looked, the proper course would be to direct a trial by court-martial, rather than to order a summary dismissal in the face of a favorable opinion expressed by a board of competent officers. It is believed that all the facts in this case were fully inquired into and a just decision arrived at, and no further action seems to be called for.

J. HOLT,

Judge-Advocate-General.

[Indorsement.]

WAR DEPARTMENT,

[March 22, 1864.]

Respectfully referred to the Adjutant-General.

Finding of Court of Inquiry in the case of Colonel Simpson is approved. This officer will be released and ordered to duty if under arrest.*

By order of the Secretary of War:

ED. R. S. CANBY,

Brigadier-General and Assistant Adjutant-General.

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*Colonel Simpson was mustered out with his regiment February 23, 1864.

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