Chapter 27 through 39 Summary and Analysis

In chapter twenty-seven, Grant moved to Memphis, where he set up headquarters. The move was prompted, in part, by his "nominal command" situation caused by the proximity of so many other experienced commanders. As Grant made the journey, he encountered a Union loyalist, Mr. De Loche, who said there were Confederates in the area and that a neighbor, a Southern sympathizer, was certain to report Grant's presence. Grant's situation changed yet again and he assumed the role of district commander in West Tennessee. He returned to Corinth where he was faced with the daunting task of arranging accommodations for a large number of forces. That August, Grant received orders to support the army, as much as possible, with the possessions of those favoring the Southern cause.

In chapter twenty-eight, Grant described the battle of Luka. Grant said that he...