Montgomery C. Meigs to Rufus Ingalls, June 20, 1863

Brig. Gen. R. INGALLS, Chief Quartermaster, Army of the Potomac:

GENERAL: I am informed that on the route of the march of the Eleventh Corps a large number of horses and mules were abandoned. It is said, though I know not on what authority, that some1,100 were abandoned on the route. Let this be inquired into, so that if there has been carelessness and unnecessary waste, the guilty may be punished, and, if the report be slanderous, the department may be prepared to answer it.

Quite a large number of horses and mules branded “U. 8.” are found in possession of sutlers and other civilians, and are being seized on this side of the river. I am told that many of these personsshow what purport to be certificates of officers or quartermasters that they have ald less horses or mules to persons claiming them.

As no officer has a right to sell a Gevernment horse or mule until condemned and branded (C), these certificates will be disregarded, and the animals seized and turned over to the quartermaster at the depot. Many such are spread throughout the lower counties of Maryland, and will be seized wherever they come within reach of the Government officers or police.

It requires great vigilance and severity to protect the public interests during such rapid movements as are now in progress.

Icall your attention to every report, not doubting that you will be able to correct, to punish, to prevent, or to proc explanations defending the officers against charges of carelessness, if these charges are unfounded., It is our duty to be prepared to meet these charges.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,