William T. Sherman (1820–1891)

William Tecumseh Sherman’s Memoirs (Second Edition) is widely available from several publishers. The value of WTS’s work is well established. This annotated publication takes the lead in its attention to detail and the thoroughness of its notes. It follows these same editors’ and annotators’ recent publication of the memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant. Both volumes assist the reader in mastering the arcane knowledge and now-obscure persons found in the original narrative. One noticeable show more flaw in the copy editing is found on page 1048 (Appendix to Volume II), where the initial paragraph of Henry C. Wayne’s letter is repeated on page 1075. This work is otherwise a well-managed volume and required reading for those interested in Sherman’s perspective on the American Civil War in the West. show less

very well written autobiography but also drags a lot

General Sherman tells a good story, and in this book he certainly lives up to his reputation for talking a lot. Now and then he gets bogged down in details, but most of what he has to say is interesting, and quite descriptive.

Averysboro, N.C. and the conflict there is described by Sherman. He nonchalantly recites that 108 are buried on the first day and "a serious loss" the next day of 12 officers and 65 men killed (pp. 783-784). Sherman personally visited the temporary hospital (which I drove by when visiting) and details two stories with his men while at the scene.