John B. Sanborn to Alfred Pleasonton, September 3, 1864

General PLEASONTON:

The general commanding directs me to call your attention to the fact that three farmers of Cooper County have called upon him to-day to say that infamous outrages have been recently perpetrated upon Union citizens within a short distance of Boonville, such as pulling off toe nails with pincers, to compel an admission of the possession of gold. You will please investigate and report. The general commanding also directs me to say that he is in receipt of information that the report of the crossing of 200 guerrillas on the penitentiary steamer at Rocheport is not substantiated.

ssistant Adjutant-General.

WARRENSBURG, September 3, 1864. Major-General ROSECRANS: I have the honor to report that I arrived and assumed command of this district last night. Todd’s band, 152 actual count, are reliably reported to have been on Buffalo Prairie, in northwest corner of Cooper County, yesterday. I sent express with orders to move five companies of Fourth Missouri State Militia from La Fayette to Cooper County, to operate against the guerrillas in the eastern part of the district. Lieutenant-Colonel Lazear reported from Pleasant Hill last night his arrival, but does not hear any confirmation of the report from Captain Allen, at Oxford, that a large band of guerrillas were concentrating in the direction of Morristown. Lieutenant-Colonel Lazear has been ordered back into La Favette and Saline Counties. E. B. BROWN, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

GENERAL ORDERS, Hpg@rs. DIST. OF CENTRAL Missouri, No. 54, i Warrensburg, Mo, September 3, 1864. The undersigned hereby assumes command of the District of Central Missouri. E. B. BROWN, Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers.

GENERAL ORDERS, ) HDQRS. DIST. OF SOUTHWEST Missouri, No. 70. Springfield, Mo., September 3, 1864.

I. \n important and exciting political canvass for the State and Presidential elections is now opened, in which the officers and men of this command have the inestimable and unusual privilege, for men in an army, of taking part and voting. While it is expected and desired that all officers and men in the army who have and expect to exercise the right of the elective franchise should add to the pure patriotism and virtues which soldiers must and do possess all possible knowledge, the general commanding most earnestly recommends his command to abstain entirely from all angry discussion and debate, and by sober thought and reflection ascertain what course each should best pursue to secure the perpetuity of our Union, and the greatness and glory of our country.

I. I. No officer of this command will use his official position or authority to change, modify, or influence the political opinions or actions of any of the officers or men of his command by any promises of promotion, threats of degradation, or otherwise, except by calm conversation or discussion. All violations of this order will be promptly reported to these headquarters, and the officer so offending will be recommended for summary dismissal from the service.

III. Officers and soldiers are strictly prohibited from disturbing or breaking up any political meeting or gathering of the people for argument or discussion, Any treasonable language used in these discussions, or language tending to disturb the quiet and good order of the community, will be reported to these headquarters, and such action taken as the general commanding the district or department may deem expedient.

I. V. No officer or soldier will officially or authoritatively interfere with any officer, soldier, or citizen on the day of election, nor take part in the election, further than to exercise the right of voting, but will aid the civil officers, if necessary, when properly called upon so to do, in maintaining order and preserving the peace.

V. In what seems to be the last great trial of the Republic and final test of man’s capability of self-government, it should be the pride of every citizen, it must be the pride of every soldier, in future years to say that in this crisis by labor and effort, by steady and calm thought and deliberation, by example and history, he learned what course was right, what his duty was, and performed it quietly and fearlessly.

V. I. This order will be read to each regiment, battery, and detachment of this command on each of the two days next succeeding its reception, and at least once each day for the three days next preceding the election.

By order of Brigadier-General Sanborn: