2nd New York Cavalry

Item LTR-6223

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 4 pages written in period ink.


Headquarters Delock Cavalry
Steam Levee Cotton Press
New Orleans, Louisiana

April 14th 1864

Lieut. Col. W. Babcock
A.A.D.C
Office Chief of Cav.

Colonel,

I would respectfully ask if Lieut. Rockwell, A.A.Q.M. at this Post is under my command.

He informs me that he is under orders from Genl. Lee and no one inferior. Also claims that he is authorized to make such dispositions of the stables and quarters as he shall think proper and that he is only responsible for the quarters and condition of this Post. If this be so, I would like to be informed.

I supposed him to be simply A.A.Q.M. assigned to this Post for duty under my orders as Commandant of the Post.

The stables and quarters of this Post are in a filthy condition, owing want of wagons to do police duty. The requisitions for stationary of mil. Com. were forwarded to you by Lieut. Rockwell without my knowledge.

The military commission was convened pursuant to orders from these Head Quarters. A Court Martial was not ordered for the reason that officers for a General Court could not be spared from their commands. This commission consists of three officers. They make a report of their proceedings to me each day. Enclosed I send you a copy of yesterday’s proceedings which please return to me. I also send you a copy of charges and specifications against Private James McManus 3rd R.I. Cav. If you think this court compliant to try the case, please return them. Please inform me how much authority you think this court has to inflict punishment.

Most of the troops of this comd. are new men and require strict discipline to which I am approximating as fast as possible. I have a Lieut. appointed as Provost Marshal of the Post whose duty it is to execute all sentences of labor, etc. and who takes charge of all prisoners.

If wall tents are furnished officers here so that they can all quarter near their companies, I expect quite a change for the better in this command soon.

I respectfully submit the above for your information.

Very Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,

A. L. Gurney
Lieutenant Colonel
Commanding



[On reverse]

Office Chief of Cavalry
New Orleans, La.
April 15, 1864

Respectfully returned. Lt. Rockwell, as well as other officers at the Steam Levee Press, is under Lt. Col. Gurney’s command. Instructions from this office, in any particular case, will have precedence.

Lt. Col. Gurney is responsible for the government, discipline, and cleanliness of his command and will require and have from Lt. Rockwell any service or assistance which he deems necessary and proper.

Lt. Col Gurney will communicate the substance of this endorsement to Lt. Rockwell, so far as the former relates to him.

The Military Commission referred to within should be forthwith dissolved.

By Command of Brig. Gen. Lee

W. Babcock
Lt. Col. & A.A.D.C.


Willoughby Babcock was promoted to Brevet Brigadier General and mortally wounded at Winchester, VA on September 19, 1864.