Page:Journal history of the Twenty-ninth Ohio veteran volunteers, 1861-1865.djvu/128

 works, encountering in the suburbs Mayor Calhoun, of Atlanta, and a deputation of the city council. The former nervously presented a paper surrendering the city and asking protection. Colonel Coburn refused to receive the paper for informality, and directed that another should be drawn up. Mayor Calhoun invited several of General Ward's staff to accompany him to the court-house, where the documents should be made en regle, promising at the same time to expel the drunken rebel stragglers, who were lingering in the streets and were disposed to skirmish with our advance. He immediately took measures to effect the last, and accompanied by the officers whose names are offered in attest, he returned to the court-house, and the following document was drawn up:

", } September 2, 1864. }

"Brigadier-general Ward, Commanding Third Division Twentieth Corps.

":—The fortunes of war have placed the city of Atlanta in your hands, and as mayor of the city I ask protection to non-combatants and private property.

", Mayor of Atlanta."

The preliminary formalities thus disposed of, our troops entered the city with music and flags, marching promptly and erect. A fine flag-staff was found on the Franklin printing house, where the Memphis Appeal had been printed. The stars and stripes were soon flung to the calm, sunny air amid the cheers of the brave men who had fought for so many weary, consuming days to place it there.

General Henry W. Slocum established his headquarters at the Trout house, the leading hotel of the city,