Forty-Six Years in the Army

by John M. Schofield

This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.

Genres: Civil War

481 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1897

Reviews

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gen. Schofield is, at times, very winded and braggadocios. He provides incredible first hand accounts of military life during the latter half of the 19th century. However, he tends to include a bit too much of self-justification and passive-aggressive critique of his peers and superiors. This book is best taken in chunks at a time as opposed to a straight read through.

[Lee Thackston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fairly interesting memoir. You can tell that he didn't hold his time in Missouri as very worthwhile due to the speed at which he covers the first two years of the war. In his description of the affair with Thomas at Nashville where he writes Grant recommending that another be place in command of the Army of the Ohio (for which he was next in line), he does his best to downplay any personal motives he might have had in making such a recommendation. But the fact remains that he did go over his superior's head to write the letter to Grant and even though he denies any personal motivation, you can't help but get the impression from his own words that it was on his mind.

Regardless, he was one of the Union's best generals who commanded an Army during the Atlanta campaign, returned to Tennessee for the battles of Franklin and Nashville, and then headed east to the coast to help Sherman and Grant wrap up the war.

The final few chapters of his memoir are superb, meeting or exceeding quality of insight and advice provided by Sherman at the end of his memoirs. Just like Sherman's memoirs there are numerous thoughts and recommendations that still hold water, especially in today's charged political climate.