Matteo Cordero’s Reviews > Grant > Status Update

It’s touching the last chapter on the premature death of Grant caused by cancer. In this part, the author emphasises the contrast between Grant’s grandiosity and high values and death. The President reached the highest rank of the political life of one the most influential country in the world and still death has taken away as a mortal man. Grant died stoically as soldier without the fear of death.

Chernow writes that Grant had a way of standing back and letting things happen - a tacit form of approval. Inaction had become his preferred form of action.

As it was written by the President Hayes, President Grant was a “first soldier and a man of sterling qualities”.

The glorious career of Ulysses S Grant who started as an excellent General and then statesman who, it is mentioned by Chernow, “set the Stage for America’s emergence as the world’s supreme industrial power”.

This book tells the glorious fight against the brutal evil of the slavery of black people conducted by two of the most noble just men in history: Grant and Lincoln.

It is so impressive how General Grant had to deal with the numerous deaths of his soldiers. His role as lieutenant-general placed him in supreme command of all Union forces and consequently was responsible for so many men. He must have felt guilt over all these casualties blaming himself for his bad choices which caused many losses.

It is so fascinating how Grant first conquered his status as the most successful trusted general during the Civil War with his commanders and with President Lincoln on his side. Many people in the Unions had biased him as an incompetent military leader, a drunkard and unfit for his role during the war. In contrast, he stoically gained his authority with patience and by winning the most important battles in the war.