Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-03-31

worse than its march from Bardstown 70 the lat
ter places, no order or discipline was maintained
by the commanding officers, and anarchy and
confusion reigned triumphant.
In order that your ExcellencJ may understand
that the Irish regiment is composed of no
worse material than that which enters in
TO the composition of other regiments, but,
ON the contrary, that il possesses the ele-
ments which constitute il first class corps, when
in charge of good commander, the undersigned
would most respectfully direct the attention Of
your Excellency to few facts in juxtaposition TO
those related above.
The march of the regiment from Louisville TO
Bardstown was made under the command Of
Colonel Walker: perfect order prevailed in the
regiment on the entire route. We arrived at
Baristown in the best possible condition. and
were universally complimented for the fine ap-
pearance of our corps. During most of the time
that we were located at Bardstown, Colonel Walk
er was on detached dnty-yet he gave personal
attention TO the internal management Of the regi-
ment, and, as consequence. good discipline and
perfect harmony prevailed in. our camp. The
Irish regiment while at BardstOwn, under the dis
cipline enforced by Its Colonel, earned for itself
the reputation of the best, the most orderly, and
the most reliable regiment among the many that
were stationed at that post.
At Bowling Green Col. Walker reoined his
regiment and, in a shorter time than any one
supposed it could be DONE reconstructed the pom
toon bridge across the river, and conducted the
march of the regiment to Nashville in as perfect
order and with as little difficulty as ne conducted
it from Louisville TO Bardstown.
Our regiment is now brigaded, and our men
are in fine condition for action in the field. As
already stated, perfect harmony exists among the
officers and among the men, with the single ex-
ception of the dissatisfaction which has beeu oc-
casoned by the appointment of John E BaIfe to
the Lieutenant Colonecy of the regiment. Judg
ing by the past, we have no reason 70 suppose
that the Colonel of the regiment may not at any
moment be placed on detached service, and we
feel 1t our duty 70 say to your Excelency, in
/ most explicit terms, that unwilling TO be
commanded on the march or in the field by Mai
Balfe. In addition to this fact Col. Walker we
are informed, has rendered his resignation TO the
Commander of this Military Department. II he
insists upon the acceptance OF his resignation,
the undersigned will, in justice to themselves,
tender their designations also.
In conclusion, the undersigned officers of the
Irish regiment feel it our duty to say that We are
in all respects perfectly satis, with the person
| al and official conduct of our commanding officer
He has discharged the duties of every position in
which he has been placed faithfully and efficient
ly and, informed, to the satisfaction Of his
superiors in command His bearing towards the
officers OF the regiment has been universally
harsh language towards the men under his com
mand, or of his doing anything that could be
considered oppressive. He is as humane Off
Ger we have ever seen, and we are happy TO
bear testimony to the fidelity he has exhibited in
protecting the health of the men and providing
for the physical comforts of the regiment. We
express it as our sincere conviction that nine
tenths of the regiment have perfect confidence
in the capacity of Col. Walker, and that they
esteem him personally so highly that they would
not exchange him if they could for any other
commander.
In view of all these facts, the undersigned do
most earnestly request that your Exceilency-
actuated as we know you will be by a desire to
promote the efficiency of our corps-will aDnul
the commission of Lieutenant Colonel issued TO
Major B, lfe, and cause Capt John O. Hughes,
in whose capacity we have perfect confidence, to
be appointed to that Office.
We will add that it is our sincere conviction
that there are not ten men in the regiment who
desire Major Balfe to command them in any Ca
pacity whatever. Respectfully submitted.
John p Duliicy, Captain Co. B.,
John Grove, Captain Co. H.
John p Dunn, Captain Co. ID,
John Dillon, LIST 1t. Cong Co. A,
Christopher H o 'Brien, LIST Ii. Cob,
NJ. W. Glenn, LIST 1t. Co. X,
A. F. Farrar. LIST 1t Cong Co. f,
Augustus g. Tapin, LIST 1t Co. d,
John SculIy, lst Lit. Cong Co. /,
Edward @. Breene, LIST 1t. Co. E,
Levi Waltz, % 1t. Co. H,
j. NJ. Brasher, I'd 1t Co. F,
VIM. Patton, ID 1t. Co. /,
Dick Cummins. ID 1t. Co. K,
c. G. Galezio, ID 1t. Cong Co. c,
Mike Fitzpatrick, ID 1t. Co. A,
1t. A. B. Clifford, Leader of Band.
The following officers have been seen since
the above article was gotten up, and most cheer
fully and cordially indorse all that it contains:
VIM. Hipwell, Captain Co. G,
James R. Mulikin, Captain Co. X,
Thomas Prvce Cantain Co