usand Federal
prisoners, and they, including the survivors of the "Fort Pillow
Massacre," "black and white," are living witnesses of the fact
that with my knowledge or consent, or by my order, not one of
them has ever been insulted, or in any way maltreated.

You speak of your forbearance in not giving your negro troops
instructions and orders as to the course they should pursue in
regard to Confederate soldiers that might fall into their (your)
hands, which clearly conveys to my mind two very distinct
impressions. The first is, that in not giving them instructions
and orders, you have left the matter entirely to the discretion
of the negroes as to how they should dispose of prisoners.
Second, an implied threat to give such orders as will lead to
"consequences too fearful" for contemplation. In confirmation of
the correctness of the first impression (which your language now
fully develops), refer most respectfully to my letter from the
battle-field, Tishemingo Creek, and forwarded you by flag of
truce on the fourteenth instant. As to the second impression, you
seem disposed to take into your own hands the settlements which
belong to, and can only be settled by, your government; but if
you are prepared to take upon yourself the responsibility of
inaugurating a system of warfare contrary to civilized usages,
the onus as well as the consequences will be chargeable to
yourself.

Deprecating, as I should do, such a state of affairs; determined,
as I am, not to be instrumental in bringing it about; feeling and
knowing, as I do, that I have the approval of my government, my
people, and my conscience as to the past, and with the firm
belief that I will be sustained by them in my future policy, it
is left with you to determine what that policy shall be, whether
in accordance with the laws of civilised nations, or in violation
of them.

I am, General, yours, very respectfully,
N. B. FORREST, _Major-General_.

GENERAL FORREST TO GENERAL WASHBURN.

HEADQUARTERS FORREST'S CAVALRY, }
IN THE FIELD, June 23, 1864. }

Major-General C. C. WASHBURN, _Commanding District of West
Tennessee, Memphis, Tenn._:

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