brigade surgeon (1861), chief surgeon, 2d Corps, Army of Northern Virginia (1862)

Biography:

Hunter Holmes McGuire was born on October 11, 1835 in Winchester, Virginia. The third of seven children born to Hugh and Ann McGuire, young Hunter was known to spend much time with his father who was a prominent eye surgeon. Inevitably this made a strong impression on the son who would study medicine at Winchester Medical College, graduating in 1855. Moving to Philadelphia, to continue his medical education, he would return home when hostilities became inevitable during the secession crisis.

After returning to Winchester, McGuire would enlist as a private in the Winchester Rifles. Upon mustering into Confederate service, in April 1861, his unit would be designated Company F, 2d Virginia Infantry regiment. Assembled in Charles Town the regiment was quickly moved to Harper’s Ferry where it would be brigaded with four other Virginia infantry regiments and the Rockbridge Artillery. The brigade was commanded by a relatively unknown brigadier general, Thomas J. Jackson. With the growth of the Confederate army, surgeons were highly sought after and McGuire would quickly be promoted full surgeon on July 15, 1861, reporting directly to Jackson. His services would be needed quickly as Jackson’s brigade, which was part of the Army of the Shenandoah, would be sent to reinforce Brigadier General P.G.T. Beauregard’s Army of the Potomac at Manassas, Virginia. There, on July 21, 1861, the first major battle of the Civil War fought. The First Battle of Manassas (known as Bull Run in the North) was a deadly affair resulting in nearly 4,900 combined casualties. This would keep McGuire, and his team of surgeons, busy for an extensive period of time.

Over the next twenty-two months McGuire would command the medical department assigned to Jackson’s command. With Jackson’s promotion to lieutenant general, commanding the 2d Corps Army of Northern Virginia, prior to the Battle of Fredericksburg, McGuire would receive promotion to chief surgeon of the corps. Ironically, McGuire would become most well known for amputating Jackson’s left arm after the general was wounded by friendly fire at the Battle of Chancellorsville in May 1863 – an injury which would ultimately lead to Jackson’s death on May 10. McGuire remained with Jackson until his death, recording Jackson’s last words, “Let us cross over the river and rest beneath the shade of the trees.”

McGuire continued his service with the 2d Corps for the remainder of the war, serving under generals Richard S. Ewell and Jubal A. Early. He would witness the destruction of battle first hand and would suffer the anguish of losing his close friend, Lieutenant Colonel Sandie Pendleton (Third Winchester, September 22, 1864) and his brother, Hugh, who was mortally wounded in 1865. On March 2, 1865 McGuire was captured at Waynesboro, Virginia with the majority of Early’s 2d Corps. Federal Major General Philip Sheridan would parole him for his generous treatment of Union surgeons captured while tending to their patients. He would return to General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia and would surrender to US Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865.(i)

After the Civil War, McGuire settled in Richmond, Virginia and continued to practice medicine – often treating Confederate soldiers for no cost. A lifelong admirer of Stonewall Jackson, he would often give speeches about his commander and published several articles about his times serving with the legendary commander. Besides his practice, McGuire also chaired the surgery department at the Medical College of Virginia. He was active in many organizations and was president of the American Medical Association. Recognizing the need for quality nurses he founded St. Luke’s Hospital and Training School for Nurses. McGuire would marry Mary Stuart and father ten children, one of which, Stuart, followed in his father’s footsteps becoming a noted physician. McGuire died on September 19, 1900 from complications of a cerebral embolism.

I leave you with a couple of quotes regarding McGuire which appear on Jennifer Goellnitz’s site, Stonewall’s Surgeon:

“When people needed to talk, he listened. Those who knew him said Dr. Hunter McGuire made you feel like the most important person in the world.” – John W. Schildt, from his biography on McGuire

“Make not patients of your friends – but friends of your patients.” – Hunter McGuire

(i) See Jennifer Goellnitz’s wonderful biography on McGuire: http://www.huntermcguire.goellnitz.org/biography.html

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After touring the capitol complex, I visited historic Greenwood and Oakwood cemeteries. I was very fortunate to have a personal guide at Oakwood Cemetery. Cemetery maintenance foreman, Phillip Taunton was gracious enough to guide me to all of the grave sites I had on my list – plus several which he recommended I would be interested in. Besides knowing the locations of all of the famous soldiers, officers and politicians, Mr. Taunton is a solid historian on all things Montgomery – especially the soldiers who fought for the independence of the Confederacy. I was able to pay my respects to several well known individuals including: William Lowndes Yancey,  James T. Holtzclaw, Birkett D. Fry, William C. Oates and John C.C. Sanders. Other notables were: Colonel Jack Thorington and brigadier generals Tennent Lomax and James H. Clanton. Many thanks to Mr. Taunton for providing me a tour of beautiful Oakwood Cemetery.

