Personal Memoirs of P. H. Sheridan, Volume 2, Part 4

"Personal Memoirs of P. H. Sheridan, Volume 2, Part 4" by Philip Henry Sheridan is a historical account that offers a detailed look into the American Civil War, specifically Sheridan's military strategies and experiences during pivotal battles. Written in the mid-19th century, it serves as both a personal narrative and a reflection on military leadership. The text likely covers significant engagements such as the Battle of the Opequon and the ensuing campaigns in the Shenandoah Valley, providing insights into Sheridan's tactics, communications, and interactions with other key military figures. The opening of the memoir presents a vivid account of the organization of scouts and the gathering of intelligence regarding enemy movements, notably involving a loyal girl named Rebecca Wright. As Sheridan prepares for an impending battle, he coordinates with various commanders, utilizing scouts to gain valuable information about the Confederate forces. The narrative outlines the strategic considerations he faces, including the management of troop movements and the necessity of timing in warfare, setting the stage for the complexities of military operations during the Civil War. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Philip Henry Sheridan was a career United States Army officer and a Union general in the American Civil War. His career was noted for his rapid rise to major general and his close association with General-in-chief Ulysses S. Grant, who transferred Sheridan from command of an infantry division in the Western Theater to lead the Cavalry Corps of the Army of the Potomac in the East. In 1864, he defeated Confederate forces under General Jubal Early in the Shenandoah Valley and his destruction of the economic infrastructure of the Valley, called "The Burning" by residents, was one of the first uses of scorched-earth tactics in the war. In 1865, his cavalry pursued Gen. Robert E. Lee and was instrumental in forcing his surrender at Appomattox Courthouse.