Memoirs of General W. T. Sherman, Volume II., Part 4

In November 1864 the Union army found itself cut off from railroads and telegraph lines, forcing General Sherman to launch a bold, self‑sufficient push from Atlanta toward the coast. The directive was simple yet demanding: march rapidly, destroy Confederate infrastructure, and live off the land, making the region untenable for the enemy. This “special purpose” campaign was meant to strike a decisive blow that could hasten the war’s end.

Sherman organized his force into two wings, each composed of seasoned corps and divisions under capable young commanders. With over fifty‑five thousand infantry, five thousand cavalry, and a sizable artillery contingent, the army carried its own ammunition, provisions, and forage, deliberately leaving behind the sick and non‑combatants. The troops were expected to maintain strict discipline, patience, and courage as they swept through Georgia, leaving a trail of ruined railways and burned towns in a relentless drive toward Savannah.