My official report of the campaign, dated Vicksburg, March 7, 1864.
4.

General W.Sooy Smith's report of his operations, dated Nashville, Tennessee, March 4, 1864.
After reading these, I further propose that you address us questions which we will answer in writing, when you are to make us a concise, written decision, which I will have published in close connection with the subject in controversy.

If General Smith will show you my letter to him of this date, and also deliver this with his written assent, I will promptly furnish you the above documents, and also procure from the official files a return of the cavalry force available at and near Memphis on the date of my orders, viz., January 27, 1864.
With great respect, your friend and servant, W.T.SHERMAN, General.
NOTE:--General Smith never submitted his case to the arbitration offered.

The whole will be made clear by the publication of the official records, which are already in print, though not yet issued.

His orders were in writing, and I have no recollection of the "peremptory" verbal orders to which he refers, and quotes as from me.
ST.