The key point in this article is not any quote, but the date: 1863. Sherman wrote that letter smack in the middle of a bloody war. So the harsh language he used must be judged from that perspective.
Many on the left want to smear historical figures based on today’s morality. I have always argued that was wrong. A person should be judged within
the context of his times. A general in the middle of a war is going to say harsh things about the enemy. I would not expect otherwise.
I agree completely.
Other generals didn’t talk such unAmerican trash. Sherman was speaking from his convictions, not his war experience.
yes the guy was neck deep in wartime, so context needs to be taken into account.