Shreveport, LA., June 8, ’65,
Gov. Thos. C. Fletcher,
St. Louis, Mo:
DEAR SIR: Now that the war is over, the main point with every one should be to
restore quiet and good feeling throughout the country, and as many of the
Missouri troops serving in the Confederate armies are being paroled, and are
about returning to your State, I deem it only right that I should inform you of
the conduct of those I have met in this department,
When it was known in the Trans-Mississippi Department that Commissioners had
gone to New Orleans for the purpose of making terms with the United States
authorities, there was a general breaking up of the military organizations, the
men scattering throughout the country, carrying off with them their fire-arms,
and all other Government property they could lay hands upon. The single
exception to this was in the case of the Mississippi troops, who have faithfully
remained together, guarding the forts with their armaments, and all other public
property intrusted to them, turning it over to the officers of the United States
delegated to receive it.
The contract between their conduct and that of most of the other troops in this
department has been marked, and is greatly to their credit.
Within the past
few days, the Missouri division have been paroled, and are now preparing to go
to your State. They have, with but few exceptions, availed themselves of Lieut.
General Grant’s order No. 215, and have taken the oath of allegiance, the
parole and oath being given almost simultaneously.
I have talked with many of the officers and men, and find a general desire among
them to do any thing that is required by the United States Government, and to
become good citizens at once.
I have not the slightest idea that they will give any trouble in the State, and,
having acted so well her, I think it best you should know the fact.
I have the honor to be, Governor, very respectfully, your obedient servant.
(Signed,) F. J. HERRON
Major General.
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Jefferson City, July 8, ‘65
The foregoing is a true copy of Maj. Gen. Herron’s letter to the Governor, in
relation to the praiseworthy conduct of Missouri troops of Trans-Mississippi
(Rebel) Department.
S. HAYRY WRIGHT
Military Secretary.
Source: From the files of Neil Block, Commander, William T. Anderson Camp #1743
SCV; transcribed by Lisa Perry. Original newspaper article source is unknown and
undated.