5th.–The deed is done. The blood-hounds tracked out at least a part of their game. The following will tell its own tale :
Headquarters ______ Reg’t _____Vols,”
Camp Griffin, Virginia, March 5th, 1862.
Regimental Order,
No. 72.Privates _____, _____, _____, _____, _____, _____, _____[1] are detailed for extra duty in the Regimental Hospital. They will report to the Surgeon at the hospital forthwith, taking with them their knapsacks, arms, accoutrements, but no ammunition.
Privates _____, _____, _____, _____, _____, _____, _____, _____, _____, _____[2] are relieved from extra duty at the Regimental Hospital, and will report for duty forthwith, to their company commanders.
The above changes in the attaches of the hospital is deemed necessary, on account of the late complimentary presentation, made by the attendants now relieved to the Surgeon in charge of the hospital. This was in violation of the spirit of the army regulations, and of the usage of the service.[3] Yet it is believed that in so doing the men were guilty of no intentional wrong, and were actuated by the better impulses of human nature; and there is, too, much reason to believe that they have been misled by the precedents which have been but too many in the volunteer service. While it is not intended to disgrace the soldiers above named, it is considered that by making this present to their superior in the Medical Department, they have so embarrassed their relationship to that officer as to render the continuance of that relationship subversive of military discipline.
The relationship of officers and soldiers is that of instruction and command on the one part, and of respect and obedience on the other. All discipline is based upon this theory, and while the officer will receive in his own consciousness of duty discharged, and the disinterested approval of his superiors and peers, his sufficient reward, the soldier, by doing his duty in the defence of his country, will continually pay a greater compliment, and make a more acceptable presentation to his officer than handiwork can fashion or money buy.
By order of the Colonel Commanding,
_____ _____ _____, Adjutant.”
Copy, Official.
_____ _____ _____, Adjutant
Well, there is a good deal of rhetorical high-fa-lu-tin in all that; but after it shall have been laughed at, hooted and ridiculed by all who see it, I wonder how much comfort the poor soldier who has had his hip shattered or his spine dislocated by a shell, will derive from the recollection of this rhetorical sophistry, whilst he is being handled on the battle field as a bear would handle him, instead of by those hands which had for months been trained to a knowledge of the business, and now withheld for the gratification of a cowardly vindictiveness.
But take it all in all, the above is a remarkable document. Nothing recognized but order and obedience. Affection for the commander is entirely ignored. It has been my boast and pride, that for months, not one of the ten men taken from me has been ordered. Their affection for me has anticipated my every wish as well as every necessity of the sick, and there has been a constant emulation amongst them as to who could best please me by contributing to the comforts of the sick. This, it seems, is not consistent with the good of the service, and they are all this day returned to the ranks ! Well, if military discipline ignores the impulses of affection, and of obedience from kindness, God deliver me from all such drill.
[2] Names of the ten of the hunted out.
[3] Everybody knows that statement to be false. ‘Twas perfectly in accordance with the uaage at that time and is yet.