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Grant And Sherman: The Friendship That Won The Civil War (2006)

Grant and Sherman: The Friendship That Won the Civil War (2006)

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Rating
4.02 of 5 Votes: 1
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ISBN
0061148717 (ISBN13: 9780061148712)
Language
English
Publisher
harper perennial

About book Grant And Sherman: The Friendship That Won The Civil War (2006)

Ulysses S Grant and William Tecumseh Sherman never met until late in 1861. Yet they forged a friendship that would save the Union and last until the end of the days. At critical junctures in the war, each came to the others defense as both military superiors and politicians called for their heads. As Sherman put it "Grant stood by me when I was crazy and I stood by him when he was drunk and now we stand by each other."The two men came from different economic backgrounds, different levels of prewar success, had different personalities but there was much in common as well. Both were born and raised in Ohio and were men of the "West". They were West Point graduates and had served in California after the Mexican war. The similarities gave them an understanding of each other, the differences complimentary skills sets that would balance each other. It was a friendship that allowed a disgraced retired army captain, floundering in his father's store to rise in three short years to command over a million man army with his second in command marching virtually unopposed deep in hostile territory.They were absolutely loyal to each other and understood what the other would need and want. Shiloh was the anvil upon which their friendship was forged. After the first horrible day in which the Union took tremendous losses, Sherman approaches Grant to recommend retreating across the rain swollen Tennessee River But something about Grant suggested otherwise. Instead Sherman says, "Well Grant, we've had the devil's own today." to which Grant,looking up from his whittling responded, "Yes, Lick 'em tomorrow though." And so they did. After successful campaigns in Vicksburg and Chattanooga, they had come to understand the value of keeping the pressure on the Confederacy. Grant would say, "I am heartily tired of hearing what Lee is going to do... Go back to you command and try to think what we are going to do ourselves." Thus, Grant was able to trust Sherman to keep the pressure on Joe Johnston in the West while he left to deal with Lee in the East. The same when Sherman proposed his drive through Georgia and the Sea. Although Grant did not initially approve, he finally relented based on his faith in Sherman. As Sherman said "We are as brothers."

Charles Flood's "Grant and Sherman: The Friendship that won the Civil War" is no modern "bromance", but rather a well written account of the friendship between Grant and Sherman following some of the dark periods of the initial battles of the Civil War. Flood does a good job of setting up the story by discussing some of the early tribulations that each man faced individually while trying to find their respective paths in pre-war, peace time America. As Flood seems to suggest, the personal struggles with alcohol, mental health, and personal scandal set an unlikely stage for what was to become one of the most poignant partnerships in U.S. history.Growing up in the South, I suspect that an deep distrust of Sherman (and Grant to a lesser degree) is somehow bound to my DNA. The thick smoke of a rampaging, foraging army hasn't quite released its grip on the psyche of the New South somehow. It may be this bias that compels me to question the sincerity, at least in the early years, of Sherman's devotion to Grant. For a time at least, Sherman comes across in his correspondence as an opportunist. There seems no question though, that Grant was devoted to the friendship with Sherman, and no doubt in time Sherman shared that view. Flood might not have fully plumbed the early stages of that relationship, and it does leave a few unanswered questions. This criticism not withstanding, Flood has created an enduring study of the two generals that helped Lincoln re-constitute the United States that is well worth the read.

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This book is one of the most readable and interesting histories of the Civil War that I have had the pleasure to read. This is an excellent read with excellent insights into the personalities and temperaments of the two great Union generals in the Civil War.The strength of this book is that the narrative is very compelling and easy to read. This book is very well-written and enjoyable, and examines a very important, though sometimes underestimated, relationship between the two men who arguably did more to win the Civil War than anybody else. The thing that most impresses me about these men is their unfailing loyalty to each other and seeming lack of selfish ambition, and Flood does a great job of profiling this. Flood keeps the pace quick and interesting and anyone who enjoys reading about the Civil War should enjoy this book. I particularly enjoyed reading about the more personal aspects of Grant and Sherman's lives and Flood devotes a good amount of time not only to their friendship but also to that of their families.Some errors:Example: page 362 states that Seminary Ridge was a battle fought in the West. Come on! Seriously? Page 219 states that Sheridan was brought South to help the beseiged Union soldiers at Chattanooga...Wrong again! Page 160 says that the Battle of Fort Hudson was part of the Red River Campaign.in describing Pickett's charge at Gettysburg Lee is described as sending his men "up Cemetery Ridge." Later his men "come staggering down the slope," suggesting that the charge was, indeed, made on a hill. Now of course Gettysburg is an aside to the real topic of this work, but I would think that anyone who'd written a biography on Lee would no that the charge was NOT made on a hill. Reading that Sherman "agreed" with the misquote attributed to Sheridan after the war (the only good Indian is a dead Indian) left me scratching my head-to my knowledge neither Sherman nor Sheridan ever admitted the comment was even made, much less that Sherman agreed with it.But in all, an excellent book.
—Jerome

This is one of the best and most difinitive books on the Civil War. It shows clearly that why the Armies of the East were making great news the war was being one a step at a time by the brillant of Grant and the support of Sherman.It's truly amazing how 2 commanders coming from such low begining were through their wit and talent able to raise to the top. The is a great chronicle of the Civil War as you learn of the many great battles whose memory has slipped away with time.It is a powerful book on the determination of our Nations leaders to keep the Union together and the high price they paid.I think one of the greatest parts of the book was of the Friendship between Grant and Sherman. It shows how each one was there for the other in the time on need and how the always put other ahead of self.If you don't read another book on the Civil War this is the one to read.
—Joseph

Flood has a gift to write both factually interesting and emotionally gripping.The book almost reads like a novel and Grant and Sherman appear in the lines somewhat larger than life. Their friendship, supporting each other almost unconditionally during the whole of the Civil War, forms them in an unbeatable team on the Union side.Not being specially well versed in American history, it is an incredible story how both men were more or less down and out before the war and four years later were the defining characters of the war.What strikes me most, apart from their successes in battle, is their modesty, certainly Grant, whom power does not seem to corrupt him.The description of the victory parade through Washington, shortly after the assasination of Lincoln, is a very moving end of the book. When you close your eyes, you can see, smell and hear the thousands of men marching over Pennsylvania Avenue.
—Bas Kreuger

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