Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant · Chapter
Sherman's Campaign in Georgia—Siege of Atlanta—Death of General McPherson—Attempt to Capture Andersonville—Capture of Atlanta explained
Grant details Sherman's 1864 campaign from Chattanooga to Atlanta, including the strategic flanking of Johnston's forces, the siege and eventual capture of Atlanta, the death of General McPherson, and the impact of the campaign on the 1864
What happens
Grant details Sherman's 1864 campaign from Chattanooga to Atlanta, including the strategic flanking of Johnston's forces, the siege and eventual capture of Atlanta, the death of General McPherson, and the impact of the campaign on the 1864 election.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
Grant’s severe sick headache—a physical manifestation of immense psychological strain—reaches its peak just as…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- The Horrors and Cost of War
The chapter recounts heavy fighting, the death of General McPherson, and the destruction of Atlanta's military works.
- Leadership and Humility
Sherman's strategic skill and Grant's praise of his subordinates highlight effective command and humility.
- National Union and Constitutional Crisis
The campaign's success directly influenced the 1864 election, a pivotal moment for the Union's political future.
Characters to notice
- William T. Sherman
Commander of the military division executing the Georgia campaign.
- James B. McPherson
Commanded the Department of the Tennessee; killed during the campaign.
- John M. Schofield
Commanded the Department of the Ohio, leading the advance from Knoxville.
- George H. Thomas
Commanded the Army of the Cumberland at Chattanooga.
- Joseph E. Johnston
Confederate commander defending Atlanta, forced to fall back repeatedly.
- John B. Hood
Replaced Johnston; evacuated and destroyed Atlanta's military works.
- Henry W. Slocum
Commanded north of Atlanta; first to enter and take possession of the city.
- Edward R. S. Canby
Relieved Banks in command of the Department of the Gulf.
Key passages
“The campaign to Atlanta was managed with the most consummate skill, the enemy being flanked out of one position after another all the way there.”
Sherman's Atlanta campaign was executed with exceptional tactical brilliance, repeatedly outmaneuvering the Confederates.
Grant's assessment of Sherman's strategic prowess.
“The news of Sherman’s success reached the North instantaneously, and set the country all aglow.”
Word of Sherman's victory electrified the Northern public.
Describes the immediate positive reaction in the North.
“This was the first great political campaign for the Republicans in their canvass of 1864.”
Sherman's victory was a major boost for the Republican Party in the 1864 election.
Highlights the political impact of the military success.
