427 Series I Volume XXXIV-II Serial 62 - Red River Campaign Part II
Page 427 | Chapter XLVI. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION. |
being in a great measure thrown on my own resources, I have exchanged with him, in accordance whit the cartel published in General Orders, Numbers 142, series 1862, War Department. I now have 6 of my men under parole to be exchanged for Captain Rutherford, sent to you on the steamer Dove on 10th instant. I promised Captain George W. Rutherford that I would apply for the exchange of his brother James, now your prisoner, but did not assure him of his release. If the major-general commanding deems it best I will try and capture enough of the enemy before long to get even. I now owe the enemy 27 privates. One good raid on him will more than balance our exchange account.
If I am permitted to pursue this plan it will restore my men to duty infinitely more promptly than by waiting for a formal exchange through the commissioners. I keep a detailed record of all matters of this kind, having a regular debit and credit account. Have the kindness to representant this matter to the major-general commanding and inform me of his decision, and also whether he will return Captain James Rutherford to the enemy or not.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. R. LIVINGSTON,
Colonel First Nebraska Cavalry, Commanding District.
CAIRO, ILL., February 26, 1864.
(Received 5.10 p. m.)
His Excellency A. LINCOLN,
President United States:
I desire to come to Washington. I have facts to lay before the Judge-Advocate-General. I have been relieved of a command I had formed, and no reason assigned known to me.
I have to send you the following telegram from Governor Murphy. I did not send it from Little Rock because I did not wish to add to your anxiety about the discords there:
LITTLE ROCK, ARK., February 15, 1864.
A. LINCOL,
President United States:
General Davidson is a true man and soldier, a patriot whom the unconditional Union men of Arkansas trust with unlimited confidence. Any action against him will be against the Union element here and against your own policy; this an investigation will show.
ISAAC MURPHY,
Provisional Governor of Arkansas.
I cannot do duty with honor until this question of the insult put upon me by General Steele be investigated.
With high respect,
J. W. DAVIDSON,
Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers.
CAIRO, ILL., February 26, 1864.
(Received 5.20 p. m.)
CHIEF OF CAVALRY BUREAU,
Washington, D. C.:
I report as per order of General-in-Chief of January 30. I want to come to Washington. I cannot do duty whit honor until the
Page 427 | Chapter XLVI. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION. |