If you find yourself in Montgomery, Alabama with some time on your hands, make sure to visit its historic cemeteries, the capitol complex and the First White House of the Confederacy.

To view my photo essay on Montgomery, Alabama, click HERE.

(i) See Captials of Alabama at Alabama Department of Archives and History.

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To view my photo essays on the Antietam National Battlefield Park, click HERE.

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With the surrender of CSA Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia to US Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant, at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, on April 9, 1865, the only remaining hostilities in the Eastern Theater were in North Carolina. While Grant was battling Lee at Petersburg, Johnston’s Army of Tennessee was desperately trying to hold Sherman’s armies at bay in North Carolina. Much was at stake as Johnston wanted to contain the Federal armies and keep them from uniting with Grant in Virginia. Sherman’s pursuit of Johnston was essentially a two front affair and resulted in the battles of Averasborough (March 16) and Bentonville (March 19-21). After these battles, Johnston’s headquarters was near Greensboro and Sherman’s was near Raleigh. After Lee’s surrender on April 9, Johnston knew the end was drawing near. Sending a courier to Federal troops at Morrisville, Johnston requested a meeting with Sherman, between the enemy lines, to discuss a truce. They would converge on the Hillsborough Road at the Bennett farm on April 17. Much of their first day’s conference was colored by Sherman’s disclosure that President Abraham Lincoln had been assassinated two days before. Sherman was prepared to offer similar terms to what Grant provided Lee little more than a week earlier. However, Johnston was insistent “to arrange the terms of a permanent peace.”(i) These terms included items which were considered “political” in nature. Ultimately wanting peace, Sherman would agree to much of what Johnston proposed the next day. The two generals signed the memorandum and sent it to their governments.

When President Andrew Johnson and the U.S. government received the surrender terms cheer in the surrender turned to outrage. There were cries through Washington City, and the North, that Sherman was a traitor for negotiating such liberal terms with Johnston. Several items were at the center of the firestorm: 1) Arms and ammunition were to be returned to the southern states after being reported to the Chief of Ordnance at Washington City; 2) The states and their officers were to be recognized by the Federal government; 3) The reestablishment of all Federal courts in the southern states; 4) The southern peoples rights to property as defined the the U.S. Constitution; and 5) General amnesty for southern soldiers and officers.

These items, rightfully so, were viewed by the U.S. Government as political items to be determined by the legislature and approved by the president. Simply put, Sherman overstepped his authority as a military officer to negotiate anything beyond the surrender of Johnston’s army.

Ulysses Grant was quickly dispatched to North Carolina where he met with Sherman. He explained to Sherman that he was only to negotiate the surrender of the Confederate army on terms mirroring the surrender he had negotiated with Robert E. Lee at Appomattox. If Johnston would not agree to such terms, Sherman was to attack Johnston immediately. On April 26 Sherman met again with Johnston at the Bennett Place. Johnston, being instructed by president Jefferson F. Davis, was to accept no such surrender. Wanting to end the war, Johnston went against his instructions and accepted the agreement. The surrender was signed the same day. With the surrender of the Army of Tennessee, all hostilities ceased in the Eastern Theater. While there were still pockets of Confederate forces, the Civil War was essentially over.

The Bennett Place is a wonderful historic monument. North Carolina has done a terrific job restoring the site. It is a national treasure. When you find yourself in the area of Raleigh-Durham, make sure to plan a trip to the Bennett Place. Site manager, John W. Guss, and his staff, are friendly and will make your visit a memorable one.

(i) See the Bennett Place website for more information.

