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suffering had been entailed upon them, but in all the examination the Board found nothing against Lt. Col. Mitchell. In closing their report of the inspection the Board, instead of censuring, complimented him.
The following extract from said report explains itself. "The Board examined the Office of Col. Mitchell in Natchez and found his books and accounts well kept and industry and system apparent. The organization of his Department and the varied labors imposed upon him, have evidently withdrawn him too much from that personal supervision of detail which would have covered the evils of which mention is made. The subordinates upon whose fidelity and accuracy he too much relied were unworthy of their positions and a radical change is advised."
Maj. Genl. Davidson placed the most implicit confidence in Col. Mitchell's integrity and although it was thought best to relieve him and place a new man in charge of the Dist. yet he was immediately promoted to the position of Provost Marshal General of the District.
Serg't Sykes was detailed and assigned to duty in charge at freedmen Camp by order of Maj. Genl. Dana and could not be relieved without his order, and he remained in charge till after the inspection above referred to. As soon as Lt. Nm Thirds' incompetency was suspected he was compelled to resign and leave the service. It was not known that he had been guilty of fraud.
Here was an examination made in the most minute and systematic manner by a Board of Officers specially