He declined to run for the presidency, saying, "I will not accept if nominated, and will not serve if elected." //

Though vilified in the South as a demon who perpetuated atrocities on civilians, historians give Sherman high marks as a military strategist and quick-witted tactician. He changed the nature of war and recognized it for what it was: "War is hell." //

• I am tired and sick of war. Its glory is all moonshine. It is only those who have neither fired a shot nor heard the shrieks and groans of the wounded who cry aloud for blood, for vengeance, for desolation. War is hell.
• If I had my choice I would kill every reporter in the world, but I am sure we would be getting reports from Hell before breakfast.
• In our country ... one class of men makes war and leaves another to fight it out.
• War is cruelty. There is no use trying to reform it. The crueler it is, the sooner it will be over.