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collected which will be turned over to the Post QM. A Monthly report of the monies received will be forw'd to these Hqs. DT SA Tx Jul 31 1874 By Command of Brig. Genl. Augur A.A.A. Genl.

Griffin Ft. CO 312

Endorsement on Communication from the A.J Advocate of the Dept. relative to a communication of Lt. Col. Buell forwarding charges against Capt. Keyes, 10 Cav together with other enclosures, a copy of request for a Court of Inquiry by Capt. Keyes &c (3111 DT 74) 2658 DT 74 (3006 DT 74 & 5 Encl filed with 3111 DT 74 Respectfully to CO Ft. Griffin. The Commanding Genl does not regard this case as one requiring a Court of Inquiry. All the issues that facts of the case seem to be admitted by both sides. While Capt. Keyes should be tried on some of the charges preferred against him to do so at this time when the services of the officers necessary for a Court are essential in the field, would, it is feared, cause greater injury to the service than that likely to be corrected by it. Under these circumstances it is directed that he be released from arrest and ordered to his company.

   While Capt Keyes escaped a trial, he must understand that his conduct in this whole transaction from first to last is not approved.
   Lieut. Col. Buell's arrangement for making his scouts effective by contracting baggage and limiting transportation was soldierly and eminently proper, and it was the duty of Capt. Keyes, being in command of a company to have been one of the first to set the example of ready and cheerful obedience.
   In the field after Indians is no place for officers to make or stand upon small points, or to permit their personal or professional preferences to interfere with the dispositions or desires by the Cmdg Officer, and no thorough soldiers will do so.  It is believed that Capt Keyes has cause of complaint that Lt. Col. Buell took action against him on the report of another officer without ascertaining such to be the fact, the Genl. Comd'g believes Lt. Col. Buell to have been misled by the report of Lt. Cratt and thinks he erred in not sending for the officers referred to and learn from them direct their real intent and purposes.   While a Comdg Officer may not properly order that two officers shall Mess together, he can so limit transportation and baggage the the messing together will follow as a necessity.   
  This is what should have been done in this case, as it is presumed to have been a matter of indifference too Lt. Col. Buell what officers Messed together his idea being merely to limit baggage & transportation to his idea of what was necessary.