ulysses s grant to stephen a hublot gilder | ulysses grant president

The Gilder Lehrman Collection (GLC07055) houses a fascinating piece of American history: a meticulously preserved autograph letter from Ulysses S. Grant to Stephen A. Hurlbut, penned on May 31, 1863. This four-page letter, complete with its docket, offers invaluable insight into Grant's strategic thinking, his leadership style, and the immense pressures he faced as commander of the Department of the Tennessee during a critical juncture in the Civil War. Analyzing this letter provides a window into the complex world of Ulysses S. Grant, the general who ultimately led the Union to victory and later served as the 18th President of the United States.

The Context: Spring 1863 and the Vicksburg Campaignulysses s grant to stephen a hublot gilder

To understand the significance of this letter, we must first contextualize it within the broader scope of the Vicksburg Campaign. By May 1863, Grant was deeply entrenched in his relentless pursuit of Vicksburg, Mississippi, a Confederate stronghold that controlled the Mississippi River. Capturing Vicksburg was crucial for the Union, as it would split the Confederacy in two, effectively isolating the states west of the Mississippi and opening up vital trade routes for the North.

The campaign had been fraught with challenges. Grant had attempted various approaches to seize Vicksburg, including daring river expeditions and ambitious canal projects, all of which had met with limited success. He then embarked on a bold and audacious strategy: marching his army south along the west bank of the Mississippi, crossing the river south of Vicksburg, and then marching north to attack the city from the rear. This maneuver required meticulous planning, unwavering determination, and the ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances.

The weeks leading up to the letter's writing had been a whirlwind of activity. Grant had won key battles at Port Gibson, Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hill, and Big Black River Bridge, pushing the Confederate forces under General John C. Pemberton back into Vicksburg. The siege of Vicksburg had begun in earnest, a grueling and protracted affair that would test the resolve of both the Union and Confederate armies.

Stephen A. Hurlbut: Grant's Trusted Lieutenant

Stephen A. Hurlbut, the recipient of Grant's letter, was a key figure in the Union army and a trusted subordinate of Grant. Hurlbut, a lawyer and politician from Illinois, had risen through the ranks to become a Major General. He commanded the 16th Army Corps and was responsible for securing the Union's supply lines and protecting key strategic locations in the region.

While Hurlbut proved to be a capable commander, his career was not without controversy. He faced accusations of corruption and mismanagement, and his personal life was often the subject of scrutiny. Despite these issues, Grant consistently relied on Hurlbut's abilities and considered him a valuable asset to the Union cause. This letter provides evidence of the professional relationship and the level of trust that existed between the two men.

Analyzing the Letter: Content and Significance

The Gilder Lehrman Collection's description of the letter as "Autograph letter signed, 4 pages + docket" immediately highlights its authenticity and importance. An autograph letter, written entirely in Grant's own hand, provides a direct and unfiltered glimpse into his thoughts and intentions. The presence of a docket, a brief summary of the letter's contents typically written on the outside, further adds to its historical value.

While the exact transcription of the letter is necessary for a comprehensive analysis, based on the historical context and Grant's known leadership style, we can infer several key themes and insights from the letter:

* Strategic Guidance and Orders: The primary purpose of the letter would likely have been to convey specific orders and instructions to Hurlbut. Grant would have outlined Hurlbut's responsibilities in maintaining supply lines, securing key locations, and potentially dealing with Confederate guerilla activity. These orders would have been crucial for ensuring the overall success of the Vicksburg Campaign. We can expect to see detailed instructions regarding troop deployments, logistics, and potential contingency plans.

* Emphasis on Security and Intelligence: Given the precarious nature of the siege and the constant threat of Confederate counterattacks, Grant would have undoubtedly stressed the importance of security and intelligence gathering. He might have instructed Hurlbut to maintain vigilance against potential Confederate movements, to gather information about enemy strength and positions, and to ensure the safety of Union supply depots. The letter might also contain specific instructions regarding the treatment of civilians and the prevention of looting and pillaging by Union troops.

* Addressing Challenges and Concerns: The letter may also have addressed specific challenges or concerns that Grant was facing at the time. He might have discussed issues related to troop morale, supply shortages, or the need for reinforcements. The tone of the letter would likely have been pragmatic and focused on finding solutions to these problems. Grant was known for his calm and level-headed demeanor, even in the face of adversity, and this would likely be reflected in his writing.