Gettysburg

My current campaign in Vicksburg, MS has been a good campaign thus far. It was peaceful to hear of the Union's win in Gettysburg. Approximately 4800 soldiers were killed in the Battle of Gettysburg on both sides. To me, the casualties were too great of numbers to ignore how devastating this war has become. I hear talk of my soldiers that this is the "turning point" to the war, but I can't be certain for right now. The boost of morality of my soldiers has given me the strength I need to fight the current battle that I am in. My congratulations goes out to General George Mead for his tremendous victory in this very important war. This lets me know that we can win.

-Ulysses S. Grant


Resources:
http://www.brotherswar.com/

The Battle of Chancellorsville

My wife has told me of the newest uprising of battle. So much blood has been spilled in these battles. My days of being hindered from my recent horse accident has left me bedridden and depending on crutches. My unavailability to serve my country has left my heart cold; I want to help the Union succeed. The Battle at Chancellorsville makes my desire increase tenfold to take revenge on the Confederates. The fact that Lt. Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson could not hold back an army half the size of his own makes me wonder if the Confederacy is becoming more tactful. Each time, it seems that the Confederacy is somehow pulling through and resisting defeat. We must become a stronger nation if we are to eliminate the opposition. I wish everyone good luck as I recover and I hope to be on the battlefield soon.

-Ulysses S. Grant


Resources:
http://www.militaryhistoryonline.com/civilwar/chancellorsville/default.aspx

The Emancipation Proclamation

It is wonderful news! The President of the United States has issued the Emancipation Proclamation. The reason behind this war we have fought for so long has been settled. My recent promotion to Major General has added to this wonderful event. Not all slaves could be freed, but the majority have been released. Most moved North and are adding to our population which will eventually become beneficial to America. I'm finally glad to have peace and to be able to stay with my family and rest. I just want to congratulate Lincoln on his achievement!

-Ulysses S. Grant


Resources:
http://xroads.virginia.edu/~HYPER/hadams/eha17.html

Free at last: a documentary history of slavery, freedom, and the Civil War. Berlin, Ira. New York Press. 1992.

The Bloodiest Day

The news of the Battle of Antietam from Robert E. Lee's messenger caught me off guard. My last defense at the Battle of Shiloh showed just how the Confederate army could control their army. Not only were my brothers and friends killed, but the backbone to American freedom and the victory of the North has been hindered from Antietam. The loss of such men can only weaken the North's power against the Confederacy. We can recover from this tremendous loss, although it will take time. My current plans will help a little as I plan to advance on Vicksburg in Missouri. The Union, I know, can rise above this loss and band together stronger to help avenge our fallen family.

-Ulysses S. Grant


Resources: http://www.library.ci.corpus-christi.tx.us/MexicanWar/grantus.htm

Battle of Bull Run!

On June 17, 1861, I was appointed Colonel of the 21st Illinois Infantry. I thought nothing could eradicate this aura of accomplishment that I have been feeling; until the Battle of Bull Run broke into the headlines. I don't know what makes the Confederacy think they can keep trying to move farther north into our territory. Their slavery concept is meant for the South, not for up here. We now know that a war within America is evident. The retreat of the Union from the battle cannot be good for the reputation of the North. This is only the first battle, and it will definitely not be the last upon American soil. I will, to the best of my ability, use my military skills to help defeat Confederacy and restore peace to all of America.

-Ulysses S. Grant


Resources:
Military History of Ulysses S. Grant, from April, 1861, to April, 1865. Badeau, Adam.

Never Thought

I never thought the Confederates would attack Fort Sumter. My little town of St. Louis is all in an uproar over the current headlines, but I can't show my full fervor over the attack because of how South I moved in order Reading the posts in the newspapers that are delivered to my brother's leather shop almost drive me to complete insanity with how the fort has been rendered so. Edmund Ruffin exclaims that he fired the first shot, but such foolishness will get him killed if he ever said anything about this around me. This attack is showing just how ruthless this war is becoming. My life in the real estate business and also the leather shop retail is making me regret my decision to leave the army. Incidents like these are driving me back towards the blue uniform. My vendetta towards the Confederacy continues to burn in my heart.

-Ulysses S. Grant


Resources: First Blood; The Story of Fort Sumter. Swanberg, W.A. 1957.

One of My Own.

Growing up in Illinois in 1859, it was great to hear the news of Lincoln running for the title of President. I have been working with my father in his leather shop this year. On March 4 of this year, Abraham Lincoln became the sixteenth president. All of Illinois was in an uproar of support seeing as how Lincoln is from Illinois. I have been contacted by the army, which is a big deal since I retreated from the army. The army has said that I might be needed as a General or Lieutenant against the Confederate. So I think that this has been great news for me and I would love to fight once again for our new president: Abraham Lincoln. I hope one day to be someone like him. 

-Ulysses S. Grant

Resources: http://millercenter.org/index.php/academic/americanpresident/grant