personal glorification. The opening of this memoir introduces readers to Sheridan's early life, starting with his ancestry and family background. He describes his parents' immigration to America from Ireland, his childhood in Ohio, and the challenges his family faced as settlers. The text outlines his educational experiences and his ambition to become a soldier, culminating in his appointment to West Point. Sheridan also touches on his military training, including hazing and competition with peers, which sets the stage for his future achievements in the army. As a whole, the beginning of the memoir establishes the foundations of Sheridan's character and aspirations, blending personal anecdotes with historical context to provide insight into his formative years. (This is an automatically generated summary.)