W. W. Sanford to J. C. Kelton, July 7, 1862

Col. J. C. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant-General, Corinth, Miss.:

The Seventh Regiment of Kansas Cavalry passed through this place yesterday and to-day on their way to Corinth, and ever since their first appearance I have been appealed to to take from them horses they have stolen from the citizens along the route they have traveled from Jackson. I have recovered some of them and handed them over to the owners, but some have eluded me and have gone on to Corinth.

The conduct of this command since it came in this vicinity has been such that it makes one feel ashamed of the volunteer service of the U.S. Army. Complaints come to me of their having robbed the farmers of all their stock and in some cases of their watches and money. I have arrested a corporal of Company F of that regiment who went into a farmer’s house and broke open his trunks and stole from them a watch and some money, and will send him to you as soon as I get the testimony in his case.

They have in some instances attempted to force the women to cohabit with them when found at home alone.

Their conduct in this vicinity has been disgraceful to the Army of the United States.

Major Herrick, commanding the regiment, has done all in his power to restore to the owners such property as his men have taken, as have also some others of the officers.

your obedient servant,