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Within days of CSA General Robert E. Lee’s victory over US Major General John Pope, at the Second Battle of Manassas (Bull Run), Lee would cross his Army of Northern Virginia into Maryland. Lincoln had just placed Major General George B. McClellan in command of the armies at Washington City (Potomac and Virginia). Lee, unable to strike a deadly blow to Pope’s retreating army after the Battle of Chantilly, believed it essential that he maintain the momentum his army achieved after the Seven Days battles and Second Manassas. His plan called for a movement to the Frederick area where he could await the Federals on a field of his own choosing. Unfortunately, US Colonel Dixon S. Miles’ garrison at Harper’s Ferry posed a threat to the rear of his army. Additional Federal troops near Martinsburg, Virginia (present day West Virginia) could sever his supply line – effectively crippling the entire campaign. With roughly 60,000 soldiers in his army, he was severely outnumbered by whatever combined army the U.S. War Department sent to pursue him. Simply put, Lee found himself in a very precarious position.

In an audacious move, believing the Union troops would be slow in pursuit, Lee separated his army sending Major General James Longstreet’s command through Boonsboro to Hagerstown, Major General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson’s command to capture Harper’s Ferry and leaving a portion of his cavalry, and Major General Daniel Harvey (D.H.) Hill’s division, to guard the passes in South Mountain, just west of Frederick. Putting his plan in motion, Lee issued Special Order 191 sending copies to Jackson, Longstreet, two division commanders (Lafayette McLaws and D.H. Hill) and cavalry commander, Major General J.E.B. Stuart. The armies were to move at first light on September 10.

McClellan would arrive in Frederick with the Army of the Potomac on September 13. His army would be met with cheers from the largely loyal population of central Maryland. While resting near the Monocacy River, a misplaced copy of Lee’s Special Order 191 would be found wrapped around three cigars by a soldier in the 27th Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Believing it significant, the soldier passed it to his commander where it would make its way to McClellan.

While McClellan would immediately notify President Lincoln of his find, explaining “no time would be lost” in taking advantage of the most important intelligence of the war, it would take time to get his massive army through Frederick. Orders were issued to his senior lieutenants, major generals Ambrose E. Burnside and William B. Franklin, to move with alacrity at first light, September 14. Burnside was to push towards the northernmost gap, Turner’s, on the National Road. He was to clear the gap and push after Longstreet’s command. Mclellan’s orders to Bill Franklin were explicit and detailed, believing his role crucial to rescuing Miles’ garrison at Harper’s Ferry. He was to waste no time pushing through Burkittsville before first light, and using the Gapland Road, force his way through Crampton’s Gap. Once the gap was cleared he was to enter Pleasant Valley and march south toward’s Maryland Heights, relieving Miles. Unfortunately, the timing was not achieved and precious time would be lost reaching the gap.

The Battle of South Mountain was crucial for each army commander. Lee needed to delay any incursion into Pleasant Valley to provide Jackson time to consummate the capture of Harper’s Ferry. If McClellan did not push through the gaps quickly, Harper’s Ferry would eventually fall and any hope of defeating Lee piecemeal would vanish. The fate of both armies hinged on the defense which D.H. Hill could muster at the gaps. Lee’s Maryland Campaign and the future of the Union hung in the balance.

To read my complete essay on the Battle of South Mountain, click HERE.

To listen to a recent interview I had with Dr. Tom Clemens, editor of “The Maryland Campaign of September 1862, Vol. 1: South Mountain,” click HERE.

To view a short photo essay on South Mountain, click HERE.

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After suffering a terrible defeat after the Second Battle of Bull Run, US Major General John Pope pulled his Army of Virginia back towards Centreville. His army was spread out to protect the approaches to Washington City, where the majority of US Major General George B. McClellan’s Army of the Potomac was garrisoned. Lee wanted to inflict more damage on the Union army before they had a chance to join up with McClellan. He devised a flanking movement that would send CSA Major General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson’s Left Army Wing around Pope’s right flank. They would be preceded by Major General J.E.B. Stuart’s Cavalry Division which would scout the approach and provide warning to Jackson of the enemy’s dispositions. Meanwhile, US Army General-in-Chief Henry W. Halleck had ordered Pope to attack Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia. Unfortunately for Pope, Lee attacked first.

By 3:00 p.m., Jackson had reached Ox Hill near the junction of the Warrenton Turnpike and Little River Turnpike. US Brigadier General Issac I. Stevens’ IX Corps Division was situated east of the hill. Severely outnumbered, Stevens decided to attack before the III Corps Division of Major General Philip Kearny, Jr. was on the battlefield. While initially successful, Stevens’ attack, during a driving rainstorm, was doomed. The topography was not in his favor – nor was his battle strength. Marching uphill, he ran directly into the center of the Confederate line and the division of CSA Brigadier General Alexander Lawton. Stevens led from the front and would be killed by a bullet wound to his head. It was 5:00 p.m.

