Henry W. Halleck to West Tenn. And Northern Miss. Cuar. Xxix, July 7, 1862
Oorinth, July 7, 1862.
Hon. EH. M. STANTON, Secretary of War, Washington :
Srm: Since the Kansas troops entered this department their march has been marked by robbery, theft, pillage, and outrages upon the peaceful inhabitants, making enemies to our cause wherever they went. Brigadier-General Quinby reported that he found it impossible to restrain them, and asked for authority to muster them out-of service.
On their reaching Major-General McClernandâs command he made similar recommendations and reports; and on their way trom him to this place they nearly ruined a train of cars by refusing to comply with the orders of the conductor, General Mitchell sustaining them in this disobedience of my orders. It is reported that General Mitchell took no measures whatever to restrain his men from robbery and plunder, while Colonel Anthony actually encouraged his men in committing outrages along the road, on the ground that they were ââslaveholdersâ who were plundered.
I have brought these troops to this place, and shall do my best to reduce them to proper discipline, but am very doubtful of succcss, so long as bad officers, supported as they allege by political influence at Washington, encourage them in violating laws, regulations, and orders. _
I inclose copies of these reports as specimens of the allegations which have been made against these Kansas troops.*
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Major-General.
* See Deitzler to Quinby June 26, Chenowith to Halleck June 30, and Dodge to
Rochester July 2, pp. 34, 53, 66.