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1872 C.O. 25 Sept

Endorsement on letter of Private Tho's. Wilkins Co F 25 Inf. dated April 20, 1872 [red ink] 1152 D.T. 72 Rec'd from C. O. Ft. Duncan May 2, 72 with the following endorsements.

1st Endorsement USA Post Hospital Fort Duncan, Texas April 29, 1872

Respectfully forwarded to Post Hdqrs. approved. On Nov 30 1871 two enlisted men of Co F 25 Inf. were admitted to this Hospital for bodily injuries inflicted upon them by the first Sergeant of their Co. One of these cases is the within applicant. Private Thomas Wilkins, Co F 25 Inf. who, at the the [sic] time of his admission into the Hospital was in a very precarious condition in consequence of having been tied up in such a manner as to cause some internal leisons. [sic]

Wilkins has ever since been an inmate of this Hospital being unable to do any duty, suffering frequently from severe pectoral and abdominal pains, as [sic] also from serious hemmorrhage from the lungs, the last of which occurred only two weeks ago on the 15 inst.

(Signed) Wm R. Steinmetz Asst. Surg USA Post Surgeon

[red ink in margin] See E[??] 2/1515, 72

Hdqrs Fort Duncan, Texas April 29, 1872 Respectfully forwarded approved. The records of this Post show that Serg't John Thomas Company F 25 Inf. was tried by a Garrison Court Martial convened at this post per S.O. 175 Hdqrs. Post dated Decr 23, 1871 The result of the trial was promulgated in G.O. 1, Hq. Post dated 8 Jany 1872

(Sgd) H. C. Merriam Maj 24 Inf. Coming. Post

Respectfully transmitted to the Commanding Officer 25 Inf.[?thro?] Hdqrs Fort Davis Texas, who will please refer to Comndg Officer Co F 25 Inf., and call his attention to the finding of the Court in the case of Serg't Thomas, wherein he is virtually made responsible for the illegal and cruel punishment inflicted upon privates Leek and Wilkins of his company, and require of him such explanation as he may have to offer in connection therewith.