http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=076/0076

Series 1, vol. 38, Part 5 (The Atlanta Campaign) has the communications between Sherman and Gerrard. Beginning on page 68 and continuing on through page 104. They are intermixed with some other stuff. The info is on pages, 68, 73,74,76,77,92,93,104.

My question is, though considered enemy non-combatants, why did Sherman deem it important to send the women away? They were employees. The mill was destroyed. Why not just leave them as the Yankee's left many other women and children homeless and defenseless during the campaign? Sending them to Indiana was in fact, just a way to imprison them. What a terrible punishment for doing nothing but weaving cloth.

Pam