Today in History:

637 Series I Volume XVI-I Serial 22 - Morgan's First Kentucky Raid, Perryville Campaign Part I

Page 637 Chapter XXVIII. GENERAL REPORTS.

from Tennessee, Kentucky, North Alabama, Arkansas, and North Carolina were disgusted with the war and would go back to their allegiance, but that they believed they would be shown no quarter and that their property as well as themselves would be destroyed. They seemed greatly surprised to find that I was not burning the houses, seizing the property, and ravishing the women in the neighborhood where I was in command. They said that representations of such procedures by all our officer were circulated in the Southern Army in order to keep alive the hatred and enmity.

Question. Do you know what measures were taken to punish the persons who committed those depredations about Athens which you have referred to?

The were arrested and tried by court-martial and punished according to the judgment of the court.

Question. What officers were punished in that way; how many were brought to trial, as near as you remember, and by whose orders were they brought to trial and punishment?

Colonel Turchin, who commanded the brigade, was dismissed by court-martial. Colonel Gazlay, who was commanding a regiment in the brigade, was also dismissed by court-martial. captain Edgarton, who commanded a battery in the brigade, was also dismissed by court-martial. Captain Edgarton, who commanded a battery in the brigade, was tried, but acquitted, because it was shown that he acted by direct authority of his superior officer. Colonel Mihalotzy, who commanded a regiment in the brigade, was also tried by court-martial and punished. I do not remember what the punishment was; as he showed that he was acting by the authority of his superior officer. Colonel Mihalotzy, who commanded a regiment in the brigade, was also tried by court-martial and punished. I do not remember what the punishment was; as he showed that he was acting by the authority of his superior officer, Colonel Turchin, and there was nothing to criminate him personally. These are all I remember now of the officers of that brigade who were tried.

Question. What effect did these disciplinary measures have upon the temper of the troops who were concerned in those depredations and others who sympathized with them toward the commander of the army?

I heard officers express great bitterness toward the commander of the army . I never heard private soldiers make any remarks about it, but I know the soldiers usually take their tone form their officers, and I have no doubt but what it embittered them against the commander of the army also.

Question. What comments were made upon those measures by the public press throughout the country generally?

The JUDGE-ADVOCATE. I object to that question. We are certainly traveling outside of our record. I do not see what the press has to do with the matter under investigation.

General BUELL. I think the judge-advocate is mistaken. Our record is a pretty comprehensive one; the subject is certainly a very comprehensive one. I wish to give some explanation of whatever ill temper may have existed in the army toward its commander. That is a matter which has been admitter already, and the question is pertinent to it. I will show how it is if the witness can be permitted to go on.

The court being cleared; on motion, to was decided that the objection should be sustained.

By General BUELL:

Question. Can you point to any circumstances in connection with these depredations and the measures that were adopted to punish them that were calculated to impair the authority of the commander of the army and to produce insubordination in its ranks?

The JUDGE-ADVOCATE. I object to that question, Mr. President. I have charged that after the army left Nashville, in falling back upon Louisville, it was demoralized, and witnesses have been before the


Page 637 Chapter XXVIII. GENERAL REPORTS.