Viewing page 11 of 82

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

14 Office Sub Commissioner 
District of Meridian 
Meridian Miss Apl, 17/66.  

Eldridge Stuart 
Lt & AAA Genl 
Vicksburg Miss 

Sir 
I sent you a Dispatch to you this morning stating that the commanding Officer of this Post at this place was tearing down a Government Building for the use of a private Citizen, that I wanted for a School room. I was in hopes Genl Wood commanding Department would [[?]] and such work but as I have had no reply to my telegram I deem it my duty to report more fully 
Ever since I have been here I have been trying to get a room for school purposes, but until lately have been baffled in every attempt with much difficulty I succeeded in getting half of a log Hut a few weeks ago, and when the Govt. buildings were vacated here a day or two ago, I called the Freedmen together and all the carpenters among them volunteered their services to make seats writing desks &c and had been at work some time where said commanding Officer ordered them to stop, and he commenced tearing it down for the purpose of having it removed to the residence of Dr Chadwick a citizen of this place, to be used by him for a Residence. I asked Capt Holbrook why he wanted to convert the building into the use or Dwelling of a private Citizen and he told me he could make some money out of it. I told him I should report him whereupon he said he would not move it and the Carpenters again commenced work. After he had been absent about an hour he sent me the enclosed order. I do not hesitate to say 
15 
that this Officer is unfit for the position he holds here, he has been reported drunk much of the time since he arrived, his men are all over town at houses of bad repute in the day time, and on Friday night last the city Marshal tried to take him to the Caboose but by the reason of his being so drunk that he would have to carry him left him lying in the street. It is unnecessary for me to make any remark about such proceedings. At a time like this and in a country when so much feeling exists against Govt Officers it is very important that their conduct should be more exemplary. 
I would respectfully ask are we to be deprived of a school room for the purpose heretofore stated 
Very Respectfully 
Your Most Obt Svt. 
J. M. J. Knox 
Bvt Maj and Sub Commr 
Dis of Meridian 

Office Sub Commissioner
Meridian Miss
April 19th 1866

Moxey Mr Robt Maxey
Dear Sir 
I send back under guard two Freedmen Pete Hampton who entered complaint here this morning to the effect that you had seen them off, the reason for your so doing seems to be frivolous, and have concluded thay are to blame instead of you. I have talked to them and do not think thay will leave you again under similar circumstances Very Respectfully Your most Obt Svt Jno. J. Knox Bvt Maj & Sub. Comm'r Dis of Meridian

Transcription Notes:
The format must be corrected. There must be breaks in between the paragraphs. ---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-06-24 14:31:50