J. D. Kurtz, November 19, 1862
Louisville, November 19, 1862.
The letter of explanation of Colonel Dent states the matter fully. I do not believe the grounds of complaint are well founded, except as to fees charged by provost-marshals. That evil was corrected long since by dismissal of the officers. Complaints have been made by over-zealous Union men that the marshals did not do their duty in arresting the domestic traitors, &c., and the weak-back Union men, looking for rebel protection when the rebels should be in the ascendant, complained that they arrested too many, and indiscriminately. I believe they did their duty about as well as any men who could have been selected. If they had been more vigorous, the number of rebel recruits would have been
much less in the State. . â Respectfullv J. T. BOYLE, Brigadier- General.
HEADQUARTERS, Louisville, November 20, 1862.
I think Mr. Speedâs information incorrect. I have heard of no such cases. The marshals charged fees for administering oaths and taking bonds, which was done to defray expenses of the volunteer guards. This practice was disapproved, and Colonel Dent ordered to dismiss all concerned in it. The charging of fees by the marshals was done at the instance of staunch Union men in the counties where the marshals acted, to defray expenses of subsisting the guards. Colonel Dentâs letter of explanation states the whole matter fully.
Respectfully, &c., J. T. BOYLE, Brigadier- General.
NASHVILLE, November 24, 1862â9.45 p. m. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH G. TOTTEN : The wooden pontoons always get leaky, and can never be repaired in
reasonable time for use. The iron are much better, if properly made. We should have the train at once. W. 8S. ROSECRANS, .
Major-General. {Indorsement.] ENGINEERâS DEPARTMENT,
November 25, 1862.
Respectfully transmitted to the General-in-Chief, for his information and action.
Shall General Rosecrans be supplied with a pontoon train of 700 yards? Its cost will be about $ââ (not known), if made of wood.
Car. XXXII] CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.âUNION. 97
Shall the bateau be wooden or iron? A wooden train can, perhaps, be prepared in six weeks; an iron train will require a monthâs more time. Kither train should be built in Cincinnati or Louisville, to save costly transportation, and the services of Lieutenant McAlester, or one of General Wrightâs engineer officers, will be needed to prepare it. The Engineerâs Department has no models for iron bateaux, and no experience in the fabrication of trains of that material.
By order of General Totten :
Oaptain of Engineers, Assistant.