.MTAzNA.NjkzMDQ

[red ink] 1872

Sill Fort C. O.

Endorsement on statement of Captain S. T. Norvell, 10 Cavalry, dated Fort Sill, I.T. July 27 1872 in regard to his detail to record the Proceedings of a Board of Survey & with accompanying papers from A to G inclusive [red ink] 2365 D.T. 72 Received from the Comdg. Officer, Ft. Sill, I.T. Aug. 9, 1872 with following endorsement. Respectfully forwarded. In connection with the correspondence between the Post Commander and Capt. S. T. Norvell 10th Cav. the attention of the Dept. Comdr. is respectfully invited to the accompanying papers marked 1, 2 & 3, and the endorsements thereon. They are enclosed as an evidence that Capt Norvell has before exhibited the same spirit as that manifested in the case he now lays before the Dept. Comdr. I do not deem it necessary to say anything in explanation of my course towards this officer except that the leniency with which he has been treated would not have been exercised towards him, were he not in the main, a very good officer. The duty required of Capt. Norvell was but trifling, and Lieut. [?Harmon's] services were very important on other urgent duty and it was impracticable on that day to detail another Officer in his place on the Board. The Board took no action during Lt. Harmon's temporary action and therefore Capt. Norvell did no writing in connection therewith except in making protests and complaints to his Commanding Officer. Respectfully returned to the C.O. Ft. Sill, I.T. The Comdg. General thinks it was hardly necessary to have had these papers referred to him. It is much better to have these misunderstandings arranged and quieted at the post when they occur. The junior members of a Board of Survey is always ex-officio recorder of the same, and it is for the Commanding Officer to say, who or how many shall constitute the Board, though it is always better when practicable to observe the usual rule Capt. Norvell's letters and endorsements are not courteous or respectful, and an officer of his rank and service should have known it. The service can never be harmonious or efficient when officers stand and make complaints on small and immaterial points, officers have their rights which must be respected and at the same time they have their duties, one of the most important of which is to labor for harmony and efficiency in the Regiment or Post. Give Capt Norvell a copy of this endorsement.

3 Enc. D.T. Aug 1072

By Command of General Augur (Sgd) J. A. Augur A A A General