“This is but a feeble picture of the consequences of this measure. You know the woe, the horror, and the suffering cannot be described by words. Imagination can only conceive of it, and we ask you to take these things into consideration. We know your mind and time are continually occupied with the duties of your command, which almost deters us from asking your attention to the matter, but we thought it might be that you had not considered the subject in all of its awful consequences, and that, on reflection, you, we hope, would not make this people an exception to mankind, for we know of no such instance ever having occurred—surely not in the United States. And what has this helpless people done, that they should be driven from their homes, to wander as strangers, outcasts, and exiles, and to subsist on charity?
“We do not know as yet the number of people still here. Of those who are here, a respectable number, if allowed to remain at home, could subsist for several months without assistance; and a respectable number for a much longer time, and who might not need assistance at any time.
“In conclusion, we most earnestly and solemnly petition you to reconsider this order, or modify it, and suffer this unfortunate people to remain at home and enjoy what little means they have.
“Respectfully submitted, JAMES M. CALHOUN, Mayor.
“E. E. Rawson, }
S. C. Wells, } Councilmen.”
GENERAL SHERMAN’S REPLY.
“Headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, in the Field, }
Atlanta, Ga., September 12, 1864. }
“James M. Calhoun, Mayor, E. E. Rawson, and S. C. Wells, representing City Council of Atlanta: