Commanders-in-Heat VI: Manuscript or Morphine (Part II)

Writing Advice from Ulysses S. Grant

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Presidential Heat Check: The Series So Far

Commander-in-Heat: A Republic, If It Can Survive You

Commander-in-Heat II: Is June James Season?

Commander-in-Heat III: The June 6

Commander-in-Heat IV: James Madison Declined to Die for the Bit

Commanders-in-Heat: Manuscript or Morphine (Part I)

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Commanders-in-Heat VI: Manuscript or Morphine (Part II)

Grant’s handwritten memoir.

Ulysses S. Grant’s memoirs stunned the 19th century and still manage to humble critics. He didn’t mean to give advice but I can’t help but see it.

Here’s what I learned from his memoir:

1. Get to the Point—Then March On

Grant proceeded. His prose moves like a field report: no fanfare, no sentimentality, no wasted troops. You’re not here for the adjectives. You’re here for the advance.

He prized action over adornment. Clarity over cleverness.

LoC

2. Name Names