Smith P. Bankhead to Epmmund P. Turner, May 20, 1863

Capt. EpmMuND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant-General :

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to inform you that, in obedience to your instructions, and after consultation with Judge Buckner, I sent two companies of cavalry (Stucken’s and Weyman’s) into Medina County, with instructions to arrest such conscripts as were not necessary for defense against Indians. They succeeded in arresting 25 conscripts, and, but for information communicated by a disaffected German, named Gertes, some 20 more would have been arrested.

I have Gertes in confinement, and ask for instructions as to the disposition to be made of him. He has violated civil and military law in communicating intelligence to a people in rebellion against our authorities, and I recommend that he be tried by a military commission.

I herewith inclose a copy of a communication from citizens of Medina County, and ask for instructions.

If martial law was proclaimed in Medina and other counties adjoining, I think the disaffected could be brought to punishment.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,