.MTAzNA.NjkzMDg

[red ink] 1872

Richardson Ft. C.O.

Endorsement on Charges and Specifications preferred against Capt. Mason Jackson 11th Inf. by Lt. Col. G. P. Buell 11th Inf. (J 11 CB DT 72) (2748D.T. 72 enclosed) Received D.T. Oct 12, 1872

Respectfully returned to the C.O. Ft. Richardson, Texas, This is a second time an officer has been arrested and charges preferred against him at Ft. Richardson, within the last two months for violation of a "Circular" or "letter" which it is claimed they never saw. In his letter enclosed Capt. Jackson states that, "It is not customary to furnish companies with copies of Circulars relating exclusively to officers." This is wrong, all instructions and directions concerning duty at a post affecting either officers or men, should be promulgated as orders and placed upon each company order book as prescribed by regulations. If officers do not see orders then it is their own fault and they can be held responsible for faults committed in consequence. It is not believed these charges can be sustained under the circumstances, and even if they could, it is doubtful, if frequent recourse to Courts Martial - either for officers or enlisted men is conducive to the best interests of the service, which requires a conscientious performance of duty - not one constrained by fear of punishment.

There are of course officers and soldiers who are to be restrained only by fear, but the number is believed to be small. Certainly Capt. Jackson is not one of these, and it is not doubted if he had known the Circular in question, he would have strictly conformed to it.

The Circular is a very proper one, but it should be made an "order" and published to the Command.

It is advised that the charges be withdrawn and Capt. Jackson restored to duty.

D.T. Oct 14 72 By Command of Genl Augur (Sgd) G. B. Russell A.A.A. Genl

QM Genl U.S.A. Endorsement on wrapper enclosing Account Current and Abstracts A & B of Post QM Ft. Richardson for month of Sept. 1872, in relation to payment of regular supplies (M 1021 DT 72) Received DT Oct 11, 72 Respectfully forwarded to the QM Genl of the Army. Referring to the QM Genl's letter of Sept 25, 72 I have simply to remark that the irregularities complained of in the administration of the Quarter Master's Department in Texas, existed if at all some year or two before I came to the Department and that I know nothing of them except from common rumor - the same that Mr. Baldwin refers to.

[red ink] 1809