I have written a letter to the President in relation to the
Fort Pillow massacre, but it is not satisfactory to me, nor can I make it so
without the evidence of what was done, nor am I certain that even then I could
come to a conclusion on so grave and important a question. The idea of
retaliation, — killing man for man, — which is the popular noisy demand, is
barbarous, and I cannot assent to or advise it. The leading officers should be
held accountable and punished, but how? The policy of killing negro soldiers
after they have surrendered must not be permitted, and the Rebel leaders should
be called upon to avow or disavow it. But how is this to be done? Shall we go
to Jeff Davis and his government, or apply to General Lee? If they will give us
no answer, or declare they will kill the negroes, or justify Forrest, shall we
take innocent Rebel officers as hostages? The whole subject is beset with difficulties.
I cannot yield to any inhuman scheme of retaliation. Must wait the publication
of the testimony.
SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles,
Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 —
December 31, 1866, p. 24
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