# Sherman's March North explained — Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant

> Chapter companion for Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant by Ulysses S. Grant.

## What happens

Grant details the strategic coordination of Union forces in early 1865, focusing on Sherman's march through the Carolinas, the difficulties with Canby and Thomas in executing supporting movements, and the Confederate efforts to concentrate troops under Joseph E. Johnston to oppose Sherman. Grant approves Sherman's proposal to march north instead of moving by sea, and outlines the logistical and tactical preparations for the campaign.

## Themes in this chapter

### Leadership and Humility

Grant shows willingness to approve Sherman's alternative plan, demonstrating flexible command and trust in subordinates.

### The Horrors and Cost of War

Grant describes the destruction of railroads and infrastructure, and the demoralization of Confederate troops after constant defeat.

### National Union and Constitutional Crisis

The campaign aims to crush the rebellion and restore the Union by cutting off Confederate resources and forcing surrender.

## Character check-ins

### Ulysses S. Grant

Author and commander, coordinating multiple Union armies and approving Sherman's march north.

### William T. Sherman

Commanding the march through the Carolinas; proposed the overland route instead of transport by sea.

### Edward R. S. Canby

Delayed in executing orders to move against Mobile and into Alabama; criticized by Grant for lack of promptness.

### George H. Thomas

Failed to launch cavalry expedition in time; his army was depleted to reinforce Canby.

### John M. Schofield

Arrived at Annapolis and was sent with troops to Cape Fear River to cooperate with Sherman.

### Joseph E. Johnston

Put in command of Confederate troops in the Carolinas to oppose Sherman.

### Abraham Lincoln

Mentioned indirectly through the administration; Grant references Mr. Davis's opposition to Johnston.

### Jefferson Davis

Noted as not favoring Johnston; involved in Confederate command decisions.

## Key lines

> I would advise you to overcome great obstacles to accomplish this. Charleston was evacuated on Tuesday last.

Grant urges Canby to push forward despite difficulties, noting that Charleston has been abandoned.

_Grant's emphasis on urgency and the changing strategic situation._

> I expected your movements to be cooperative with Sherman's last. This has now entirely failed.

Grant expresses frustration that Canby's delays prevented coordination with Sherman's campaign.

_Highlights the challenge of synchronizing multiple army movements._

> The men of both Lee's and Johnston's armies were, like their brethren of the North, as brave as men can be; but no man is so brave that he may not meet such defeats and disasters as to discourage him and dampen his ardor for any cause, no matter how just he deems it.

Grant acknowledges the courage of Confederate soldiers but notes that repeated defeats can break any soldier's spirit.

_Reflects Grant's respect for the enemy's bravery and his understanding of morale._

## Links

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