of the law, I find that he will not be allowed an opportunity for a hearing till after he may be retired, should the President so decide; and as there would be great difficulty, if not impossibility, in his getting such examination now as is due him, I respectfully that action be suspended until he can have advantage of a court of inquiry, should he so desire.

Very respectfully,

R. RANSOM, JR.,

Major-General.

[First indorsement.]

MAY 23, 1864.

Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War, with recommendation that court of inquiry b ordered in this case, as suggested by General Ransom and requested by General Barton.

S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General.

[Second indorsement.]

MAY 23, 1864.

ADJUTANT-GENERAL:

Your suggestion is approved. Let a court of inquiry be convened.

J. A. SEDDON,

Secretary.

RICHMOND, May 23, 1864.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General:

GENERAL: I have the honor to request that a court of inquiry be called as soon as the interest of the service may allow to investigate certain allegations made against me by Major General R. Ransom, Provisional Army, C. S.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. M. BARTON,

Brigadier-General.

SPECIAL ORDER, WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Numbers 123.
ADJT. AND INSPECTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE, Richmond, Va., May 27, 1864.

* * * *

II. On the application of Brigadier General S. M. Barton a court of inquiry is hereby ordered to convene in this city on the 7th proximo, or as soon thereafter as practicable, to inquire into certain allegations as to the conduct of Brigadier General S. M. Barton on the 10th instant made by Major General Robert Ransom, jr.

Detail for the Court: Major General John P. McCown, Brigadier General A. G. Blanchard, Major General W. M. Gardner, Major L. R. Page, assistant adjutant-general, judge-advocate.

The Court will report fully facts, and will express its opinion on the merits of the case.

By command of the secretary of War:

JNO. WITHERS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

15 R R-VOL XXXVI, PT II