Life and Military Career of Major-General William Tecumseh ShermanHeadley, P. C. (Phineas Camp)
History
Life and Military Career of Major-General William Tecumseh Sherman
Headley, P. C. (Phineas Camp)
Sherman, William T. (William Tecumseh), 1820-1891
“Your movements upon the enemy’s flank have been bold and
successful; first upon Resaca, second upon Dallas, third upon
Kenesaw, fourth upon Nickajack, fifth, via Roswell, upon the
Augusta Railroad, sixth upon ‘Ezra Church,’ to the southwest of
Atlanta, and seventh upon Jonesboro’ and the Macon Railroad.
Atlanta was evacuated while you were fighting at Jonesboro’.
“The country may never know with what patience, labor, and
exposure you have tugged away at every natural and artificial
obstacle that an enterprising and confident enemy could
interpose. The terrific battles you have fought may never be
realized or credited; still a glad acclaim is already greeting
you from the Government and people, in view of the results you
have helped to gain; and I believe a sense of the magnitude of
the achievements of the last hundred days will not abate, but
increase with time and history.
“Our rejoicing is tempered, as it always must be, by the
soldier’s sorrow at the loss of his companions in arms. On every
hillside, in every valley throughout your long and circuitous
route, from Dalton to Jonesboro’, you have buried them.
“Your trusted and beloved commander fell in your midst; his
name, the name of MCPHERSON, carries with it a peculiar feeling
of sorrow. I trust the impress of his character is upon you all,
to incite you to generous actions and noble deeds.
“To mourning friends, and to all the disabled in battle, you
extend a soldier’s sympathy.
“My first intimate acquaintance with you dates from the 28th of
July. I never beheld fiercer assaults than the enemy then made,
and I never saw troops more steady and self-possessed in action
than your divisions which were then engaged.
“I have learned that for cheerfulness, obedience, rapidity of
movement and confidence in battle, the army of the Tennessee is
not to be surpassed, and it shall be my study that your fair
record shall continue, and my purpose to assist you to move
steadily forward and plant the old flag in every proud city of
the rebellion.
“(Signed) O. O. HOWARD, Major-Gen.
“_Official_: SAMUEL L. TAGGART, A.-A.-G.”
The most decided and pleasing evidence of the manly and magnanimous
heart of the conqueror, is given by the enemy himself. In his
despatches, General Sherman sends the following note:
“ATLANTA, _Sept. 26_.
“The following, which belongs to the testimonials from the
authorities at Atlanta, has just been received in communication;
and in conclusion of the subject, I send you a copy of the
mayor’s letter.
“W. T. SHERMAN.
“‘ATLANTA, _Sept. 20_.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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