William Tecumseh Sherman : in the service of my country : a life /
McDonough, James L.,1934-author.
"A major new biography of one of Americas most storied military figures. General Sherman's 1864 burning of Atlanta solidified his legacy as a ruthless leader. Yet Sherman proved far more complex than his legendary military tactics reveal. James Lee McDonough offers fresh insight into a man tormented by the fear that history would pass him by, who was plagued by personal debts, and who lived much of his life separated from his family. As a soldier, Sherman evolved from a spirited student at West Point into a general who steered the Civil War's most decisive campaigns, rendered here in graphic detail. Lamenting casualties, Sherman sought the war's swift end by devastating Southern resources in the Carolinas and on his famous March to the Sea. This meticulously researched biography explores Sherman's warm friendship with Ulysses S. Grant, his strained relationship with his wife, Ellen, and his unassuageable grief over the death of his young son, Willy. The result is a remarkable, comprehensive life of an American icon whose legacy resonates to this day."
Includes bibliographical references (pages 725-785) and index.
Prologue : Death stared us all in the face -- My father named me William Tecumseh -- I was notified to prepare for West Point -- In the service of my country -- Sand and sun, Seminoles and Spaniards -- Military camaraderie, Southern aristocracy, prospective matrimony -- And then there was a war on -- Deprived of military glory -- California again; a brand-new game -- Golden State banker -- I was fit for the army but nothing else -- In a hell of a fix -- No man can foresee the end -- Action at Bull Run -- "Crazy" in Kentucky -- Triumphant in Tennessee -- This is no common war -- The strongest place I ever saw -- The river of our greatness is free -- Why was I not killed at Vicksburg? -- One hundred thousand strong -- I knew more of Georgia than the rebels did -- I want a bold push for Atlanta -- It's a big game, but I know I can do it -- Taking the war to the braggart Carolinians -- A soldier of renown -- General-in-chief, I -- General-in-chief, II -- We can only bow to the inevitable.
"A major new biography of one of Americas most storied military figures. General Sherman's 1864 burning of Atlanta solidified his legacy as a ruthless leader. Yet Sherman proved far more complex than his legendary military tactics reveal. James Lee McDonough offers fresh insight into a man tormented by the fear that history would pass him by, who was plagued by personal debts, and who lived much of his life separated from his family. As a soldier, Sherman evolved from a spirited student at West Point into a general who steered the Civil War's most decisive campaigns, rendered here in graphic detail. Lamenting casualties, Sherman sought the war's swift end by devastating Southern resources in the Carolinas and on his famous March to the Sea. This meticulously researched biography explores Sherman's warm friendship with Ulysses S. Grant, his strained relationship with his wife, Ellen, and his unassuageable grief over the death of his young son, Willy. The result is a remarkable, comprehensive life of an American icon whose legacy resonates to this day."
Sherman, William T. (William Tecumseh), 1820-1891.
United States. Army
Generals