Group of Union veterans from the Civil War (Sherman in the middle of the front row).
Military Service and Training/Sherman Goes Crazy
Being raised by Senator Thomas Ewing, William Tecumseh Sherman was strongly influenced into West Point. He graduated from the academy in 1840 with only five others graduating ahead of him. After this he was appointed to artillery. He then fought in the Mexican war and resigned as a commissary officer and captain in 1853. For some years after this, Sherman struggled in keeping a job in business and law. Finally in 1859 he got a job as the superintendent of a military academy. This academy is now known as Louisiana State University. After Louisiana's succession however, he resigned from that job and volunteered for the Union army.
William Tecumseh Sherman was issued as colonel to the 13th Infantry on June 7. His first command was at the Battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861. The Union was harshly defeated and Sherman was brushed by bullets in the shoulder and the knee. This defeat made Sherman question his ability has an officer, but President Lincoln felt otherwise and promoted him to brigadier general. He was assigned to serve under Robert Anderson, but eventually succeeded Anderson in Louisville. Sherman now had military responsibility for Kentucky. |
Following this, he immediately became doubtful on the outcome of the war. He exaggerated the strength of the Confederate army while making multiple complaints to Washington D.C. After this continued, other officers insisted he be relieved. Sherman returned back to Lancaster, Ohio to 'recuperate" and was replaced by Don Carlos Buell. While in Lancaster, Sherman had what was thought to be a nervous breakdown. His wife wrote to multiple people seeking advice, including his brother, Senator John Sherman. She complained of his "melancholy attitude". The Cincinnati Commercial described Sherman as "insane" after he admitted that he considered suicide. Around December however, he recovered and returned to service under Halleck in the Department of the Missouri.
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Other Battles In Which Sherman Was Involved
Shiloh (http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/shiloh.html)
Vicksburg (Chickasaw Bayou) (http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/vicksburg.html)
Collierville (http://battleofcollierville.com/)
Chattanooga (http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/chattanooga.html)
Kennesaw Mountain (http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/kennesaw-mountain.html)
Franklin (http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/franklin.html)
Nashville (http://www.civilwarhome.com/nashville.htm)
Vicksburg (Chickasaw Bayou) (http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/vicksburg.html)
Collierville (http://battleofcollierville.com/)
Chattanooga (http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/chattanooga.html)
Kennesaw Mountain (http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/kennesaw-mountain.html)
Franklin (http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/franklin.html)
Nashville (http://www.civilwarhome.com/nashville.htm)