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country will in time emerge from this war purified by the fires of war, and worthy its great founder, Washington.
W. T. Sherman, Major-General, Commanding.
The despatch from General Grant.
I have just received your despatch anouncing the capture of Atlanta.
In honor of your great victory, I have just ordered a salute to be fired with shotted guns from every battery bearing upon the enemy.
The salute will be fired within an hour, amidst great rejoicing.
U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General
All the corps, regiments and batteries composing the army may, without further orders, inscribe Atlanta on their colors.
By order of Major-General Sherman. L. M. Dayton, Aid-de-Camp. By command of Major-General Thomas. Robert H. Ramsey, A. A. G.