|
|
|
|
HARRISON TO MONROE (No. 36) Hd. Qtrs NW. Army Miami Rapids 20th Jany 1813 Sir The appointments of Colo. Morrison & Captn. Piatt as Deputy Quarter Master Genl to this army with Coequal authority is calculated to produce the most unfortunate result to the public interests as well from the Confusion which it must produce in the accounts of that Department as from the eternal clashing with regard to there duties in the field -- I wish you sir to be so obliging as to decide between them -- there are some peculiar circumstances which render it impossible for me to have any thing to do in the decision -- General Courts Martial have been Constantly ordered & acted upon by Genl Winchester-- Upon what authority I know not -- I have never heard that a Genl. Court Martial could be ordered by any but the Commanding G.nl of an Army -- nor do I believe it to be lawful -- the President may authorize a Colo. in a seperate Department to order Courts Martial but in the same being in Department that authority can be vested in one person only with out power destructive to subordinate -- I must request you to decide upon this subject also -- I have the Honor to be with great respect Hon. J. A. Monroe Esqr acting Sey of War 75 |
| Ohio_Historical_Society - 1982 Velma Ave. - Columbus, OH 43211 - © 1998 All Rights Reserved. |