Horatio G. Wright to E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War, Washington, D. O, November 24, 1862

Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War, Washington, D. O.:

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your two letters of the 12th ultimo,* calling my attention to the reported unauthorized and illegal conduct of the provost-marshals of the State of Kentucky.

Copies of these letters were at first referred to the Governor of Kentucky, who, it was stated by Mr. Speed, had the facts in relation to the exactions of the provost-marshals. No reply being received, the letters were then referred to Brig. Gen. J. T. Boyle, who was specially charged with the supervision of matters in Kentucky not purely military. His report on the subject, also that of Col. Henry Dent, provost-marshalgeneral of the State of Kentucky, are herewith.

I believe, with General Boyle, that the provost-marshals of Kentucky have performed their duties as well as was to be expected of men not

familiar with the duties imposed upon them; that an excess of zeal has often caused them to exceed their authority, and to make arrests not justified by written evidence presented. These causes have, however, as a general rule, been corrected by subsequent examination prior to sending the prisoners to Camp Chase, and by their discharge for want of such evidence.

While some cases of injustice have no doubt occurred, as was to have been expected, it is confidently believed that most of the trouble has arisen from the interference of doubtful Union men, whose representations are to be taken with great caution. I am frequently receiving letters, or calls, from such persons, who, of course, are not satisfied because I will not order the release of prisoners held on what are, in my judg: ment, sufficient and serious charges, and they appeal from me to the War Department, where they make their own statements.

I am fully satisfied that, if any error of policy toward Kentucky rebels has been committed, it has been in the leniency of the course adopted ; es I have ever believed it was better to err on that side than on the other.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,