In the period covered by Volume 6 of this distinguished series, Grant again drove deep into the Confederacy, displaying an instinct for the offensive lacking in other chief commanders. But by the end of the year Confederate successes had forced Grant to abandon all ground he had won.
It was, nevertheless, an important period in Grant’s career. Command of the Army of the Tennessee brought Grant, a former slaveholder, into the heart of the Cotton Kingdom and to issuing the notorious General Order No. 11, expelling the Jews from his department. Increasingly important administrative responsibilities involved Grant in relationships with other generals. And though Grant’s Mississippi Central Campaign ended at the close of the year with no permanent gains, he had increased in stature as a military administrator and warrior possessing the vital talent needed in a successful command system.