Letter

G. Wright to Edwin M. Stanton, December 6, 1862

Cincinnati, Ohio, December 6, 1862.

Maj. Gen. W. S. ROSECRANS, Oommanding Department of the Oumberland :

GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 27th ultimo,in regard to persons professing to be deserters from the rebel army returning to Kentucky.

The instructions issued from these headquarters for the guidance of district commanders are to the effect that those persons who are for good reasons believed to be bona fide deserters from the rebels may be allowed to return to the State, and there remain at liberty, upon their taking the oath of allegiance and giving bond with reliable surety of its proper observance. Professed deserters, or others to whom suspicion attaches, to be arrested and sent to some place of security provided for the safe-keeping of political prisoners, Camp Chase being a ccenvenient and proper place for such purpose.

I am, general, respectfully,

your obedient servant

Major-General, Commanding Department.
NASHVILLE, December 7, 1862—9 p. m.

Secretary of War:
This army has about one-third the artillery it should have. I ask
permission to make six-gun batteries of the thirteen which have only
four guns, with authority, also, to retain their extra lieutenants and

Editor's Notes
From: Operations in Kentucky, Middle and East Tennessee, N. Alabama, S.W. Virginia, Pt. 1. Location: Cincinnati, Ohio. Summary: Major General G. Wright instructs that suspected Confederate deserters returning to Kentucky be allowed freedom upon oath and bond, while suspicious individuals are to be detained as political prisoners.
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 20, Part 1 View original source ↗