# Sherman's Campaign in Georgia—Siege of Atlanta—Death of General McPherson—Attempt to Capture Andersonville—Capture of Atlanta explained — Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant

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

## What happens

Grant details Sherman's 1864 campaign from Chattanooga to Atlanta, including the strategic flanking of Johnston's forces, the siege and eventual capture of Atlanta, the death of General McPherson, and the impact of the campaign on the 1864 election.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Horrors and Cost of War

The chapter recounts heavy fighting, the death of General McPherson, and the destruction of Atlanta's military works.

### Leadership and Humility

Sherman's strategic skill and Grant's praise of his subordinates highlight effective command and humility.

### National Union and Constitutional Crisis

The campaign's success directly influenced the 1864 election, a pivotal moment for the Union's political future.

## Character check-ins

### William T. Sherman

Commander of the military division executing the Georgia campaign.

### James B. McPherson

Commanded the Department of the Tennessee; killed during the campaign.

### John M. Schofield

Commanded the Department of the Ohio, leading the advance from Knoxville.

### George H. Thomas

Commanded the Army of the Cumberland at Chattanooga.

### Joseph E. Johnston

Confederate commander defending Atlanta, forced to fall back repeatedly.

### John B. Hood

Replaced Johnston; evacuated and destroyed Atlanta's military works.

### Henry W. Slocum

Commanded north of Atlanta; first to enter and take possession of the city.

### Edward R. S. Canby

Relieved Banks in command of the Department of the Gulf.

## Key lines

> The campaign to Atlanta was managed with the most consummate skill, the enemy being flanked out of one position after another all the way there.

Sherman's Atlanta campaign was executed with exceptional tactical brilliance, repeatedly outmaneuvering the Confederates.

_Grant's assessment of Sherman's strategic prowess._

> The news of Sherman’s success reached the North instantaneously, and set the country all aglow.

Word of Sherman's victory electrified the Northern public.

_Describes the immediate positive reaction in the North._

> This was the first great political campaign for the Republicans in their canvass of 1864.

Sherman's victory was a major boost for the Republican Party in the 1864 election.

_Highlights the political impact of the military success._

## Links

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