In order to illustrate this peculiar phase of our civil war, I give at this place copies of certain letters which have not hereto. fore been published: [Private.] WASHINGTON, Augustt 29, 1868. Major-General W. T. SHERMAN, Vicksburg, Mississippi My DEAR GENERAL: The question of reconstruction in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas, will soon come up for decision of the Government, and not only the length of the war, but our ultimate and complete success, will depend upon its decision.

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