Selected Correspondence Of William Sherman 1860-1865: A Glimpse into Civil War America

The Untold Stories Behind the Letters of William Sherman that Shaped Civil War America

The Civil War was a defining moment in American history, filled with remarkable individuals who played significant roles in shaping the future of the United States. Among these iconic figures, General William Tecumseh Sherman stands tall, not only for his military genius but also for his letters that reflect the complex and emotional journey of a nation divided.

Discovering the Correspondence

Although numerous books have been written about Sherman's military strategies and contributions, the true essence of his thoughts, fears, and aspirations lies within his personal letters. The selected correspondence from 1860 to 1865 provides a rare insight into the mind of a man who experienced the turmoil of the Civil War first-hand.

Sherman's Civil War: Selected Correspondence of William T. Sherman, 1860-1865 (Civil War America)

by Yanek Mieczkowski (Kindle Edition)

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5645 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	957 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

The Man Behind the Letters

William Tecumseh Sherman, born in 1820, was raised in a politically charged atmosphere. His father served in Congress, and his foster father was the renowned Thomas Ewing, a prominent figure in Ohio politics. Sherman's upbringing exposed him to the inner workings of the American political system, fostering a strong sense of duty and loyalty to his country.

Before the outbreak of the Civil War, Sherman had a distinguished military career. He served in the Mexican-American War and later became superintendent of the Louisiana State Seminary of Learning & Military Academy (now Louisiana State University), where he forged lifelong friendships and acquired a deep understanding of military strategy.

The Journey Begins: 1860-1861

Sherman's early correspondence primarily revolves around political developments leading up to the outbreak of the Civil War. His letters reveal his concern for the unity of the nation and his frustration with the rising tension between the North and the South.

As the war became inevitable, Sherman's loyalty to the Union led him to reject the secessionist efforts and support the preservation of the United States. His fiery letters express his determination to fight for the Union and his belief in the righteousness of the cause.

Faces of War: 1862-1863

Sherman's letters from 1862 to 1863 paint a vivid picture of the war's brutality and the toll it took on its participants. He graphically describes the horrors of battle, the devastating casualty counts, and the emotional strain experienced by soldiers on both sides.

Through these letters, readers gain a deep appreciation for Sherman's leadership skills and his commitment to the well-being of his troops. His empathy and understanding shine through as he addresses the challenges of military strategy and the importance of maintaining morale.

The Turning Point: 1864-1865

By 1864, Sherman had risen through the ranks and become a trusted advisor to General Ulysses S. Grant. His letters during this period reflect his newfound responsibility and the pivotal role he played in major military campaigns, most notably the capture of Atlanta and the infamous March to the Sea.

Through his correspondence, Sherman unveils his strategy, revealing a mind brimming with calculated planning and an insatiable drive to bring the Confederacy to its knees. His letters also showcase his determination to minimize civilian casualties, contrasting the ruthless aspects of war with a compassionate approach.

A Legacy Written in Ink

The selected correspondence of William Sherman provides an invaluable window into the multifaceted aspects of the Civil War. It allows readers to witness the evolution of a man, a military leader, and a visionary who left an indelible mark on American history.

Beyond Sherman's military accomplishments, these letters touch upon the broader themes of unity, sacrifice, and the burden of decision-making that all wartime leaders face. They serve as a reminder of the human aspect often overshadowed by the strategic campaigns and battles that have come to define the Civil War in textbooks.

A Journey into Civil War America

Immerse yourself in the Selected Correspondence of William Sherman 1860–1865, and witness the war through the eyes of one of its most influential figures. Explore Sherman's inner thoughts, fears, and strategies as he confronts the trials and tribulations of a divided nation.

Join us on this captivating journey into Civil War America, where the echoes of the past come alive through the letters that shaped a nation's future.

Sherman's Civil War: Selected Correspondence of William T. Sherman, 1860-1865 (Civil War America)

by Yanek Mieczkowski (Kindle Edition)

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5645 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	957 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

The first major modern edition of the wartime correspondence of General William T. Sherman, this volume features more than 400 letters written between the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 and the day Sherman bade farewell to his troops in 1865. Together, they trace Sherman's rise from obscurity to become one of the Union's most famous and effective warriors.
Arranged chronologically and grouped into chapters that correspond to significant phases in Sherman's life, the letters--many of which have never before been published--reveal Sherman's thoughts on politics, military operations, slavery and emancipation, the South, and daily life in the Union army, as well as his reactions to such important figures as General Ulysses S. Grant and President Lincoln.
Lively, frank, opinionated, discerning, and occasionally extremely wrong-headed, these letters mirror the colorful personality and complex mentality of the man who wrote them. They offer the reader an invaluable glimpse of the Civil War as Sherman saw it.