CHAPTER I.

SHERMAN AS A STRATEGIST.

The most original Character developed by the War.--No Parallel for Sherman.--His nervous Energy the secret of his great Success. --Incidents illustrative of his great Energy.--Restlessness of Manner and nervousness of Expression in Conversation.--His bad Temper. --Appearance in Battle and under Excitement.--Vigorous Style as a Writer.--He ought to have been a War Correspondent rather than a General.--The Story of his Lunacy.--How it originated.--Method in his Madness.--Habit of Decision.--How he came to leave the Law and return to the Army.--His uncontrollable Temper nearly Ruins him.--The Quarrel with Halleck and Stanton.--Failure as a Tactician and Disciplinarian.--All his Battles Defeats.--Never won a Battle.--His great strategic Marches.--The Campaign of Atlanta his greatest Achievement.--Joe Johnston a Foeman worthy of his Steel.--Sherman's Egotism.--His dislike for Correspondents and independence of the Press mere Affectation.--Nicknames bestowed on him by the Soldiers.--An inveterate Smoker.--His personal Appearance Page 17