Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1863-01-20
ADJ UTANT d INSPECTOR GEN S-OFFICE, |
RICHMOND, December Is, 1862.
GENERAT ORDERS

L. At Court of Enquiry, convened at Staunton, Va,
Dec Sd, 1862 by virtue of Special Orders No. 278,
paragraph XIX, from the Adjutant and Inspector
Generals office, Richmond, to examine and report
upon certain charges and imputatons against Colonel
M. q. Hartman, SID Va Vols, respecting his conduct
whilst acting Quartermaster at Staunton, Va, and
also Enrolling Officer at the place, the fellow
ing report and finding of facts duly made, and
published for the information of all concerned
II-REPoRr AND FINDING OF THE COURT.
The Court, y having considered the evidence
adduced, respectfully report, that Immediately after
its organizations the Recorder addressed note to the
Hon. A Fl H. Stuart, requesting an interview, for
the purpose of obtaining specific information upon the
subject of its enquiry. The interview declined,
but the desired Information set forth in letter
from that gentleman, which was in part adopted by
the Court the basis of its investigation. This
municaton, to which special reference is here made
appears in the records, beginning at page
The Court declined to receive any testimony upon
points not etfecting Col. Hartman, quartermaster
and enrolling officer at Staunton, although evidence
was rendered by him to overthrow every imputation
brought to the knowledge of the Court It will be
perceived, upon inspecting the record, that several
Of these alleged mproprietles refer period when
Col. Hartman was not in the service OF the Confede
rate States, and not, therefore, questions within
the Jurisdiction of the Court
In the 4th specificatio of rumors contained in Mr.
Stuarts 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 hay, contrary to the 903d Regulation
The proof however, shows that these articles were
purchased by Captain Peyton Quartermaster at
STANTON at lower rates than could be had elsewhere
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 Hartman. These facts do not in the
judgment of the Court constitute violation of the
Regulation above cited but whatever construction
may prevail upon this point, the Court is satisfied
that the transaction without fraud, to the inter-
est of the Government, and unworthy of further
sideraton
The Court unable to procure the least evidence
In support ofany other charge than the just dis
posed OF, although every person mentioned by Mr.
Stuart as iikey to possess Information, examined
except when the person dis,laimed such knowledge
after appearing before the Court in obedience to Its
summons.
The record will show that diligent but fruitless eff
forts were made to obtain information from othep
sources than those suggested by Mr. Stuart and 1T
butJus to state that every facility that the defenee
could render to help forward the investigation, was
promptly and cheerfully accorded
In the opinion Of the Court, Colonel Hartman has
discharged the responsible duties devolyed upon him
His official conduct in those departments of the
Court to investigate furnishes example worthy of
all imitation. alike credltable to himself and advan-
tageous to the Government.
III. The above named Court of Enquiry In the
case ofColonel M G. Hartman, SD Va. Vols, is here
by dissolved.
By order. s. COOPER,
Jan 13-4t Adutant and Inspector General.
"a Lex. Gazette and Rock. Reg. copy and send bill
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