Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-05-29
SHFRK4NS MEMOIRS.
May &th, 1875.

SHERXANS MEMOIRS.
The publication of the 'Memoirs oil
General w. T. Sherman" has created
great excitement. The work is the lead
ing topic in military circles, the special
subject for criticism by writers in all parts
of the country. For person to write
history of military campaigns in which he
has taken a prominent part. and send 1t
forth to the public while the persons
praised, censured and criticised in 1t are
still living, is perilous task even tor a
cautious writer who weighs thoughtfuliy
and well what he puts upon paper. Cen
eral Sherman is credited with good
share of honesty and brilliant intellect,
but he is impulsive, blunt and rash In
speech, has large sense Of his own i'm
portance, and cares but little whom his
words hit or how lively fight they stir
up around him.
From the pelting of adverse criticism
which has already commenced against
the Memoirs, it may be reckoned that the
General will have a storm about his ears,
concerning his work. that will occupy a
large share of his attention for some time
to come. Many officers in the army are
roughly handled. Many secrets are eX-
posed. Failure here or there is attributed
to persons who will not rest quietly under
the allegation. Some who thought their
regulations as soldiers were secure are
not so certain of it as they were few
days ago.
These things will provoke attack and
discussion, and ct least cause large de-
mand for the work, however they may
affect the reputation of Sherman as his
torian OF an officer.
To the general reader whose character
or interest is not affected by the Memoirs
these volumes will be interesting reading
They are written in an off hand, vigorous
style, abound in anecdote, and give the
best account yet published of one OF the
most important campaigns the late war.
They are published in two large volumes
of more than 400 pages each. The author
omits the story of his youth. the first chap
ter giving some of his recollections OF
California, from 1916 to 1913, when he
was first lieutenant in the regular army.
About one third Of the first volume is &C.
cupied with relation of his life up to
1861. The opening of that year found
him Superintendent of the Louisiana Mil
itary Academy, a position which he re-
signed when the movements of the seces-
sionists began 10 appear. As soon as his
resignation was accepted he left for St.
Louis, and in May was appointed Colonel
of the Thirteenth Regular Infantry.
From this point the Memoirs are rela-
ton Of Sherman's part in the crushing
out of the rebellion. including of course
history of all the great events which trans
PRED in the West and Southwestern States
from the capture of Fort Henry to the
taking of Atlanta, also of the "March to
the Sea" and of the subsequent march
through South and North Carolina until
the surrender of Johnston near Raleigh |
and the close of the war.
With all the fault-fnding and censure
which these volumes will create, they will
probably be instrumental in placing IN a
more correct light the merits of individ-
uals and the conduct and results of the
military operations which they describe.
Ii requires long process to sift out the
truth from the reports that follow military |
movements on large scale with impor-
tant responsibilities and results. Some |
bold pen opens the task, exposing inca |
pacity, blunders or cowardice, which |
hitherto had been concealed; others toi- |
low after the "ice is broken and at
length the truth appears. That some OF
the subordinates Of General Sherman
should vince under the freedom with
which he meations them is not surprising
That his opinions are not always just. and
very often uncalled for. is true. From
the smoke of the discussion however will
arise clearer view of him and them and
the events in which they were prominent
actors, and future historians will be able
10 do their work the better for it. 1t has
been charged already that Sherman is OF
an envious character, jealous, inclined to
depreciate the merits of others. and that
in his Memoirs he seeks to claim honors
which belong to Grant; but the letter of
Sherman to Grant when the latter was
about TO be commissioned lieutenant gen
ersl, a copy of which is found In the
second volume, is an answer to such ac-
ousations of convincing power. The man
who could write that letter in Sherman's