John W. Davidson to Richard C. Drum, August 21, 1861

Capt. RICHARD C. DRUM, Assistant Adjutant-General: CAPTAIN: Yesterday it became known through this camp that I was to be relieved in command here by Captain Smith, First Dragoons. This information was written here by Major Carleton. It was calculated to do harm in three ways. First. That troops are apt to relax in their attention to duties pending a change of commanders. Second. That if I was disposed to yield to a feeling of mortification, consequent upon getting information of the change in this way, it might discourage ine in the ready prosecution of my own duties. Third, That our Union citizens here, with whom have established harmonious and intelligible relations, might lose confidence in me from this report, not knowing the general’s good reasons. My own self-respect teaches me that it would be better if the general’s intentions with regard to this command became known through his orders, and that every officer becoming possessed of the designs of his superiors should have reticence enough (particularly now) to keep them to himself and not make them the subject of gossip. I shall work, captain, even under this rumor, with the Əl R R—VOL L, PT I same hearty good will, to be able to turn over to Captain Smith a command that he may find efficient, and I have no feeling about the proposed change, only about its mode of communication. With high respect, I am, your most obedient servant,

JNO. W. DAVIDSON,