Viewing page 61 of 315

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

Head Quarters
Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen & Abandoned Lands
Sutherland Springs, Wilson County, Texas
March 28th 1866

Adjutant
I ask to be excused for not being up to time in making my monthly report for March. On the 15th Jany last I asked to be supplied with twenty five men and a commissioned officer. I was answered by Col Houghton Brig. Genl Commd'g post at San Antonio, that the number was too few - it would derogate from the dignity of a commissioned officer - and he, Genl Houghton, thought ten men and a non-commissioned officer were enough. On my simplicity, I had not looked for such a sentiment from an officer in the U.S. service. I could not find any zeal amongst the officers with whom I came in contact, and had to be satisfied with the ten men offered me. On the 25th of same month they were ordered to report to their regiment, and their place supplied, at the same time, by seven men and horses, four of whom are Germans of the lowest order, and one an Irishman of the same grade of character. The sergeant in command can barely write his name, and the other two (Americans) are indifferent men.
Such are the forces at my command, with which I have had to do the work of these Hd Quarters - No Post, No Commissary, No Hospital, No Surgeon

Transcription Notes:
2.1.2023 - Transcribed per guidelines and marking for review