Personal Memoirs of P. H. Sheridan, Volume 1, Part 3

"Personal Memoirs of P. H. Sheridan, Volume 1, Part 3" by Philip Henry Sheridan is a historical account that captures the experiences of one of the prominent Union generals during the American Civil War. Written in the late 19th century, it provides a first-hand perspective on key military operations and battles, particularly focusing on the crucial events in the Chattanooga and Knoxville campaigns. The memoir reflects Sheridan's strategic military decisions, interactions with fellow generals, and the overarching challenges faced during these pivotal moments in the war. The opening portion of the memoir recounts Sheridan's leadership in the defense and reorganization of Union forces at Chattanooga following the expensive struggle at Chickamauga. It details the tactical maneuvers against Confederate forces, the difficulties in securing supplies, and the morale of the troops amidst constant threats from enemy artillery. Throughout this narrative, Sheridan highlights his role in the eventual successes against entrenched rebel positions, all while capturing the spirit and struggles of soldiers under siege. His reflections on command decisions, personal experiences during battles such as Missionary Ridge, and the complexities of army logistics paint a vivid picture of a time marked by both bravery and hardship. (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.