Sherman, William Tecumseh

Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820–1891) Union army officer, born in Ohio. Sherman's first military assignments after graduation from the U.S. Military Academy were in the South. He spent the Mexican War (1846–48) in California, where he saw no combat. From 1853 to 1857 he worked as a bank manager in San Francisco, fearing that the army did not provide adequate financial security. In 1859 he rejoined the army, heading the new Louisiana Military Seminary. In 1861, at the start of the Civil War, he took a command and led his troops ably at First Bull Run despite the general Union rout. Pessimistic about the Union's chances to win the war and discouraged by the disorganization around him, Sherman began to speak freely of his doubts about the Union effort, and rumors spread questioning his mental stability. He did in fact became so depressed that he contemplated suicide. Association with Gen. Ulysses S. Grant bolstered his spirits, and he fought ably at Shiloh and Corinth (both 1862). He was briefly military governor of Memphis. He led an unsuccessful campaign in 1862 near Vicksburg that reopened the old charges against him. Sherman was a major participant in Grant's ultimate victory at Vicksburg and continued to command troops in the South. In 1864 he became commander of the Military Division of the Mississippi and began his drive for Atlanta, pushing relentlessly against the forces of Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, later replaced by Gen. John B. Hood. Sherman took Atlanta in September 1864 and cut a swath to the sea, believing that limited and focused destruction intended to demoralize was more effective and merciful than the unending carnage of war. He favored a hard war, followed by a generous peace. When Grant became president, in 1869, Sherman succeeded him as commanding general. He retired in 1884. He was tremendously popular and was mentioned for the presidency numerous times, once responding with a phrase that became famous: “I will not accept if nominated and will not serve if elected.”

Sherman court-martialed a Tennessee journalist for his attacks after Sherman's 1862 defeat near Vicksburg, the only time a reporter has been court-martialed.