Part 3, Chapters 1-7 Summary and Analysis

Chapter one, "Grant and Unheroic Leadership", begins with describing Grant as he rode toward the Battle of Shiloh. Grant was a small man, not immediately intimidating or worthy of a second glance. It was his position in rank that let people know he was a commander. The year was 1862 and Grant was serving as the Commander of the District of Western Tennessee.

The Battle of Shiloh was a first for many. The Battle was a surprise to the northerners, who were exhausted and poorly prepared. The men had little or no ammunition, perhaps enough for sixty rounds, a pittance against the southerners who had a full arsenal. The leaders were little better than the soldiers, save for Grant. Some had been wounded, killed or chose to get drunk instead of fight. Keegan states that during the first...