Horatio G. Wright to George W. Cullum, November 25, 1862

Brig. Gen. G. W. CULLUM, Ohief of Staff, &c., Hdqrs. of the Army, Washington, D. O.:

GENERAL: I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of a letter* from Brig. Gen. J. T. Boyle, and of the inclosures to which it refers, giving a general statement of his action under the General Orders, No. 49, issued by Major-General Buell, and subsequently modified by him and myself, and to request that these papers be considered in connection with my letter of the 21st instant to the General-in-Chief upon this subject. I would remark that in answer to General Boyle’s question, “What is to be done with deserters?” he has been directed, in case their claims are recognized, to release such as it appears may be trusted on their taking the oath of allegiance, and giving bonds, adding in certain instances, when thought necessary, other conditions, such as restriction to certain limits, and to send such as cannot be relied upon to keep their obligations to Camp Chase as prisoners of war. I have submitted the question of the enlisting of deserters from the rebel service into our own to the Adjutant General of the Army, as I am under the impression that it is prohibited in orders from the War Department, though I have failed to find any such orders.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,