Unknown to Edwin M. Stanton, March 22, 1862

Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War :

SIR: Mr. Pierce, special agent of this Department at Port Royal, reports that the plantations have been deprived so generally of horses and mules that their cultivation is greatly hindered and in some cases almost entirely prevented. As these animals have been taken for the use of the Army,it seems but just that they should be restored through the agency of the War Department. If you concur with me, will you be good enough to give an order for sending 90 mules and 10 horses to Port Royal immediately, to be placed at the disposal of the special agent ?

E suggest the expediency of an order directing the commanders to respect private property on plantations, so as to prevent the recurrence of such evils as those referred to.

Yours, truly, S. P. CHASE . E ?

Secretary of the Treasury.