Found this story several weeks ago and just have to share. To me it is so expressive of Sherman's swagger and demonstrates his determination to use whatever tools available to overcome any obstacle, while at the same time knocking out the underpinnings of the Confederacy. Captain Jenney, an engineer on Sherman's staff, who compiled his reminiscences after the war, originally told the story.
"At the end of the Vicksburg battle, Grant ordered Sherman's corps to pursue General Johnston. While camped at the Tallahatchee River, near Wyatt, General Sherman and his engineer officer Captain Jenney surveyed the houses and outbuildings for material to build a bridge across the river. While looking at beams in a citizen's house an insightful conversation occurred that reflected the beliefs of persons of both sections of the country.
Sherman told the owner he would take the beams in the house.
The owner replied, "You would not tear down the house you sleep in and sleep out on the lawn in the rain."
Sherman replied, "The bridge must be built if it takes the last house in town."
The owner replied, "The people want vouchers for the value of their destroyed homes."
Sherman said to the owner, "Call on the government of the southern confederacy. You let them burn the old bridge. I have to build a new one. I have to use your house. I give you the bridge in exchange. Take care of it." [<u>Mr. Lincoln's Bridge Builders</u> by Philip M. Thienel page 133] Expired Image Removed
"At the end of the Vicksburg battle, Grant ordered Sherman's corps to pursue General Johnston. While camped at the Tallahatchee River, near Wyatt, General Sherman and his engineer officer Captain Jenney surveyed the houses and outbuildings for material to build a bridge across the river. While looking at beams in a citizen's house an insightful conversation occurred that reflected the beliefs of persons of both sections of the country.
Sherman told the owner he would take the beams in the house.
The owner replied, "You would not tear down the house you sleep in and sleep out on the lawn in the rain."
Sherman replied, "The bridge must be built if it takes the last house in town."
The owner replied, "The people want vouchers for the value of their destroyed homes."
Sherman said to the owner, "Call on the government of the southern confederacy. You let them burn the old bridge. I have to build a new one. I have to use your house. I give you the bridge in exchange. Take care of it." [<u>Mr. Lincoln's Bridge Builders</u> by Philip M. Thienel page 133] Expired Image Removed
Bringing the