"Grant and Sherman: The Friendship that Won the Civil War"

This was a fascinating book that chronicled the close relationship between two Union generals in the Civil War:  Ulysses S. Grant and William Tecumseh Sherman.
Both men trusted and wanted the best for each other.  Both men had overcome personal demons in their respective lives to rise to prominent roles that greatly impacted the war's outcome.

After the Battle of Vicksburg, General Grant's superior, General McClernand, an ambitious politician turned military man, attempted to marginalize Grant's role in the Union victory.  Grant, feeling despondent over taking on a less active role in the war, was about to resign.  It was Sherman's personal plea to Grant coupled with his communications to his US Senator brother that prevented this resignation.   The real acount of Grant's contributions had made their way up to President Lincoln.

After Sherman had negotiated peace terms with Confederate General Johnston, he was chastised by Union politicians for having granted too lenient of terms.  There were even fears that Sherman planned to seize Washington DC with his huge and loyal Army.  Grant knew that Sherman had no such plans and intervened to protect his friend's reputation and career.

For more on this book, click here.