War is cruelty, and you cannot refine it; and those who brought war into our country deserve all the curse and maledictions a people can pour out. I know I had no hand in making this war, and I know I will make more sacrifices to-day than any of you to secure peace. But you cannot have peace and a division of our country…You might as well appeal against the thunder-storm as against the terrible hardships of war. They are inevitable, and the only way the people of Atlanta can hope once more to live in peace and quiet at home, is to stop the war, which can only be done by admitting that it began in error and is perpetuated in pride.

General William Sherman, Letter to the Mayor and Councilmen of Atlanta, 1864

How does Sherman attempt to justify his military actions in his “March to the Sea”?
Responses
A The South deserved the destruction of their lands for making war first.The South deserved the destruction of their lands for making war first.
B The South would be allowed to keep their homes if they negotiated a settlement.The South would be allowed to keep their homes if they negotiated a settlement.
C The South should be forgiven and welcomed back into the Union.The South should be forgiven and welcomed back into the Union.
D The South put up a valiant fight and should be respected.The South put up a valiant fight and should be respected.
E The South had no recourse but to continue fighting.