Upon Which Everything Depends: Two Tales of a Horse Named Sam

By Margi Hafer and Rachel Gilmore

Author Rachel Gilmore fell in love with the story of Civil War General William Tecumseh Shermans horse, Sam, and his connection to Frankfort, Illinois, while handling publicity for a sculpture dedication honoring the pair. However, what Gilmore discovered as she began to research the story behind the story was that Sams legendary status for making the longest equine march in military history was, in fact, a legend. According to the generals own journal entries and personal correspondence during the war, Sherman, in an unusual display of compassion and family loyalty, sent Sam home mid-war after the death of his oldest son, Willy. Yet the newly uncovered evidence doesnt change the fact that Sams role in the war was one upon which everything depends, at least for Shermans sense of duty and honor. And, what emerges from the generals words are two compelling historical horse talesthat of Civil War hero and faithful family friend.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Nov 14, 2011
• ISBN: 9781469124940

Margi Hafer

Rachel Gilmore, M.Ed., has loved the power of words since she was little. With over 400 articles and three books in print, Upon Which Everything Depends marks her entry into creative non-fiction. Rachel is a 20-year resident of Frankfort, Illinois, a member of the Frankfort Area Historical Society and a board member of the Frankfort Preservation Foundation. Visit her at www.thegilmoregirl.com.

Book preview

Copyright © 2011 by Rachel Gilmore. 102594-GILM

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011960190

ISBN: Softcover        978-1-4653-9400-2

Ebook        978-1-4691-2494-0

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or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or

mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any

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in writing from the copyright owner.

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Contents

DEDICATION

PROLOGUE

FRANKFORT, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 2011

SHILOH, TENNESSEE – APRIL 1862

THE ROAD TO CORINTH, MISSISSIPPI – SUMMER 1862

VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI – LATE SPRING 1863

CAMP AT BIG BLACK, MISSISSIPPI – AUGUST 1863

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – 2 OCTOBER 1863

EPILOGUE

NOTES

DEDICATION

After many false starts, twists and turns, Sam’s story has finally galloped into life, and I would like to thank…my family for hanging in there with me…Judy and John Herder and the Frankfort Area Historical Society board and membership for their support and encouragement of this project…Dr. Marie Brown for her insights and assistance in the research process…and the Sherman House staff who were so hospitable and helpful during my