Grant's Lieutenants: From Cairo to Vicksburg by Steven E. Woodworth (Editor)
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(Hardcover)
- Pub. Date: January 2004
- 268pp
- Sales Rank: 293,472
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Product Details
- Pub. Date: January 2004
- Publisher: University Press of Kansas
- Format: Hardcover, 268pp
- Sales Rank: 293,472
- Series: Modern War Studies Series
- ISBN-13: 9780700611270
- ISBN: 0700611274
Synopsis
Ulysses S. Grant did more than any other single Union general to secure the North's victory in the Civil War, but he did not achieve that victory alone. Grant's ability to inspire and cultivate the talents of the officers serving under him was a key factor in his remarkable military success. Steven Woodworth and his fellow authors provide ample evidence for that in this first of a two-volume reassessment of Grant's officer corps from Cairo to Appomattox.
Covering the war's western theater through July 1863, Woodworth et al. highlight the character and accomplishments of these men and show how their individual relationships with Grant helped pave the way to Union victory. They demonstrate how each officer's service contributed to Grant's success and development as a general, how interaction with Grant affected each officer's career, and how the relationship ultimately contributed to the course of battle and the war's final outcome.
These portraits include the most important of Grant's lieutenants as well as some who are representative of various officer types. Here are William T. Sherman and Grant's other trusted commanders from the Army of the Tennessee, revered mentor Charles F. Smith, and difficult subordinate William S. Rosecrans. Here too are such citizen soldiers as Lew "Ben Hur" Wallace and Peter Osterhaus, de facto intelligence chief Grenville Dodge, and naval officers Andrew Foote and David Dixon Porter, whose relationships with Grant proved crucial to the war effort.
Full of revealing insights regarding military leadership and the special problems of Civil War command, Grant's Lieutenants adds a new dimension to our understanding of the Union road to victory and gives us the true measure of these dedicated men.
This book is part of the Modern War Studies series.
Customer Reviews
An introduction or a reviewby James_Durney
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October 06, 2009: Steven Woodworth has an excellent reputation as both author and editor. He has the ability to attract people, who can contribute excellent word portraits in about 20 pages. The format of the genre precludes an in-depth study but provides a great introduction, enjoyable reading or an excellent review. That the eleven articles manage to present an entertaining and insightful look is a credit to the editor and the authors. The time from Cairo to Vicksburg was difficult for Grant. This is not the great general that is winning the war. Starting as an obscure brigadier general, he rises to prominence overcoming numerous problems.
The selection of lieutenants is critical, Sherman of course. Terry Winschel contributes the essay on John A. McClernand, one of Grant's first real problems. Lesley Gordon handles the failed relationship between Grant and Rosecrans in a fair but pro Grant presentation. Benjamin Franklin Cooling covers Charles Ferguson Smith, Grant's old commander and friend. Grant was always ill at ease commanding Smith. The affection and esteem Grant had for him is well documented. Earl Hess did Peter Osterhaus and the ethnic complications these generals and their units introduced to command. Both William and Lewis Wallace appear, with James McPherson and Grandville Dodge. Admiral Potter and Foote get equal status with the generals, producing a well-balanced look at the important lieutenants during this time.This can be a sit and read book or a pick up and read an essay book, either is informative and fun. This works equally well as a read alone or read in conjunction with the second book in the series. I read this book over a couple of months as a series of essays. The quality of the work is consistent, fully footnoted and a List of Contributors provides the reader with information about the authors.
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