"In 1864, General U.S. Grant summoned thirty-three-year-old Major General Philip Sheridan to lead George Gordon Meade's cavalry in the resilient yet seemingly lethargic Army of the Potomac. Sheridan's fiery determination and uncompromising demand for performance quickly gained him the upper hand against Confederate cavalry forces in Virginia. He surrounded himself with men who could deliver glory and victory, including George A. Custer, George Crook, and Wesley Merritt. Together, they directed the most potent fighting force during the war's final year and went on, as Indian fighters and agents of expansion, to become some of the most prolific warriors in American history.".

The new command -- Many gallant officers and men -- War is a punishment -- To the bitter end -- All sorts of barbarity -- The ablest of generals -- In at the death -- Fragments scattered in his path -- A hold upon an army.