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appointed for the purpose. Col. Mitchell the Officer immediately in charge is cleared of all blame in the premises, complimented in the inspection report and immediately promoted to a higher and more important position, but wholesale and sweeping charges are made against Col. Eaton (who was connected only remotely & who was operating by orders & through Col. Mitchell) to the effect that he was cognizant of all these petty crimes and was putting money into his own pocket.

As to the Seventh Charge.

The record shows clearly that no employee, enlisted man or officer was retained in the Freedmens Dep't one moment after he was suspected of incompetency or dishonesty, if it was possible to get rid of him. It was oftentimes difficult to get them relieved at once. Military Commanders in some of the Districts assumed to control the Freedmens Dep't within the limits of their respective commands - assigned Officers and men to different positions and relieved them at will without consulting Col. Eaton and often, in direct opposition to his wishes. Col. Eaton had obstacles thrown in his way constantly by Comd'g Generals who ought to have aided and assisted him, and difficulties to surmount which are not generally known. It was almost impossible to obtain competent and worthy men and Officers to fill the necessary positions. Officers and men detailed and