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Grant's Lieutenants: From Cairo to Vicksburg (Modern War Studies) (v. 1)

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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.

Woodworth is a proven, able civil war historian, but this is one of his weakest books. Instead of concentrating on Grant's relationship with his subordinates, he focuses on mini biographhies of people in Grant's orbit, such as Wallace, Baldy Smith, Sherman and Sheridan. The biographies themselves are no better than what you would find in an encyclopedia and contain absolutely no new or novel information. There is very little material on the personal dynamics between the commander and his minions.

Grant's famous feuds with Rosecrans, Pap Thomas and Smith are poorly presented and glossed over without inciteful comment. A golden opportunity is missed here, because these disagreements highlight the most interesting aspect of Grant's relationships throughout the war. In short, a slim and completely unpenetrating look at a subject that is well suited for a lengthy and interesting examination.

Pointillist paintings, when viewed close up, reveal themselves to be made up of thousands of tiny dots of color. Stepping back from the painting, the viewer's eye blends the spots of and the larger picture is revealed.

Editor Steven E. Woodworth has taken the same approach to biography, resulting in a two volume study entitled "Grant's Lieutenants," in which he has collected a series of essays by prominent historians. Each essay focuses on the relationships Ulysses S. Grant formed with his subordinates. Separately, each essay appears to be a mini-biography of the chosen lieutenant. But in a larger sense, when read as a whole, it is a retrospective portrait of Grant, the first Lieutenant General in the American army since George Washington.

The first volume, subtitled "From Cairo to Vicksburg," covers the first half of the Civil War from 1861 to 1863, and highlights Grant's relationships with William T. Sherman, William H. L. Wallace, Charles F. Smith, Lew Wallace, William S. Rosecrans, John A McClernand, James B. McPherson, Grenville M. Dodge, Peter Osterhouse and admirals Andrew H. Foote and David D. Porter. Historians who have essays in the book are, respectively, John F. Marszaleck, Steven E. Woodworth, Benjamin F. Cooling (with two essays, the first on Charles F. Smith, and the second on Andrew H. Foote), Stacy D. Allen, Lesley J. Gordon, Terrence J. Winschel, Tamara S. Smith, William B. Feis, Earl J. Hess and R. Blake Dunnavent.

The essays, read in chronological order, cover the battles of Belmont, Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, the siege and battle of Corinth, and the Vicksburg Campaign. With the inclusion of admirals Foote and Porter, Grant's embracement of joint use of the navy in conjunction with his army, is also covered. Taken together, the essays demonstrate how Grant developed his leadership style over time grew into a competent and confident General.