Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1863-02-03
ADJUTANT & INSPECTOR GEMS OFFICE, J
RICHMOND, December 18, 1862
GENERAL ORDERS

ADJ UTANT & INSPECTOR GEN'S-OFFICE,
RICHMOND. December 49, 1862. !
l. AT Court of Enquiry, convened at Staunton, Va,
Dec. Sd, 1862 by virtue Of Special Orders No. 27S
paragraph XIX, from the Adiutant and Inspector
Generals office, Richmond, to examine and report
upon certain charges and imputations against Colonel
M. G. Hartman, SD Va Vols, respecting his conduct
whilst acting as Quartermaster at Staunton Va and
also as Enrolling Oicer at the same place, the follow
ing report and finding of facts duly made, and
published for the information of concerned
II-REPoRT AND FINDING OF THE COURT
The Court, having considered the evidence
adduced, respectfully report that Immediately after
its organization the Recorder addressed to the
Hon. A. H II. Stuart, requesting interview, for
the purpose of obtaining upon the
subject of its enquiry. The interview was declined
but the desired information forth in letter
frcm that gentleman, which was in part adopted by
the Court the basis of its investigation. This
muncation, to which special reference is here made
appearsi in the records, beginning at page 8.
The Court declined to receive any testimony upon
points not efecting Col. Harman, as quartermaster
and enrolling officer at StauEton, although evidence
was rendered by him to overthrow every imputation
brought to the knowledge of the Court 1t will be
perceived, upon inspecting the record, that several
OF these alleged improprietles refer to period when
COL Harman was not in the service OF the Confede-
rate States and were not therefore, questions within
the jurisdiction of the Court
In the 4th specification of rumors contained in Mr.
Stuars letter to the Court it asserted Colonel Har
man sold hay pasturage, corn and wood to the Gov
eminent, and employed Government teams in hauling
the wood and bay, contrary to the 903d Regulation.
The proof, however shows that these articles were
purchased by Captain Peyton, a Quartermaster at
otaunon at lower rates than could be had elsew
1t was also proven that few loads of wood were
hauled by the Government teams, at the instance OF
Captain Peyton, to relieve the immediate wants OF
the government. and without the knowledge or con-
sent OF Colonel Harman. These facts do not in the
Judgment of the Court constitute violation of the
Regulation above cited but whatever construction
that the transaction without fraud to the inter-
est OF the Government and unworthy Of further
sideration
The Court unable to procure the least evidence
insupport ofany other charge than the just dis
Posed OF, although every person mentioned by Mr..
stuart as ilkel topossess information examined
except when the person dis,aimed such knowledge
after appearing before the Court in obedience to It's
summons.
The record will show that diligent but frutless eff
forts were made to obtain information from other
sources than those suggested by Mr. Stuart and it Is
just to state that every facility that the defence
could render to help forward the investigations was
promptly and cheerfully accorded.
In the opinion OF the Court Colonel Harman has
discharged the responsible duties devoved upon him
with zeal, fidelity and intelligence rarely observed
His official conduct those departments of the SER
vice, respecting which it has been the duty of the
Court to investigate furnishes example worthy of
all imitation. alike credltable to himself and advan-
tageous to the Government.
r Ill. Ihe above named Court of Enquiry, In the
case ofColonel M G.. Harman SID Va. v ols, is here
by dissolved. s
By order. S. COOPER
Jan 13-4t Adutant and Inspector General
- Lex. Gazette and Rock. Reg. copy and send bill
to this office.