d--they are yet wandering over
the country, attempting to return to their masters.

With reference to the status of those captured at Tishemingo
Creek and Fort Pillow, I will state that, unless otherwise
ordered by my government, they will not be regarded as prisoners
of war, but will be retained and humanely treated, subject to
such future instructions as may be indicated.

Your letter contains many implied threats; these you can of
course make, and you are fully entitled to any satisfaction that
you may feel from having made them.

It is my intention, and that also of my subordinates, to conduct
this war upon civilized principles, provided you permit us to do
so; and I take this occasion to state that we will not shrink
from any responsibilities that your actions may force upon us.

We are engaged in a struggle for the protection of our homes and
firesides, for the maintenance of our national existence and
liberty; we have counted the cost and are prepared to go to any
extremes; and although it is far from our wish to fight under the
"black flag," still, if you drive us to it, we will accept the
issue.

Your troops virtually fought under it at the battle of Tishemingo
Creek, and the prisoners taken there state that they went into
battle with the impression that they were to receive no quarter,
and I suppose with the determination to give none.

I will further remark that if it is raised, so far as your
soldiers are concerned, there can be no distinction, for the
unfortunate people whom you pretend to be aiding are not
considered entirely responsible for their acts, influenced as
they are by the superior intellect of their white brothers.

I enclose for your consideration certain papers touching the Fort
Pillow affair, which were procured from the writer after the
exaggerated statements of your press were seen.

I am, General, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
S. D. LEE, _Lieutenant-General, Commanding_.

ENCLOSURE IN THE FOREGOING.

CAHABA, ALABAMA, May 16, 1864.

I was one of the bearers of the flag of truce, on the part of the
United States authorities, at Fort Pillow. A majority of the
officers of the garrison do