September 1862, Sherman orders the burning of Randolph, Tennessee, -and admitted it had no military value.
October 1862, Sherman orders the burning of the homes and hamlets on Island No. 21.
"I shall compel ten families to leave for every boat fired on, and let them try whether they prefer to live with their own people or with ours. I know from their actions that it is not agreeable, but it is not to be expected that we should feed and clothe the families of men who are engaged in firing upon boats engaged in peaceful commerce."
During his time in Mississippi, Sherman always seemed to be behind instead ahead of trying to control his mens actions. His orders to stop the destruction and attacks on civilians were in most if not all cases after the fact.
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DavId Upton