Another book that I had never quite gotten to, despite repeatedly seeing recommendations. Well worth reading. Interesting that he came to write this in times of financial trouble (and eventually poor health) well after serving as president. Of course not a professional writer - but much enjoyed his straightforward style.
Early portion regarding his selection to West Point and his challenges there. Serves in Mexican War (and is bluntly critical of it); here he is exposed to many folks who he'll serve with or against in the Civil War. Also doing quartermaster stuff which I suspect was very helpful down the line. Transferred to the west coast in 1850s and the discussions of San Francisco (financial challenges sound familiar - boom-town cooks getting paid more than high ranking officers) and Oregon were interesting.
He was truly a nobody in military terms - basically out of the army when Civil War breaks out - took on some minor tasks for the army coming out of Illinois and had some value because of education and Mexican experience.
Consistent success leads to a larger role in the West. Most of my Civil War reading has been weighted toward the war in the east - so it was interesting to read more about the west. His discussion of the Vicksburg campaign was interesting - gives a sense of the challenges and risks of attacking an entrenched enemy while dealing with rivers, tributaries, flooding. Great accomplishment that easily could have turned out badly.
As successes continue he takes over Army of the Potomac; the difficulties finishing off the Army of Northern Virginia take the war into 1865. Grant as the relentless pursuer - Lincoln liked this after a string of too-cautious leaders - constantly calling for immediate pursuit if the enemy line is broken (this part sounded like Napoleon). Appomattox and Lee's surrender.
Discussions of interactions with Lincoln. Candid assessments of many of the generals - Sherman and Sheridan his favorites, he also much liked David Porter (admiral key to Vicksburg and some subsequent campaigns).
He often quotes from orders issued during campaigns - the brevity and clarity is striking - these were handwritten often at night, often when the situation wasn't clear. Impressive.
Yes it's autobiographical and sometimes you can sense when he's providing details intended to respond to criticism that had surfaced along the way. But that's OK.
Recommended.
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