William S. Rosecrans to Braxton Bragg, December 4, 1862

General BRAXTON BRAGG:

GENERAL: With regard to General Orders, of your War Department, No. 84,¢ I protest against it as inhuman and barbarous. These officers have had no hearing. The accusations on which the order was probably predicated have never been referred to their superiors, and it is highly probable that the persons who have made complaints against them have been following the savage and disgraceful system of guerrilla warfare, the effect of which is to breed robbers and murderers, and to carry war and desolation into peaceful communities. I speak from observation and conviction. As to complaints of outrages on citizens of Clarksville, were I to furnish you with a tithe of the complaints which I receive of the treatment of quiet and peaceful citizens, of loyal men, loyal to a Government older and having better title to claim loyalty

than the one you represent, it would take a wagon to carry the communications on the subject. [ have always and everywhere expressed my abhorrence of the system of harassing and arresting non-combatants, who are strictly so. My sentiments are known not only to the troops under my command, but to all officers of your command with whom I have had the pleasure of conversing. I never authorize or permit the arrest of such persons unless there is a prima facie case of a forfeiture of their claims to non-combatants by acts bearing the character of military mischief. I requested an expression of the same sentiments from the Confederate officers in Mississippi, but had not the pleasure of receiving it. I believe I may anticipate an expression of entire disapprobation of the system from you, and hope that you will forbid the system of terrorism and abuse by your troops of those peaceful people, who are supposed by them not to sympathize with your cause. Pillage and wanton destruction of private property is strictly prohibited and vigorously punished whenever detected. The burning of houses is only justified when they have been used as little fortifications. As to complaint No. 4, I think it so improbable as to deserve no comment. I am, general,

very respectfully, your obedient servant,