Morgan, John Hunt (1825-1864) to E. S. Burford
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02700 Author/Creator: Morgan, John Hunt (1825-1864) Place Written: Sparta, Tennessee Type: Letter signed Date: 2 May 1863 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 25.2 x 19.9 cm. Order a Copy
Morgan writes to Burford, assistant adjutant general. Relates his failure to comply with General Orders No. 4. Writes, "I would beg leave to say that, with half a Regiment at one point & half at another, with a command scattered over a line of County nearly a hundred & fifty miles in extent, picketing, doing courier duty, scouting, and guarding commissary trains, it is, in my opinion, an impossibility for them to comply fully with the provisions of that order." Reports that to comply with the orders, he would have to place very regimental commander in his division under arrest. Docketed in pen and what appears to be blue crayon.
Written before Morgan's raid, which took place 11 June 1863.
Hd. Qrs. Morgan's Div.
Sparta May 2d 1863
Major E.S. Burford, A.A.G.
Major:
In reply to the communication from the General Comdg. in regard to the non-compliance by Reg'tal Comm'der with Genl. Orders No 4 from Corps Hd. Qrs. I would beg leave to say that, with half a Regiment at one point & half at another, with a command scattered over a [struck: r] line of county nearly a hundred & fifty miles in extent, picketing, doing courier duty, scouting, and guarding commissary trains, it is, in my opinion, an impossibility for them to comply fully with the provisions of that Order. If, however, the General Comdg. deems it advisable, I will immediately place every Regimental Commander in my Division under arrest, and prefer charges as directed.
Very Respecty, Major,
Jno. H. Morgan
Brig. Gen.
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