Here is a book I've not seen recommended or cited in this or other boards. It's a collection of selected letters from WTS to purt near everyone, from his children to Abe Lincoln.
The editors preface a period in Sherman's career to place the letters in context; then provide selected letters written during that period.
We've all seen quotes and excerpts from Sherman's writing depicting him in whatever light is desired. These letters contain most of those quotes in context. What's more, none were written years after the event; most were written shortly after an event and often the same day. They are not edited or guessed at when a word or phrase cannot be deciphered (he often wrote in haste). Their sources are always listed, and each is footnoted as to whom he's referring, and to whom and what he is responding.
My habit is to start a book, put it down and start another -- building a stack of started-but-not-finished reading. This book forbids that practice. It is big -- 902 pages -- but it is fascinating. Here is a hitherto unknown (to me, at least) look at the unpleasantness through Sherman's eyes as interpreted by his viewpoint. The best part: I got it through Hamilton books. Cheap.
Sherman's Civil War; Selected Correspondence of William T. Sherman, 1860 - 1865; Edited by Brooks D. Simpson & Jean V. Berlin. UNCP, Chapel Hill, 1999.
__________________ I never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing that no man desires for himself. A. Lincoln
These letters are also referred to frequently as Sherman's memoirs. I have a copy on my shelf, which I've used many times as a reference. Mine was published as Marching Through Georgia. One of my Confederate ancestors was wounded by an exploding shell on August 9, 1864 in defense of Atlanta. Bill Sherman wrote a letter to his wife the day before talking about the two new parrot guns he had just received and was going to use on the enemy the next day. Probably more than a coincidence.
Warning, samgrant!
You start it, you don't start anything else until you've finished it. Why this book isn't in the mainstream I can't fathom. Most everything I thought I knew about Sherman I've had to re-evaluate. The best thing: you can't very well argue about his veracity when he's writing his wife about the day's activity. And you don't have a biographer's opinions intruding into the story ... this is what he wrote. End of story.
Ole
Thanks for having the book. It should be far more well-known than it is.
__________________ I never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing that no man desires for himself. A. Lincoln
Sam, you and Ole both know I'm a bit biased towards the South, even though three of my gg grandpas were "yankees". When you have time to peek at Sherman's work, as Ole suggested, you will perhaps see him in a far different light than many of my grumble-puss Southern cohorts who haven't taken time to read him. He was a professional soldier with considerable passion. He tore a swatch through Georgia for good reason, to bring an end to the war.
He certainly was a professional soldier -- more so than I had thought. He thought of nothing but his troops and what he was asked to do with them. While other officers took furloughs and time off for this or that, he remained with the troops -- and only occasionally wrote about comfortable lodgings indoors. When he did say something derogatory about someone, it never came off as mean. And, wow, was he passionate!
Thanks for chiming in.
Ole
__________________ I never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing that no man desires for himself. A. Lincoln
Thanks for the heads up on the book, anyone have thoughts on a "top 2-3" books on Sherman that might serve as a "primer" while I await this one? Any thoughts on Flood's "Grant and Sherman: the friendship that won the Civil War"? Thanks in advance for your helpful comments. B/rgds Spartan
Ole, If you concluded that I'm biased towards the South aside from my ties to the land, the people, and our attitude, then perhaps I have fooled you! Grandpa Cockerham fought for the Union. That was probably a good idea, all things considered.
Any thoughts on Flood's "Grant and Sherman: the friendship that won the Civil War"? B/rgds Spartan
Spartan, I found Flood's book to be readable and informative, a good overview of both men's careers and a good introduction to both personalities. Definitely worth your time.
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