Henry W. Halleck to Edwin M. Stanton, July 12, 1862
Corinth, July 12, 1862.
Hon. E. M. STanron, Secretary of War, Washington :
Sie: I inclose herewith a copy of an official report of the commanding officer at Bethel, Tenn., in regard to the conduct of the Seventh Kansas Volunteers on their march to this place. I have similar reports from nearly every town they passed through, and numerous reclamations from the citizens on the road are coming in for payment for property stolen and robbed or destroyed by them. It is said that General Mitchell took no measures to restrain his men, but rather encouraged them in their outrages. Measures have already been initiated to reduce these troops to order and discipline, but I have no doubt that Senator Lane and others will attribute any measures of restraint or punishment which may be adopted to political influences and will heap unmeasured abuses upon any officer who shall attempt to keep them in order. I deem it due to the officers of this army that you should be made aware of the real facts of the case. Either discipline must be maintained or eur troops will become a mere band of robbers.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Major-General.
(Indorzement.]
ADJUTANT-GENEBRALâS OFFICE,
August 5, 1862.
The papers within constitute a report from General Halleck, from
whom it is now understood that all the measures possible were taken
te remedy the evils complained of.