'Sherman’s Recollections of California, 1846-1848, 1855-1857, from his Memoirs' Summary

This selection from General William Tecumseh Sherman's memoirs provides a detailed account of his experiences in California between 1846 and 1848, before his rise to prominence in the Civil War. During this period, Sherman served in administrative roles in the newly acquired territory, witnessing the burgeoning gold rush firsthand. The book offers a personal perspective on the events of the time, including the journey to California via Cape Horn, the exploration of the newly discovered goldfields, and the initial development of San Francisco. Sherman's observations of the social and political landscape of California, along with his reflections on his own military career, offer valuable insights into a significant period in American history. The book concludes with a brief account of his later activities in California, during his post-military career, before he ultimately rejoined the Army at the outbreak of the Civil War.