re: Greatest military commander (any branch of service) in U.S. history?

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Both were living off the land in enemy country. Sherman took it to another level as no commander in any way before of since lived as completely out of touch from his base of supplies, and as out of contact with his superiors.

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No one is arguing that and it was his decision to do that. Hell, Lincoln and Grant were hesitant and later admitted they underestimated him when he decided to go on with it.

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The problem with the comparing the two campaigns is most southerners will not suspend emotion long enough to make a reasoned argument.

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I don't think anyone here is disagreeing with his prowess or letting emotion get in the way. Sherman needed quick and total victory to help Lincoln in the election as well as galvanize a waning Northern support base while dividing the South in two and crushing the Southern will to fight. I get that. I think everyone's point was Sherman's march to the sea =/= Lee's invasions of the North