Sheridan, the Inevitable

Book excerpt: First published in 1953, Richard O’Connor’s classic biography of General Phillip Sheridan is a fascinating study that sheds new light on a great soldier and the bloody conflict in which he rose to prominence. General Sheridan was the mastermind behind the Union cavalry operations and distinguished himself at Murfreesboro and in the Chattanooga campaign. Commanding General of the U.S. Army, Ulysses S. Grant, recognizing Sheridan’s ability, appointed him head of the cavalry crops for the Army of the Potomac in 1864. General Sheridan led a daring raid during the Wilderness campaign that destroyed communications and supplies behind Lee’s lines and resulted in the defeat of Jeb Stuart at Yellow Tavern. His most brilliant success was in the Shenandoah Valley, where he rallied his men after Jubal Early’s surprise attack and won a decisive victory. After another important victory at the Battle of Five Forks, Sheridan pursued top army commander, Robert E. Lee, cutting off his lines of retreat at Appomattox and forcing the surrender. The author’s lively and informative account provides a vivid portrait of a dedicated soldier, the battles that he fought and the turbulent time in which he lived.