Major-General to Lorenzo Thomas, August 14, 1863

Brig. Gen. L. THomas, Adjutant-General of the Army:

GENERAL : Inclosed I send you a letter directed to General Ransom from A. T. Bowie. Thisis but one of numerous complaints made of the conduct of the Marine Brigade under General Ellet.

I think it highly probable the charges brought against the Marine Brigade are exaggerated. But that this conduct is bad, and their services but very slight in comparison to the great expense they are to Government and the injury they do, I do not doubt. Seven of the finest boats on the Mississippi River are kept for the use of this ‘brigade—the brigade, I understand, not numbering over 800 effectivemen. They live on board their boats, keeping cavalry horses and all with them, I should think very much to the prejudice of their effectiveness and the good of the service.

These boats, in charge of the department commander, might be made very useful in transporting troops from one place to another within the department, and in carrying troops to operate against guerrillas. But then the troops should be selected with reference to their commanding officer, and the numbers necessary with reference to the service to be performed.

If there is nothing in the terms of enlistment of the Marine Briade to prevent it, would earnestly recommend that they be transerred to the land service and their boats to the quartermaster’s

department, to be used as suggested above. If they cannot be so transferred, I would as earnestly recommend that the whole brigade be mustered out of service and the boats be taken for general use. I am fully satisfied the boats are worth much more to the service than the boats and men. Iam, general,

very respectfully, your obedient servant,