Memoirs of General William T. Sherman — Volume 1

"Memoirs of General William T. Sherman — Volume 1" by William T. Sherman is a historical account written during the late 19th century. The book provides a personal narrative from Sherman, reflecting not only on his experiences during the Civil War but also tracing his family history and early military career, contributing to the understanding of his character and military strategies. The opening of the memoir establishes Sherman's intentions for the book, expressing a desire to document his personal recollections of the Civil War, as no comprehensive history was available at the time. Sherman emphasizes that his writing is not meant to serve as a definitive history but rather as a witness account to assist future historians in contextualizing events and motivations surrounding the war. He begins recounting his family lineage, detailing significant ancestors and formative experiences that shaped his upbringing. This opening also sets a reflective tone, with Sherman wishing to provide insights into the character and legacy of those who participated in the war, culminating in a broader exploration of American history and identity. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Tecumseh Sherman was an American soldier, businessman, educator, and author. He served as a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War (1861–1865), earning recognition for his command of military strategy but criticism for the harshness of his scorched-earth policies, which he implemented in his military campaign against the Confederate States. British military theorist and historian B. H. Liddell Hart declared that Sherman was "the most original genius of the American Civil War" and "the first modern general".