Hooker certainly made a mistake in leaving before the capture of Atlanta.  I understand that, when here, he said that you would fail; your army was discouraged and dissatisfied, etc., etc.  He is most unmeasured in his abuse of me.  I inclose you a specimen of what he publishes in Northern papers, wherever he goes.  They are dictated by himself and written by W. B. and such worthies.  The funny part of the business is, that I had nothing whatever to do with his being relieved on either occasion.  Moreover, I have never said any thing to the President or Secretary of War to injure him in the slightest degree, and he knows that perfectly well.  His animosity arises from another source.  He is aware that I know some things about his character and conduct in California, and, fearing that I may use that information against him, he seeks to ward off its effect by making it appear that I am his personal enemy, am jealous of him, etc.  I know of no other reason for his hostility to me.  He is welcome to abuse me as much as he pleases; I don’t think it will do him much good, or me much harm.  I know very little of General Howard, but believe him to be a true, honorable man.  Thomas is also a noble old war-horse.  It is true, as you say, that he is slow, but he is always sure.

I have not seen General Grant since the fall of Atlanta, and do not know what instructions he has sent you.  I fear that Canby has not the means to do much by way of Mobile.  The military effects of Banks’s disaster are now showing themselves by the threatened operations of Price & Co. toward Missouri, thus keeping in check our armies west of the Mississippi.

With many thanks for your kind letter, and wishes for your future success, yours truly,

H. W. HALLECK.

HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, September 20, 1864.

Major General HALLECK, Chief of Staff, Washington D.C.

GENERAL:  I have the honor herewith to submit copies of a correspondence between General Hood, of the Confederate Army, the Mayor of Atlanta, and myself, touching the removal of the inhabitants of Atlanta.

In explanation of the tone which marks some of these letters, I will only call your attention to the fact that, after I had announced my determination, General Hood took upon himself to question my motives.  I could not tamely submit to such impertinence; and I have also seen that, in violation of all official usage, he has published in the Macon newspapers such parts of the correspondence as suited his purpose.  This could have had no other object than to create a feeling on the part of the people; but if he expects to resort to such artifices, I think I can meet him there too.

It is sufficient for my Government to know that the removal of the inhabitants has been made with liberality and fairness, that it has been attended with no force, and that no women or children have suffered, unless for want of provisions by their natural protectors and friends.