http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h-641
Even the Georgia Encyclopedia recognizes that attacks against civilians were quite rare.
Sherman proposes his march to the sea:
“I propose that we break up the railroad from Chattanooga forward, and that we strike out with our wagons for Milledgeville, Millen, and Savannah. Until we can repopulate Georgia, it is useless for us to occupy it; but the utter destruction of its roads, houses, and people, will cripple their military resources. By attempting to hold the roads, we will lose a thousand men each month, and will gain no result. I can make this march, and make Georgia howl!” —from a telegram, dated 9 Oct 1864, from W.T. Sherman to U.S. Grant. Vol II, p. 152
Yeah, what am I gonna do, believe the history or the man himself? Don’t be ridiculous.