Federal reinforcements were at hand, with the arrival of General Phil Kearny’s III Corps Division. Arriving about the time of Stevens’ death, he deployed Brigadier General David B. Birney’s brigade on the left of Stevens’ demoralized troops. Running headlong into CSA Major General A.P. Hill’s Division, the fighting devolved into a hand-to-hand struggle. Kearny would accidently ride into the Confederate lines and would also be killed. With the arrival of the remainder of the Kearny’s brigades, Birney pulled back and the fighting ended.

While a small battle compared to Second Bull Run, it was still costly. Federal losses were 1,300 combined casualties of all types, including the deaths of Stevens and Kearny. Confederate losses were 800 combined casualties of all types. During the overnight hours the Union forces would pull back to the area of Fairfax Court House and combine with McClellan’s forces. Lee, concerned that he could not successively attack the forces at Washington City, decided the the time for bold action was at hand. On September 4, 1862 he would cross the Potomac River into Maryland. New battlefields awaited him which would be covered with the blood of both armies.

To see my photo essay on the Chantilly Battlefield click HERE.

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For a more detailed narrative on the Battle of the Crater, check out my essay by clicking HERE.

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Hiram Ulysses Grant was born on April 27, 1822 in Point Pleasant, Ohio. His childhood was much like many 19th Century children. His father, Jesse Root Grant, owned a tannery business which was located adjacent to their home. In his autobiographical memoir, Grant recalled being disgusted by the stench of the tannery business.(i) He believed this was the cause of his lifelong abhorrence to the sight of blood. An accomplished horseman, he would ride as often as he could during his formative years. Later in life he would long for a time when he could settle with his wife, Julia Dent, on a farm and raise horses.

Young Grant would receive a general education and would be appointed to the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1839. A clerical error in his admission records would list his name as Ulysses Simpson Grant (Simpson being his mother’s maiden name). From that point forward, he would be U.S. Grant – Sam Grant to his friends. He graduated in 1843, 21st in a class of 39 cadets. Second Lieutenant Grant would be sent to St. Louis after his graduation. He was assigned to the 4th United States Infantry which was garrisoned at Jefferson Barracks. While in St. Louis he would meet his wife, Julia Dent, and a long courtship followed. He married Julia on August 22, 1848. Together, they would have four children.

His first experience in war would come during the Mexican War, during which he would receive two brevet promotions for gallantry. After the Mexican War he would be assigned to New York, the Oregon territory and California. When Grant went west, Julia stayed in St. Louis as he feared for her health during the crossing of the isthmus of Panama. Lonely to the extreme, Grant resigned his recently received captain’s commission on July 31, 1854.

Returning to Julia in St. Louis, Grant would build a home on his father-in-law’s property. There, he would try his hand at farming the rough ground west of town. The soil proved too tough for profitable row crops and he would be forced into selling firewood in St. Louis. Over the coming years he would work diligently to provide for his family, but would be forced to move to Galena, Illinois in 1860. While at Galena, Sam Grant would work at his father’s dry goods store and tannery, where he was forced to humble himself by working for his brother.

While not outwardly vocal about his political beliefs, Grant could not have failed to watch the 1860 presidential campaign as it unfolded before him. While he did not vote during the general election, he supported Democrat Stephen Douglas. With Lincoln’s election, he watched from the sidelines as the Secession Crisis erupted. After the bombardment and surrender of Fort Sumter, Grant quickly determined that he would offer his services to his country. Unfortunately, due to rumors of heavy drinking, he was unable to secure a commission in the Regular U.S. Army. Eventually he would travel to Springfield, Illinois where he would help organize the Illinois volunteer infantry regiments as the mustered into service. On June 14, 1861 he was appointed colonel of the 21st Illinois Volunteer Infantry by governor Richard Yates.

The 21st Illinois was known as a raucous unit. Grant quickly brought organization and morale to the unit and spent time drilling the volunteers. Grant would lead the regiment on assignments in Missouri. In July 1861, Grant would be surprised to learn that he had been nominated for brigadier general. It was quickly confirmed by the U.S. Senate and he would receive his commission in August. His first assignment was command of the District of Southeast Missouri, stationed at Cairo, Illinois.

