Memoirs of General W. T. Sherman, Volume I., Part 2

In these recollections, the veteran commander steps back from the roar of battle to offer a measured glimpse of the nation’s first tremors of war. He explains why he resisted earlier offers to publish his memories, insisting that truth can be uncomfortable and that the living participants still feel the sting of controversy. His aim is simple: preserve candid observations for posterity, allowing future scholars to piece together the human side of a conflict that reshaped the country.

He recounts his sudden recall to service as a colonel of a brand‑new regiment, only to be dispatched to Washington for inspection duty under the watchful eye of General Winfield Scott. From the bustling capital to the makeshift forts encircling the city, he sketches the atmosphere of urgency, the optimism of volunteers, and the early movements of armies marching toward the Potomac. Encounters with familiar faces—his brother John, classmates like George H. Thomas, and senior staff—paint a vivid picture of a nation convinced the war would be swift.

The narrative then shifts to the fledgling Congress convening on Independence Day, where President Lincoln’s resolute appeal for troops and funds marks the point of no return. The author notes the palpable change in the legislative body as Southern representatives withdrew, setting the stage for a prolonged struggle that would test the very fabric of the Union.