Orders issued by William Sherman before his March to the Sea
(9th November, 1864)
The army will forage liberally on the country during the march. To this end, each brigade commander will organize a good and sufficient foraging party, under the command of one or more discreet officers, who will gather, near the route traveled, corn or forage of any kind, meat of any kind, vegetables, corn-meal, or whatever is needed by the command, aiming at all times to keep in the wagons at least ten days' provisions for his command, aiming at all times to keep in the wagons at least ten days' provisions for his command, and three days' forage. Soldiers must not enter the dwellings they may be permitted to gather turnips, potatoes, and other vegetables, and to drive in stock in sight of their camp.
To corps commanders alone is entrusted the power to destroy mills, houses, cotton-gins, etc.; and for them the general principle is laid down: In districts and neighborhoods where the army is unmolested, no destruction of such property should be permitted; but should guerrillas or bush-whackers molest our march, or should the inhabitants burn bridges, obstruct roads, or otherwise manifest local hostility, then army commanders should order and enforce a devastation more or less relentless, according to the measure of such hostility. As for horses, mules, wagons, etc., belonging to the inhabitants, the cavalry and artillery may appropriate freely and without limit; discriminating, however, between the rich, who are usually hostile, and the poor and industrious, usually neutral or friendly.
![](http://www.germantown.k12.il.us/gifs/shermmar.gif)
I read in one history that Sherman was the founder of Louisiana State University, but here it says he was at only its head for a while. I guess that is why is good to read different histories -- a better chance of getting a sense of the truth.
I've always been an admirer of Sherman because he along with Grant knew that the kindest, most humane thing to do was to fight that war full-out, to get it over with. And also because he was insistent after the war that the South not be punished. Sherman thought we'd all, North and South, been punished enough.