Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant · Chapter
The Campaign in Georgia—Sherman’s March to the Sea—War Anecdotes—The March on Savannah—Investment of Savannah—Capture of Savannah explained
Grant recounts Sherman's March to the Sea following the fall of Atlanta, including Jefferson Davis's speeches, the change from Johnston to Hood, Hood's aggressive but flawed strategy, Sherman's march through Georgia, the capture of Savannah
What happens
Grant recounts Sherman's March to the Sea following the fall of Atlanta, including Jefferson Davis's speeches, the change from Johnston to Hood, Hood's aggressive but flawed strategy, Sherman's march through Georgia, the capture of Savannah, and the surrender of the garrison. Grant also includes anecdotes about a blockade runner captured after the city's fall and clarifies that Sherman himself devised the march plan.
Themes in this chapter
The Horrors and Cost of War
Describes the destruction of railroads, the use of torpedoes, and the suffering of civilians and soldiers during Sherman's march.
Leadership and Humility
Grant defends Johnston's cautious strategy and praises Sherman's independent planning, showing respect for fellow commanders.
National Union and Constitutional Crisis
The march and capture of Savannah directly contributed to the collapse of the Confederacy and the restoration of the Union.
Characters to notice
- William T. Sherman
Leads the March to the Sea, invests and captures Savannah.
- Jefferson Davis
Visits Palmetto and Macon, makes speeches denouncing Governor Brown and General Johnston, and appeals to Georgians.
- Joseph E. Johnston
Relieved by Davis; Grant defends his cautious strategy.
- John B. Hood
Appointed after Johnston, takes the offensive, retreats from Atlanta, and moves to Sherman's rear.
- Nathan Bedford Forrest
Ordered north by Davis; captures two gunboats and transports with cavalry.
- William J. Hardee
Commands the defense of Savannah, eventually evacuates the city.
- Abraham Lincoln
Inquires about Sherman's safety; Grant reassures him.
- Joseph Hooker
Mentioned in Grant's letter to Sherman regarding troop movements.
Key passages
“My own judgment is that Johnston acted very wisely: he husbanded his men and saved as much of his territory as he could, without fighting decisive battles in which all might be lost.”
Grant believed Johnston's cautious approach was wise, preserving his army and avoiding decisive defeats.
Grant's assessment of Johnston's strategy.
“Hood was unquestionably a brave, gallant soldier and not destitute of ability; but unfortunately his policy was to fight the enemy wherever he saw him, without thinking much of the consequences of defeat.”
Hood was brave and capable, but his aggressive tactics often led to unnecessary losses.
Grant's critique of Hood's aggressive style.
“I told him there was not the slightest occasion for alarm; that with 60,000 such men as Sherman had with him, such a commanding officer as he was could not be cut off in the open country.”
Grant assured Lincoln that Sherman's army was safe and could not be trapped.
Grant's reassurance to Lincoln about Sherman's march.
“Grant says they are safe with such a general, and that if they cannot get out where they want to, they can crawl back by the hole they went in at.”
Lincoln repeated Grant's confidence that Sherman could retreat if necessary.
Lincoln's humorous paraphrase of Grant's assurance.
