Prologue: death stared us all in the face -- My father named me William Tecumseh -- I was notified to prepare for West Point -- In the service of my country -- Sand and sun, Seminoles and Spaniards -- Military camaraderie, southern aristocracy, prospective matrimony -- And then there was a war on -- Deprived of military glory -- California again; a brand-new game -- Golden State banker -- I was fit for the army but nothing else -- In a hell of a fix -- No man can foresee the end -- Action at Bull Run -- "Crazy" in Kentucky -- Triumphant in Tennessee -- This is no common war -- The strongest place I ever saw -- The river of our greatness is free -- Why was I not killed at Vicksburg? -- One hundred thousand strong -- I knew more of Georgia than the rebels did -- I want a bold push for Atlanta -- It's a big game, but I know I can do it -- Taking the war to the braggart Carolinians -- A soldier of renown -- General-in-chief -- General-in-chief, II -- We can only bow to the inevitable