The task which the author commenced twenty years ago is finished. When "The Young Kentuckians Series" was commenced the author intended writing only of the part which the Army of the Cumberland took in the Civil War, for of that army he was a part. But the task grew until it embraced the East and the West.
It is with some misgivings that this volume has been written, for the great war in which this nation is now engaged must necessarily detract from that which occurred fifty and sixty years ago. But the part this country is now taking could never have been if the South had been successful, for we would be a divided people.
The old soldiers of 1861-65 builded better than they knew. In saving the nation they saved freedom to the world, for without the aid of this country Germany would rule the world.
The author has no apology to make for the criticisms he has made in these books. He may be wrong, but he has written what he believes. He has not exaggerated the deeds of General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley. The author thinks he should be given equal praise with General Grant for the successful termination of the Virginia campaign.
It is with some misgivings that this volume has been written, for the great war in which this nation is now engaged must necessarily detract from that which occurred fifty and sixty years ago. But the part this country is now taking could never have been if the South had been successful, for we would be a divided people.
The old soldiers of 1861-65 builded better than they knew. In saving the nation they saved freedom to the world, for without the aid of this country Germany would rule the world.
The author has no apology to make for the criticisms he has made in these books. He may be wrong, but he has written what he believes. He has not exaggerated the deeds of General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley. The author thinks he should be given equal praise with General Grant for the successful termination of the Virginia campaign.
