Ulysses S. Grant to Charles S. Hamilton, January 20, 1863
Memphis, Tenn., January 20, 1863.
Brig. Gen. C. S. HAMILTON, Commanding District of West Tennessee :
GENERAL: Complaints have come in from Somerville from the few Union men of the outrageous conduct of the Seventh Kansas, and in one case of Colonel Leeâs conduct where he was informed of the status of the party. This was the case of Mr. Rivers, who called on Colonel Lee to try and get him to restrain his men, and was replied to by being made to dismount and give up the animal he was riding.
If there are any further complaints, well substantiated, I wish you to arrest Colonel Lee and have him tried for incompetency and his regiment dismounted and disarmed.
The conduct of this regiment at New Albany, in their pursuit of Van Dorn, stopping to plunder the citizens instead of pursuing the enemy when they were so near them, and again when after Richardson, about. the 8th of this month, they passed near where they knew or at least were informed he was and went on to the town for the purpose of plunderâall the laurels won by the regiment and their commander on the pursuit of the enemy from Holly Springs to Coffeeville have been more than counterbalanced by their bad conduct since.
Their present course may serve to frighten women and children and helpless old men, but will never drive out an armed enemy.
with great respect, yours, &c.,
Major-General.