Calmness in Chaos: The True Measure Of A Man — Dead Presidents and Lessons From History

Ulysses S. Grant — commanding General of the Union army during the American Civil War — was the embodiment of calm in chaos.

Let me take you back. Back to Vicksburg, Mississippi.

1863.

Scorching heat.

The smell of battle is in the air. Grant plans to gain control of the strategically important Mississippi River. He plans to land his army at Port Gibson a few miles southeast of the river.

It’s an important battle — one that might decide the fate of the union. What is Grant’s state of mind? Is he timid? Fearful? Giddy with anticipation?

No.

He takes in the scene of the battle with unwavering serenity.

In the words of Captain James Bull:

“We could see the wreaths of smoke from the guns on either side; could hear their deafening roar, and see the shot of rebels strike — sometimes in the water, sending up fountains of spray, and sometimes striking the boats, but with what effect we could not discern.

We could also see our own shells bursting in the woods where their field pieces were and sometimes see our solid shot striking their breastworks.