tions, and then I have done with further correspondence
with you on this subject. This matter must be settled. In battle
and on the battle-field do you intend to slaughter my men who
fall into your hands? If you do not intend so to do, will they be
treated as prisoners of war?

I have over two thousand of Sturgis's command prisoners, and will
hold every officer and private hostage until I receive your
declarations, and am satisfied that you carry out in good faith
the answers you make, and until I am assured that no Confederate
soldier has been foully dealt with from the day of the battle of
Tishemingo Creek to this time. It is not yet too late for you to
retrace your steps and arrest the storm.

Relying, as I do, upon that Divine power which in wisdom disposes
of all things; relying also upon the support and approval of my
government and countrymen, and the unflinching bravery and
endurance of my troops; and with a consciousness that I have done
nothing to produce, but all in my power, consistent with honor
and the personal safety of myself and command, to prevent it, I
leave with you the responsibility of bringing about, to use your
own language, "a state of affairs too fearful to contemplate."

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

OFFICIAL MEMORANDA.

CAHABA HOSPITAL, CAHABA, ALABAMA, }
May 11, 1864. }

Colonel H. C. DAVIS, _Commanding Post Cahaba_:

COLONEL: I herewith transmit you, as near as my memory serves me,
according to promise, the demand made by Major-General Forrest,
C. S. A., for the surrender of Fort Pillow, Tennessee.

Major BOOTH, _Commanding U. S. Forces, Fort Pillow, Tennessee_:

I have force sufficient to take your works by assault. I
therefore demand an unconditional surrender of all your forces.
Your heroic defence will entitle you to be treated as prisoners
of war, but the surrender must be unconditional. I await your
answer.

FORREST, _Major-General, Commanding_.

HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES, )
FORT PILLOW, TENNESSEE, April 12, 1864.)

Major-General FORRE