Chris Calle (American, B. 1961) "William T. Sherman" Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. Signed lower right.

Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.

This painting is the original painting which appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the 32c William T. Sherman Classic Collection Series stamp issued June 29, 1995.

William Tecumseh Sherman graduated from West Point in 1840, sixth in a class of 42, and first in demerits. In 1853, he resigned from the "dull, tame life" of the army only to fail over the next few years as a banker and lawyer. He became superintendent of the state military academy in Louisiana, but resigned when Louisiana seceded from the Union. With the outbreak of the Civil War, Sherman accepted a commission in the Union Army as colonel. His first battle experience was at Bull Run, where Union troops were routed, convincing Sherman that he was unfit for independent command. Abraham Lincoln felt differently, promoting him to brigadier general. During the early part of the war, Sherman was often nervous and confused, even called "crazy" by one newspaper. He was soon recognized for his special talent in military tactics, and worked closely on the plans for General Ulysses Grant's campaign. In March 1864, Grant became commander of all Union armies and Sherman was assigned to command in the South. After a long siege, he occupied Atlanta, then marched with 62,000 men on a broad swath through Georgia, ravaging the countryside and leaving the South psychologically devastated. "War is hell" is the statement attributed to him. After the war, when Grant became president, Sherman was named general-in-chief of the army. When an attempt was made to draft him as a presidential candidate in 1884, he responded with characteristic succinctness, "I will not accept if nominated, and will not serve if elected."

Image Size: 14 x 12.25 in.
Overall Size: 23 x 18 in.
Unframed.
(B15202)

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23 x 18 in