Today in History:

794 Series I Volume XLIII-II Serial 91 - Shenandoah Valley Campaign Part II

Page 794 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. Chapter LV.

in turning loose the marauders who were guilty of murder and robbery at Saint Albans, every effort should be made to secure the citizens of the United States on the frontier in their persons and property against future outrages. But it remains to be seen whether the executive authorities in Canada will sanction the action of their judicial officer; and the President does not approve that part of your order which instructs "all military commanders on the frontier" in certain cases therein specified to cross the boundary between the United States and Canada and directs pursuit into neutral territory. The act of invading neutral territory by military commanders is, in the opinion of the President, too grave and serious to be left to the discretion or will of subordinate commanders, where the facility of communication with superior authority is os speedy, as it always may be with the chief authority in your department, and even with the President at Washington. The President, therefore, does not think the portion of your order referred to required by any public peace and security. Subordinate military authorities, when left to their own will or discretion, are too prone to act upon views of military necessity where none really exists, to be intrusted with the power of crossing neutral territory without specific authority. If circumstances shall require military commanders to cross and Canada, or to pursue marauders, thieves, or murderers of any description into neutral territory, proper authority can be applied for without any delay prejudicial to the public welfare.

Your obedient servant,

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

NEW YORK, December 15, 1864.

His Excellency J. S. ANDREW,

Boston:

I have authority to raise a regiment of cavalry. I propose to raise it for a year. I want it for immediate service on the Canadian frontier. Can you aid me, land if so, how many companies can you furnish?

They will receive the usual U. S. bounty/

JOHN A. DIX,

Major-General.

NEW YORK, December 15, 1864.

Lieutenant-Colonel FLOYD-JONES,

Boston:

Have one of the companies in Boston in readiness to go to the Canadian frontier.

JOHN A. DIX,

Major-General.


Page 794 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. Chapter LV.