.MTAzMw.NjkxODc

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into the condition of the accounts of 1st Lieut. Robert Neely, 24" Infy.,

       It will be seen from these proceedings that Lt. Neely is a defaulter, to the extent of between two and three thousand Dollars in money, and that there is a deficiency in his Stores, amounting to about twelve hundred Dollars.  From copies of enclosed telegrams it will also be seen that his Officer escaped from the guard placed over him, and is not at large.
         During my visit to Fort Brown in April last, the Commdg. Officer, Major Merriam, told me he had the resignation of 1st Lieut. Robert Neely of his Regiment, 24th Infy., in his possession, with the understanding that it was to be forwarded, whenever he became drunk again - that although he was satisfied this officer had been frequently drunk in town, since his resignation had been placed in his hands, yet he could get no legal evidence to the fact, and that he was the A. C. S. at the Post.  I said this officer should at least be relieved from that duty, and he was accordingly relieved the 27th April by Lieut. Lester, 24" Infy., as suspicion was entertained that his accounts were not all right.
         The Actg. Inspector General of the Department, Major G. B. Russell made an official Inspection of the Commissary Department that very day, I think, April 27th, and reported everything right, see Extract from his Report Enclosed, marked (1).
         The Inspection Report of the Commanding Officer of the Post for April 30th. was delayed to 13th. of May, that a report might be made of state of Commissary funds for April 30th - but owing to illness of Lieut. Neely, and desertion of the Commissary-Sergeant, it was not done.  See Extract from Major Merriam's Report, enclosed, marked (2).  Nothing further was heard of the case and it was supposed everything was settled.
          On June 23rd. I received from the Commd'g. Officer Fort Brown the telegram, copy enclosed (3), to which I answered, see copies of telegrams, (4 and 5.), on 24th. was received telegram, copy enclosed (6.), and on July 6th., the one, copy enclosed, marked (7.), since then nothing has been heard of Lieut. Neely.
          It will be seen that the amount of funds reported on hand to the Commanding General by Lieut. Neely, April 25th, is substantially the amount as reported to Major Russell on the 27th, and verified by him as on hand - $2000.00 of it being a Check on Assistant Treasurer at New York, drawn by Paymaster Nicholls.  It would appear that subsequently Lieut. Neely induced the Paymaster to receive back this check and return the funds given for it.  See telegram, copy marked (6.)