‘ [446] we burned Rome, and in two more days will burn Atlanta’ (which he was then occupying). December 5th: ‘Blair can burn the bridges and culverts, and burn enough barns to mark the progress of his head of column.’ December 18th. To General Grant, from near Savannah: ‘With Savannah in our possession, at some future time, if not now, we can punish South Carolina as she deserves, and as thousands of people in Georgia hope we will do. I do sincerely believe that the whole United States, North and South, would rejoice to have this army turned loose on South Carolina, to devastate that State in the manner we have done in Georgia.’ A little before this he announces to Secretary Stanton that he knows what the people of the South are fighting for. What do our readers suppose? To ravage the North with sword and fire, and crush them under their heels? Surely it must be some such delusion that inspires this ferocity of hatred, unmitigated by even a word of compassion. He may speak for himself: ‘Jeff. Davis has succeeded perfectly in inspiring his people with the truth that liberty and government are worth fighting for.’ This was their unpardonable crime. December 22d, to General Grant. ‘If you can hold Lee, I could go on and smash South Carolina all to pieces.’ On the 18th, General Halleck writes: ‘Should you capture Charleston, I hope that by some accident the place may be destroyed; and if a little salt should be sown upon its site, it may prevent the growth of future crops of nullification and secession.’ To this General Sherman replies, December 24th:
This war differs from European wars in this particular—we are not only fighting hostile armies, but a hostile people; and must make old and young, rich and poor, feel the hard hand of war, as well as their organized armies. I will bear in mind your hint as to Charleston, and don't think “salt” will be necessary. When I move, the Fifteenth Corps will be on the right of the right wing, and their position will bring them naturally into Charleston first; and if you have studied the history of that corps, you will have remarked that they generally do their work up pretty well. The truth is, the whole army is burning with an insatiable desire to wreak vengeance upon South Carolina. I almost tremble for her fate, but feel that she deserves all that seems in store for her. I look upon Columbia as quite as bad as Charleston, and I doubt
