INTRODUCTION WHA HATEVER history preserves of what a man said and what he did forms the basis of the opinion that posterity gathers of him. History will carry to coming generations the evidences of the military genius. of General Sherman and the far-reaching and great breadth of his mind. His marches and battles and triumphs and speeches and letters will do all this, but that is not all that should be preserved to carry into coming time a knowledge of what manner of man this patriot, hero, brainy American was. I write of him of my personal knowledge. He was capable of preserving the calmest demeanor under circumstances provocative of the greatest excitement; his friendship, freely given to all whom he thought deserving, was always intense. If he had dislikes he did not manifest or speak of them, unless in defence of his self-respect. In all the years in which I was honored with his familiar association, I do not recall an instance of hearing him speak unkindly of any one, but he always had a word of commendation for all who deserved it. He never grumbled. He was eminently a just xiii |
