Thanks Kindly for sharing these writings of General Sherman! It’s hard for us to imagine the hardships and sorrows of those times. Friends and Families on opposite sides, leaving Loved states and jobs and homes. And then not knowing if you were in combat with a brother, father or friends you were aiming at. It all makes one appreciate and have just a taste of the rugged and tough conditions our Ancestors, the Soldiers of those times. I enjoy shooting a 1829 N. Starr Army issue musket I restored years ago. It’s a 69 cal. and used in the Civil War. I often say that shooting this and other firearms of that period is line shooting history. When you realize the power of that lead ball and hundreds or thousands of rounds flying everywhere? It’s amazing anyone survived. My GGGrandfather volunteered for three terms in the Pennsylvania Calvary, Antietam was one battle be fought in. I’ve rambled quite an enough so Thanks Again and Many Blessings and More Great History! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania
Sherman noted that at least one of the Academy buildings was being stuffed with crates of rifles that were expropriated from federal supplies and sent south by out-going Vice President Breckenridge and others. This is one reason why Breckenridge skedaddled rather than face capture and possible trial for treason at Ft. Donelson. The Academy became L.S.U. after the war.
How much more civilized and respectful of personal honor were the higher escalations of society in those days. It just boggles my mind that people could hold such opposing views, views that would lead to violent rebellion and tens of thousands of men losing their lives, not to mention the devastation of a whole section of the nation and so many very wealthy men losing their "property," and yet these men be treated with formal courtesy and be allowed resign their commissions and to move freely, even to opposing jurisdictions, where they would be expected to become part of an enemy warring faction. This civilized behavior utterly degenerated in the 20'th Century and extends into today, especially in the authoritarian and fascist States and even in our own country, where those people showing the least disloyalty to even a mere person holding financial or political power, are dismissed from a livelihood and in some cases imprisoned or promised imprisonment "when I'm reelected."
I don’t think we have to wait for "reelection" to see our highest government officials try to use the police power of the executive branch to silence opposition.
Sherman blatantly violated the constitution from the beginning of the civil war until the end . I believe that he the reason that he was friendly , generous and " merciful " after the surrender was to try to make himself feel better about himself after all the things that he had done in the last several years
Great job! Sherman was well spoken, clear and articulate. Thanks again,
Ed from Lynchburg
Thanks so much for Sharing History . I save ALL your Civil War stories . 😊
Thanks Kindly for sharing these writings of General Sherman! It’s hard for us to imagine the hardships and sorrows of those times. Friends and Families on opposite sides, leaving Loved states and jobs and homes. And then not knowing if you were in combat with a brother, father or friends you were aiming at. It all makes one appreciate and have just a taste of the rugged and tough conditions our Ancestors, the Soldiers of those times. I enjoy shooting a 1829 N. Starr Army issue musket I restored years ago. It’s a 69 cal. and used in the Civil War. I often say that shooting this and other firearms of that period is line shooting history. When you realize the power of that lead ball and hundreds or thousands of rounds flying everywhere? It’s amazing anyone survived. My GGGrandfather volunteered for three terms in the Pennsylvania Calvary, Antietam was one battle be fought in. I’ve rambled quite an enough so Thanks Again and Many Blessings and More Great History! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania
Sherman's autobiography is a must read for civil war buffs only exceeded by Grants in my opinion.
Sherman noted that at least one of the Academy buildings was being stuffed with crates of rifles that were expropriated from federal supplies and sent south by out-going Vice President Breckenridge and others. This is one reason why Breckenridge skedaddled rather than face capture and possible trial for treason at Ft. Donelson. The Academy became L.S.U. after the war.
Wow he really was crazy.
How much more civilized and respectful of personal honor were the higher escalations of society in those days. It just boggles my mind that people could hold such opposing views, views that would lead to violent rebellion and tens of thousands of men losing their lives, not to mention the devastation of a whole section of the nation and so many very wealthy men losing their "property," and yet these men be treated with formal courtesy and be allowed resign their commissions and to move freely, even to opposing jurisdictions, where they would be expected to become part of an enemy warring faction. This civilized behavior utterly degenerated in the 20'th Century and extends into today, especially in the authoritarian and fascist States and even in our own country, where those people showing the least disloyalty to even a mere person holding financial or political power, are dismissed from a livelihood and in some cases imprisoned or promised imprisonment "when I'm reelected."
You are a bonafide remedial.
Note: Not tens of thousands but hundreds of thousands.
I don’t think we have to wait for "reelection" to see our highest government officials try to use the police power of the executive branch to silence opposition.
Sherman blatantly violated the constitution from the beginning of the civil war until the end . I believe that he the reason that he was friendly , generous and " merciful " after the surrender was to try to make himself feel better about himself after all the things that he had done in the last several years