Today in History:

1475 Series II Volume II- Serial 115 - Prisoners of War

Page 1475 SUSPECTED AND DISLOYAL PERSONS.

J. B. Bowman (re-examined). - After using all exertions to get newspaper article in reference to Bowman I re-examined him without it. The letter of Mr. Moore was shown him. He said on the Wednesday preceding the battle of the 21st the First and Second New Jersey Regiment were stationed at his house. On Sunday morning the colonel of the Second New Jersey Regiment impressed him team to take a surgeon to Centerville. He could not resist because he says as he said before his team had been used in the service of the Confederate Government. He says his negro driver ran off on the day the New Jersey regiment came to his house. He was told if he did not go they would find a driver for his team. He feared he would lose his team if this was done. He hitched up his Jersey wagon to go. While he was doing this the surgeon asked him him to take two gentleman along who would pay him well. He agreed to do so. They turned out to be reporters. He says on the way Mr. Moore fell in behind them on horseback and went to a relation's. Prisoner says he went to Centerville and immediately returned, getting home to dinner. He further says he told me he had gone with this party to Centerville that day. I asked him if he was willing to move his family back into the interior of the county and remain in the Confederacy. He replied he could not get his family out of the enemy's lines. Said his father-in-law is an Englishman, living in New York and taking no part in this war, and able and willing to give him and his family the means of support. Says he wishes to be discharged on his parole not to aid in this war. He expresses now reluctance to take the oath of allegiance. Says the enemy have taken his property. If he takes the oath he will not be paid for it. Expresses a wish to go to New York. Says two of his neighbors are prisoners in Washington. If released on his parole he will procure the release of one of them.

Case: On this examination I must say I do not recollect his stating to me he was at Centerville the day of the battle. He did tell me the First and Second New Jersey Regiments were at his house and impressed his tream for the service of the enemy. I remember he told me the negro had run off. But I do not remember his telling me this in connection with the battle at Centerville. His account of that matter now is clear and distinct, and on in I might have recommended his release on condition of removing into the interior of the State if he had manifested now the same interest in the Confederacy that he did on his former examination. But when with this this proposition his heart appears to be with the North. I cannot with my present views recommend his discharge.

William H. Williamson (herefore examined.) - I return herewith a pencil note received from Williamson. He expresses a desire to go to work here as a shoemaker if he cannot return home. I recommend his release on condition he does not go within our lines on the Potomac without special permission of the commanding general to go there and remove his family. If it would not be improper I would suggest whenever this can be done it is the best disposition which can be made of all persons on the theater of action who may have incurred the suspicion of the commanding officers.

[Indorsement.]

JANUARY 25, 1862.

Acted on, and Caleb Wriston, John Wriston and W. H. Williamson ordered to be released.

ROBT. OULD,

Assistant Secretary of War.


Page 1475 SUSPECTED AND DISLOYAL PERSONS.