Braxton Bragg, September 16, 1864
Richmond, September 16, 1864.
General WILLIAM M. GARDNER, Commanding Post, Richmond:
GENERAL: Inclosed herewith is a copy of an inspection report of the officers of the Quartermaster’s Department in Richmond. Your special attention is called to the following points developed by this report:
I. “‘Lieutenant-Colonel Cone, acting assistant quartermaster-general, has in his office an able-bodied conscript detailed as clerk.” This is in direct violation of the eighth section of act approved February 17, 1864.
II. See case of Captain Barksdale. Why is it that the money he disburses, any more than in case of other quartermaster’s, shall be kept in the Treasury beyond his control? This officer is on post duty and under your command.
Ill. Maj. C. M. Smith, assistant quartermaster. ‘‘There are in this office three able-bodied men detailed as clerks.” See remarks on Lieutenant-Colonel Cone.
IV. Captain Weisiger, assistant quartermaster, has contracts with six persons, who, he says, were detailed by Secretary of War. Has two employés, both liable to conscription.
VY. Captain Putney has 236 details, many of them irregular, and forty-two employés; does not say whether they are of conscript age. Your attention is necessary in this case.
VI. Captain Morfit, assistant quartermaster, ‘‘has one employé of conscript age.”
VII. Captain Dugan, assistant quartermaster, should have his office at the hospitals. His station is not in the city and he is not entitled to commutation. Much complaint was made to me at these hospitals by the sick of being unable to see a quartermaster without walking into the city.
VIII. Captain Kemper, assistant quartermaster. Same as above.
IX. D. Rankin, quartermaster agent. By whom and when was he appointed? Whatage? Has a conscript without detail.
X. Captain Dorsey, assistant quartermaster. The details and employés should be examined to see if fit for duty.
XI. Maj. George F. Maynard, quartermaster. The large list of employés and details require scrutiny.
XII. Capt. O. F. Weisiger, assistant quartermaster. Details and employés should be examined.
XIII. Maj. J. C. Maynard, quartermaster. He employs over fifty men, as shown by his list—copy inclosed—in violation of law as above.
XIV. Major Ambler, assistant quartermaster. His office and employés require attention as above.
XV. Major Harvie, assistant quartermaster. Attention necessary to long list of illegal details.
XVI. Captain Claggett, assistant quartermaster, not being on any duty in the city, but with troops on the lines, should be quartered and have his office with them. .
XVII. Captain Orgain, assistant quartermaster. Details and employés do not appear to be exempt.
XVIII. Captain West, assistant quartermaster, one of the paymasters Chimborazo Hospital. Lives in city. Has office in city. He must be where his duties are.
XIX. Major Bentley, assistant quartermaster. His list of details and employés needs attention.
XX. Major Webb, assistant quartermaster, one of the paymasters at hospitals, should be with his duties. Reports one detailed soldier unfit for duty November, 1863, but says nothing of his condition now.
XXI. Major Ferguson, assistant quartermaster. Details and employés not regular or according to law. See Colonel Cone.
XXII. Major Cary, assistant quartermaster. Paymaster of troops in hospitals. Should be stationed where his duties are.
XXII. Major Parkhill, assistant quartermaster. One employé irregular and illegal. Others not properly detailed. These different quartermasters whose duties are connected with hospitals should all be assigned as per my order to General Ransom, and be required to reside at their posts. It is impossible any one man can do the duty assigned this officer at all the hospitals, and the consequence is neglect and great complaints.
XXIV. Captain Warren, assistant quartermaster. Details irregular and illegal. See remarks in case Lieutenant-Colonel Cone.
XXV. Captain Wood, assistant quartermaster. Details, &e., in violation of law, and require prompt attention. See case of LieutenantColonel Cone.
XXVII. Major Johnston, assistant quartermaster, has one ablebodied conscript employed as clerk in violation of law. See case of Lieutenant-Colonel Cone.
XXX. Captain Morris, assistant quartermaster, has a detailed ablebodied conscript in violation of law.
XXXI. Major Archer, assistant quartermaster. Details and employés irregular and illegal. See case of Lieutenant-Colonel Cone.
XXXII. Captain Macmurdo, same as above.
The condition of the different offices of assistant quartermasters in Richmond requires your prompt attention under the ninth section of the law referred to, and you are desired to act as the law requires in every case of infraction. Arrest the guilty parties and send your charges up, that a court may be ordered for their trial.
A proper arrangement and reassignment would enable the department to dispense with at least ten of these officers.
After retaining the report and accompanying papers herewith sent as long as you desire, for information, please return them.
Very respectfully,
General.
[Inclosure No. 2.]