Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1863-09-04

/ NOka 004As VI 9nO SVt13 ~ -
| The following correspondence, which has
been handed to us for publication, explains
itself. We may be permitted to add that it
affords US great pleasure to publish this COM
plsse and highly complimentary vindication
Of our worthy fellow-citizen, Col. Hill, from
the groundless accusations brought against
him, especially as it comes from distinguish
cd officer who had no considerations of
party sympathy Or local pride in forming his
opinion on the subject, but whose Judgment
was influenced solely by the merits Of the
| the man and the soldier:
MuscArrNE, Iowa, July 9, 1868.
RRIa. GEN. FUTILE, 3D DIV. 10Th CORPS
Army OF TEsS.-Dear S,r:-Feeling an in
terest in common with all loyal citizens, and
desiring that no evil designed attacks at home
may be made against those who have SO nobly
volunteered in the defense Of our country,
you viii therefore pardon me for addressing
you OF this tine. 4..- v -
A report has for some time past been in
dus,riously circulated here rejecting severely
on the conduct of Col. Hill, Of the 36th Reg
! ment Iowa Infantry. during the assault on
Vichsburg, on May 22d. From my business
relations With the Colonel for the last twelve
years, l became thoroughly quainted with
his character, aud cannot but believe that
these charges are either entirely groundless or
at least grossly exaggerated, and l should
feel particularly obliged to you If you Will
favor me with . brief and candid statement of
the facts in the case. Should your reply be
such as have reason to anticipate, should
be happy, by your permission, to disabuse the
public mind with regard to these injurious
Impressions. Resp'y S. G. STEIN.
STEAMER M1NSEHAHA, MISSISSIPPI RlvER,l
Aug. s, 1868.
| s. 6. Stein, Esq, Muscatine:
DEAR SIR Yours Of the 9th of July came
! to hand as | was on the eve of star ing home,
and had, consequently, no opportunity to
answer sooner. 80. ..... j. .-....
In relation to the reports that have been
circulating derogatory to Col Hills conduct
on the 22d of May before Vicksburg, have
to say they are entirely without cause. To
be sure one of his Lieutensnts brought
charges against him for leaving his regiment
"when ordered TO charge on the enemy's
works." When the charge reached me, l
entirely exonerated the Colonel from such
charge; for, myself being in command, l
knew they had received TO SUCH order at any
time during the day but to the contrary |
sent positive orders to that brigade not to
! come under fire." and if they were ex osed,
to move them to place Of safety. Knowing
myself that the charge was untrue, | refused
to entertain it. The Only other charge was
% very frivolous, it is not necessary to men
ton it. Col. Hills corduct on that day, as
we'll as at Jackson on the 9th of the same
month, highly applaud, and know him to
be brave an efficient officer, and always
ready for his duty. Io~a has no better. I
ent~rtain the most profound regard for the
Colonel, both as an officer and gentleman,
and it gives me pleasure to set him right
He has received honorable mention in all my
reports. You most certainly have my per-
mission to show this letter to any Of the
Colonels friends Truly yours,
j. NJ. futile, Brig. Gen.