Some men are best suited for business pursuits, others for farming and some for leading men in battle. Grant was best suited for battle. Having failed at farming, bill collection and sales, he would quickly find his calling leading soldiers. U.S. Grant’s first battle as commander, was the Battle of Belmont, November 6, 1861. Here he would lead a successful attack against the Confederates camped across the Mississippi River from their fort at Columbus, Kentucky. With the disorganized Rebels fleeing for safety, Grant’s troops quickly started plundering the enemy’s camp. Confederate reinforcements quickly came ashore, from Kentucky, and organized an attack against the Federals who broke in retreat to their steamer. Grant throughout the disorganized retreat was a calming influence on his men. He ensured that his troops were on the steamer and would be the last soldier to board, sliding his horse down the steep bank and onto the riverboat just as it was pulling away.(ii) While the results of the Battle of Belmont were inconclusive at best, Grant had proven himself under fire.

Over the coming 30 months of the Civil War, Grant would grasp victory from defeat on several occasions. He would be the only army commander in the United States to capture three Confederate armies (Fort Donelson, Vicksburg, Appomattox). As a commander, he would never again lead his men away from the battlefield in defeat – he would only push on – always determined to wear the enemy down and capture them. Capturing points, a tactical goal for most U.S. army commanders of the time, was never his goal. Grant wanted to force surrender and end the war. While he was often called a “butcher” for leading bloody assaults against fortified positions, the numbers do not bear this out. As a percentage of forces engaged, his armies suffered lower casualty rates than Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia.(iii)

Grant is most well known for leading his men to victory in the following battles:

• Fort Donelson (August 25-26, 1862)
• Shiloh (April 6-7, 1862)
• Champion Hill (May 16, 1863)
• Vicksburg (May 18 – July 4, 1863)
• Third Battle of Chattanooga (November 23-25, 1863)
• Overland Campaign – the Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House, North Anna, Cold Harbor (May 5 – June 12, 1864)
• Petersburg Campaign (June 9, 1864 – March 25, 1865)
• Appomattox Campaign (March 29 – April 9, 1865)

During his tenure commanding in the Civil War, Ulysses S. Grant was promoted from Colonel of U.S. Volunteers to Lieutenant General U.S. Regulars. He would be the first man to reach the rank of lieutenant general since George Washington.

• Colonel, 21st Illinois Volunteer Infantry (June 28, 1861)
• Brigadier General, Volunteers (August 7, 1861)
• Major General, Volunteers (February 16, 1862)
• Major General, U.S. Regular Army (July 4, 1863)
• Lieutenant General, U.S. Regular Army (March 2, 1864)
• Full General, U.S. Regular Army (July 25, 1866)

On November 3, 1868, Ulysses S. Grant was elected 18th president of the United States. He would serve two terms as president and would be forever tied to scandals including Black Friday and the Whiskey Ring. Over the past twelve decades, Grant’s legacy has been on the rebound. While he is still often thought of as a “butcher” and a corrupt president, he is in most scholarly circles considered one of the best army commanders in history and even his presidency is being reevaluated.

After his presidency, Grant and Julia would travel the world. He was a remarkable ambassador for the United States. In 1884, he would be diagnosed with terminal throat cancer – an obvious result of smoking cigars for many years. After being financially ruined by the bankruptcy of an investment banking company his son, Ulysses, Jr., was a partner in, Grant determined to use his final days writing his memoirs. He completed them days before succumbing to his cancer. His memoirs were published by Mark Twain and would be a phenomenal success, providing financial security for Julia during her remaining years.

Ulysses S. Grant died at Mount McGregor, New York on July 23, 1885. He is buried at General Grant National Monument in Manhattan, New York, next to Julia. The Grant Tomb is the largest mausoleum of its type in North America.

(i) Grant, Ulysses S., Memoirs and Selected Letters, Published by The Library of America in 1990, Pg. 22.
(ii) Ibid, Pg. 184.
(iii) Bonekemper, Edward H, III, A Victor, Not a Butcher: Ulysses S. Grant’s Overlooked Military Genius, Published by Regnery Publishing, Inc. in 2004, Appendix II, Pg. 323.

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