Halleck, H.W. (Henry Wager), 1815-1872 to Thomas Ewing
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03602 Author/Creator: Halleck, H.W. (Henry Wager), 1815-1872 Place Written: St. Louis, Missouri Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 January 1862 Pagination: 3 p. ; docket; 22 x 14 cm. Order a Copy
Plans to institute martial law to punish saboteurs and guerillas. "Nothing but the severest punishment can prevent the burning of R.R. Bridges & the great destruction of human life. I shall punish all I can catch...These incendiaries have destroyed in the last 10 days $150,000 worth of R.R. property, notwithstanding that there were more than 10,000 troops kept guarding the R.R. in this state." The destruction is "not usually done by armed & open enemies, but by pretended quiet citizens, living on their farms. A bridge or building is set on fire & the culprit an hour after is quietly ploughing or working in his field." Has "no alternative but to enforce martial law," since "civil courts can give us no assistance" and "Our army here is almost as much in a hostile country, as it was when in Mexico." Expects "a newspaper howl against me as a blood thirsty monster" for his actions, but plans to take these measures no matter the consequences. "I have determined to put down these insurgents & bridge-burners with a strong hand...If I am sustained by the Govt & country, well & good; - if not, I will take the consequences."
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