“I am, General, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. B. Hood, General.
“Official—A. McHummett, Lieutenant, &c.”
Accompanying the above letter was one addressed to Colonel Calhoun, Mayor:
“Headquarters Army of the Tennessee, Sept. 9, 1864.
“Hon. James H. Calhoun, Mayor:
“Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter touching the removal of the citizens of Atlanta, as ordered by General Sherman. Please find enclosed my reply to General Sherman’s letter. I shall do all in my power to mitigate the terrible hardship and misery that must be brought upon your people by this extraordinary order of the Federal commander. Transportation will be sent to Rough and Ready to carry the people and their effects further South.
“You have my deepest sympathy in this unlooked-for and unprecedented affliction. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
“J. B. Hood, General.”
Like his polished sword, flashes with thought and patriotism the pen of the victor in his reply: