Gilda Felt's Reviews > Grant and Sherman: The Friendship That Won the Civil War

I appreciated the book beginning with an overview of both mens’ lives Both had graduated from West Point, Grant serving during the Mexican-American War, Sherman in California. But both had resigned, for different reasons, but both would answer their country’s call, and find greatness.

Getting to that greatness would take time, especially for Sherman. While Grant had confidence in himself, Sherman did not. But Grant’s drive would bring him the leadership role in the attack on Fort Henry. In a fortuitous happenstance, Sherman would be ordered to ready men and supplies to send to Grant, who appreciated Sherman’s methodical work ethic. And so it would begin.

From Fort Donelson, to the terrible victory at Shiloh where they would finally meet and begin to know each other’s worth. The siege at Vicksburg, probably their crowning achievement, would also be the catalyst that would eventually send them their separate ways, at least for the duration of the war. Grant was now Lincoln’s man, and soon after the battle at Chattanooga would be promoted to Lt. General, a rank only George Washington had ever held.

Though now fighting on opposite sides of the country, Grant and Sherman would stay in touch by telegraph. Then, with the war entering its final phase, they would meet with Lincoln to discuss how the final battle would play out. It would be Grant harrying Lee to Appomattox, while Sherman in the West would try to bring Joseph Johnson to heel.

Lincoln’s assassination, and Sherman’s lenient surrender terms to Johnson would create dissent, but Grant was able to save his friend from his unintended misstep as the War finally came to an end.

After the War, they would have disagreements, but would remain friends, with Sherman lending support to Grant as he fought the cancer that would take his life. It was a friendship forged in battle, yet would remain vital in peace. Concise and easy to read, this is a book not to be passed by.