Sherman burned homes, crops, and whole towns. His marches caused starvation and kidnappings, as well as death and rape. All were innocent citizens being terrorized.
It definitely was not pretty or nice. Nor could it be done if he had “imbedded” journalists who would report immediately every atrocity. However it effectively broke the rebellion and there were no further political or military resurrections in the area where he conquered. The same cannot be said of the Iraq campaign. The consequences are now becoming apparent.