Page images
PDF
EPUB

The Commanding General indorses on the proceedings in the case of Lieut. Joseph P. Crossman, of Company E, 12th Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, "Approved, except the sentence. Let him be dismissed the service, subject to the approval of the President;" and on the proceedings in the case of Private Henry Bradley, Company I, 12th Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, "Sentence, that he be confined at hard labor for the term of one year." With these changes, the sentences will be duly carried into effect.

[ocr errors]

The Commanding General has examined the doings of the Court Martial whereof Major Peck was President, with care. While there seems to have been a good degree of discrimination in weighing the evidence, and the proceedings are reasonably regular, yet it is apparent that the Court, in the sentences and punishments, were entirely regardless of their duty. Offenses that should have been punished with death or the severest prison discipline for life, have been given the farcical punishment of two or three months' confinement and a small fine. Sleeping on post by a sentinel in the face of an enemy, an offense justly punishable with death, as the safety of the whole army may depend on his vigilance, is punished by "three weeks' confinement in a guard-tent." Going to sleep in his quarters by an officer of the guard is punished by loss of one month's pay and a reprimand from the commander of the post, and this officer recommended to the mercy of the Commanding General because of his ignorance. Striking and violent abuse of an officer by a soldier has had a short term of imprisonment and a small fine, less than would have been given by a civil Court for an ordinary assault and battery. Perhaps this may be accounted for by the fact, that the members of the Court knew exactly how much a man ought to be punished if he abused one of them. Other officers, of a different and proper appreciation of their own position and merit. would have come to a different conclusion.

The sentences of the Court, as a rule, are a disgrace to every officer composing it.

I V.

The Court Martial of which Major FRANK H. PECK is President, is dissolved.

BY COMMAND OF MAJOR GENERAL BUTLER :

R. S. DAVIS.

Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant Generai.

New Orleans, October 31, 1862.

No. 86.

Every Officer not a Disbursing Officer of the United States Government, who has collected public funds in this Department, will make monthly return within the first five days of cach month, of all collections and disbursements during the month past. The return will be made to David C. G. Field, Financial Clerk, at these Headquarters, and all balances will be turned over to him, and he will report to these Headquarters any officer failing to make the report in the given time.

BY COMMAND OF MAJOR GENERAL BUTLER :

GEO. C. STRONG,

Assistant Adjutant General, Chief of Staff.

New Orleans, November 1, 1862.

No. 87.

I. No pass to go beyond the Lines of this Army in any direction, will be respected by any officer or soldier, unless it bears the personal signature of the Commanding General of this Department.

II. All persons of the age of sixteen years and upward coming within the Lines, will be held as spies unless they take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States, or show that they are neutral aliens, and all persons whatsoever thus coming will immediately report themselves at the office of the Provost Marshal.

BY COMMAND OF MAJOR GENERAL BUTLER :

GEO. C. STRONG,

Assistant Adjutant General.

[ocr errors]
« PreviousContinue »