“And let it be known that if a farmer wishes to burn his cotton, his house, his family, and himself, he may do so. But not his corn. We want that.”

—  William T. Sherman

Dispatch to Brig. Gen. Stephen Hurlbut (July 1862)<!-- published where? -->
1860s, 1862, Dispatch to Stephen A. Hurlbut (July 1862)
Context: No rebels shall be allowed to remain at Davis Mill so much as an hour. Allow them to go, but do not let them stay. And let it be known that if a farmer wishes to burn his cotton, his house, his family, and himself, he may do so. But not his corn. We want that.

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William T. Sherman photo
William T. Sherman 44
American General, businessman, educator, and author. 1820–1891

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