Letter
Samuel R. Curtis to H. W. Halleok, January 16, 1863
HEADQUARTERS,
Saint Louis, Mo., January 16, 1863.
Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLEOK, General-in-Ohief : Telegraphed and wrote yesterday, in reply to Secretary of War, asking time to communicate by letter on a change so radical as to provostmarshals. The system began with the revolution. It is wide and deeply rooted; substitution, not eradication, may be necessary. Property, police, and public peace require caution. There are no troops where provost-marshals are most useful. The system is no offspring of mine, but I see no need of hasty change of quiet measures, and ask time for explanations and instructions by letter.
SAML. R. CURTIS,
Major-General.
Hpqrs. THIRD BRIGADE, ARMY OF THE FRONTIER,
Hpqrs. THIRD BRIGADE, ARMY OF THE FRONTIER,
Editor's Notes
From: Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Indian Territory, Pt. 1. Location: Saint Louis, Mo.. Summary: Major General Samuel R. Curtis requests time to explain and reconsider proposed radical changes to the provost marshal system, emphasizing caution due to its deep roots and importance for maintaining order.
Topics
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 22, Part 1
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