Part 2, Grant (March 1864): Chapter 7 Summary

General Ulysses S. Grant arrives in Washington to meet President Lincoln. Lincoln gives him a warm welcome and pulls him aside to meet Secretary of State Seward and Mrs. Lincoln. President Lincoln promotes Grant to Lieutenant General, meaning that he now commands the entire Federal army.

As the season changes to early spring, Grant sends orders to position his troops. General Sigel is to move into the Shenandoah Valley to divert part of Lee's army toward the west. General Meade is to approach Richmond from the north but not take the city and Confederate capital. General Butler is to approach Richmond from the south. Both movements are intended to draw Lee's army toward Richmond.

Part 2, Grant (March 1864): Chapter 7 Analysis

The figure of Grant that the story presents in Washington is that of a war-hardened soldier unconcerned with...