Meaning: The quote "No other terms than unconditional and immediate surrender. I propose to move immediately upon your works." is a famous statement made by Ulysses S. Grant, a prominent military leader and the 18th President of the United States. This quote is from a letter Grant sent to General Simon Bolivar Buckner during the American Civil War.

In February 1862, Ulysses S. Grant, then a brigadier general in the Union Army, was advancing upon Confederate positions in the Western Theater of the war. One of the key strategic points in this theater was Fort Donelson, a Confederate fortification on the Cumberland River in Tennessee. General Buckner was the commander of the fort, and Grant's forces were preparing to besiege it.

The quote reflects Grant's uncompromising and determined approach to warfare. Grant's demand for "unconditional and immediate surrender" left no room for negotiation or compromise. It conveyed his resolute determination to achieve victory and indicated that he was not willing to entertain any terms other than the complete capitulation of the enemy.

Grant's strategy was to apply relentless pressure on the Confederate forces, offering them no option but to surrender. His direct and forceful communication style was characteristic of his military leadership and played a significant role in his success as a general.

The phrase "I propose to move immediately upon your works" further emphasizes Grant's decisiveness and his intention to swiftly take action against the enemy's defenses. It conveys a sense of urgency and determination, indicating that Grant was prepared to initiate an assault on the fort without delay.

The outcome of the Battle of Fort Donelson was a significant victory for the Union forces. After several days of fighting and under the relentless pressure of Grant's siege, General Buckner was compelled to surrender the fort to Grant on February 16, 1862. The capture of Fort Donelson was a major success for the Union and helped to secure control of strategic waterways in the Western Theater, further weakening the Confederate position.

Grant's uncompromising stance and his resolute pursuit of victory at Fort Donelson were indicative of his overall approach to warfare. Throughout the Civil War, Grant became known for his relentless and aggressive tactics, earning the nickname "Unconditional Surrender" Grant.

Following the war, Ulysses S. Grant's military successes propelled him into national prominence, ultimately leading to his election as the 18th President of the United States in 1869. His leadership during the Civil War and his subsequent political career left a lasting impact on American history.

In conclusion, the quote "No other terms than unconditional and immediate surrender. I propose to move immediately upon your works" encapsulates Ulysses S. Grant's uncompromising and determined approach to warfare during the American Civil War. It reflects his resolute pursuit of victory and his willingness to take swift and decisive action to achieve it. Grant's success at Fort Donelson and his subsequent rise to national prominence underscore the significance of this quote in understanding his leadership and legacy.