Campaigning with Grant

Horace Porter served as lieutenant colonel on Ulysses S. Grants staff from April 1864 to the end of the Civil War. He accompanied Grant into battle in the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg campaigns, and was present at Lees surrender at McLeans house. Throughout the war, he kept extensive notes that capture Grants conversations, as well as his own observations of military life. Porters portrait of Grant is the most comprehensive firsthand account that we have. We see Grant as a soldier and hear in his own words the tactical evaluations that led to many of the wars key decisions. We also hear of Grants dealings with Lincoln, of the close relationship between Sherman and Grant, and of Lees noble bearing at his surrender. This is a stirring account of our countrys most memorable conflict.