Based on letters and diaries of Northern soldiers, it appears that most -- from Sherman and Grant down to the ranks -- understood and supported the government war policy of coercion. If I may add something to that, they generally seem to feel that almost any means, fair or foul, could be used to prosecute the war and uphold Federal authority. It's not easy to find written evidence of a Northern soldier being uncomfortable with the army's treatment of Southern civilians.

Within the context of Arkansas in the Civil War (Arkansans who enlisted in Federal service, or Federal soldiers from other states who served in Arkansas), can anyone provide evidence to the contrary?