With the separation
of the troops composing this army, in compliance with recent orders, the
organization known as the Army of Georgia will virtually cease to exist. Many
of you will at once return to your homes. No one now serving as a volunteer
will probably be retained in the service against his will but a short time
longer. All will soon be permitted to return and receive the rewards due them
as the gallant defenders of their country. While I cannot repress a feeling of
sadness at parting with you, I congratulate you upon the grand results achieved
by your valor, fidelity, and patriotism. No generation has ever done more for
the permanent establishment of a just and liberal form of government, more for
the honor of their nation, than has been, done during the past four years by
the armies of the United States and the patriotic people at home who have
poured out their wealth in support of these armies with a liberality never
before witnessed in any country. Do not forget the parting advice of that great
chieftain who led you through your recent brilliant campaign: "As in war
you have been good soldiers, so in peace be good citizens." Should you
ever desire to resume the honorable profession you are now about to leave, do
not forget that this profession is honorable only when followed in obedience to
the orders of the constituted authority of your Government. With feelings of
deep gratitude to each and all of you for your uniform soldierly conduct, for
the patience and fortitude with which you have borne all the hardships it has
been necessary to impose upon you, and for the unflinching resolution with
which you have sustained the holy cause in which we have been engaged, I bid
you farewell.
SOURCE: The
War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and
Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 47, Part 3 (Serial No. 100), p. 630-1
