Eugene A. Carr to A. A. G., Hdgrs. Dept. of the Missouri, January 5, 1863

A. A. G., Hdgrs. Dept. of the Missouri, Saint Louis, Mo.:

Sig: From all I can learn, I believe that the post of New Madrid, in my district, was abandoned without any cause whatever,* and to the great detriment of the public interest, in the destruction of a large amount of valuable property, and in giving the rebels an opportunity to take possession of the works and interrupt our river communication.

It appears that, upon the repgrt of Colonel Scott, General Davies ordered the evacuation, thus assuming control of troops in my district.and in the Department of the Missouri, and not only assuming authority not his, but assuming and exercising the sume to the great detriment of the public service.

Thad stripped-my district of troops to re-enforce General Davies at Columbus; and at the time New Madrid was evacuated the pressing emergency at Columbus had nearly passed, and he could have returned the favor by re-enforcing my post, which there would have been time enough to doeven after an attack had commenced, as Colonel Scott had six companies and seven heavy guns.

Colonel Scott, in obeying the orders of General Davies, acted contrary to all military rules and discipline, as he was under my command. In so doing he acted, as I believe, also contrary to the public interest and in a shameful and cowardly manner,

I had been lately in communication with him by telegraph, and had

*See Part I, pp. 174-177.

ordered him ”to make everything secure” at New Madrid, and advised him that it was an “important place to keep.”

Colonel Scott has deserted the limits of my command with his whole force.

I would, therefore, respectfully recommend to the major-general commanding that he recommend to the General-in-Chief to cause the arrest of General Davies and Colonel Scott and have them held for trial.

I will make out the formal charges as soon as I can obtain the exact dates, amount of property destroyed, &c.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,