William Tecumsech Sherman was directly in control of a hostile army engaging and conducting war in Georgia and South Carolina.
While under his command the soldiers were encouraged and forced to commit war atrocities on the civilian populace of the states of Georgia and South Carolina.
Private property was taken, homes were burned, and women and children were raped. Any person who gave resistance was put to death. Solider and Civilian were both given no quarter and were afforded no consideration. The cities of Atlanta, Ga. and Columbia, SC. were both directly destroyed as a result this occupying army.
"If the people raise a great howl against my barbarity and cruelty, I will answer that war is war, and not popularity seeking."
William Tecumseh Sherman