The Sherman-Hood Correspondence

[larry_cockerham]

Sherman remained sensitive to criticism about his scorched earth policy. Several threads have previously discussed that in considerable length. Hood was giving him a hard time here about the same subject with respect to Atlanta. Sherman in return was blaming much of the same action on Hood, almost like two juveniles trading insults. Unfortunately there was probably some truth in both accusations. Hood, as brought up on a recent response, was in charge, in Tennessee, of an army that was truly 'living off the land', whether that included a storehouse or cellar. The AOT had no other resources and no choices. They weren't trying to make a point as in the case of Sherman's troops, but rather trying to survive one helluva physical test.

[ole]

Given his druthers, Sherman was a kind and benevolent man. He was not, however, given to dither about right and wrong when there was an object in plain sight. He knew the stages between what was and what should be. He didn't bother talking about them or going through the motions. He knew that nothing short of destruction was going to work. So he went straight to destruction. Talk about cutting past the chase! No talking, no discussion, no deliberating alternatives. Whatever is said, discussed, haggled over, and debated ... it's going to come to this. Go for "this." Simple. Direct. Conclusive.
Ole