Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1864-05-13
From the Cleveland Herald.

Justice to Gen. r. p. BuckIand, of Fremont.
The following correspondence which the
Leader refused to publish though it gave
publicity to the anonymous charges against
Gen. Buckland whihh the letters below re-
fute-explains ITSELF Gen. R. P. Buck
land is awidely known and highly esteem
ed citizen of Fremont, and was a valuable
member of the Ohio State Senate in 1867.
He early entered the volunteer army as a
matter of duty, and has won an honorable
record in the field. His administration of
affairs at Memphis is well spoken of by the
Union citizens, and such charges as those
made by ga. D. o." of the Leader, are
simply ridiculous. Gen. Buekland is a
consistent anti-slavery man of long stand
ing, and he has proved his loyalty and pat
riotism by periling his life for our country.
We cheerfully comply with the request of
the friends of Gen. B. by giving place to the
rejected letters In the HERALD:
LETTER FROM F. W. BINGHAM, ESQ.
MEMPHIS, Tenn, March y, 1864.
= W. COwLEs OF THE CLEVELAND LEADDR:
Dear SRI notice in the Leader of the lst inst
a communication signed "a. D. o." rejecting
on Brig. Gen. Buckland, commander of this post.
and was surprised to see an anonymous letter of
that kind in your paper-especially so as the
General is no stranger to men in public life,
having held office, and been a member of the
Senate of Ohio for four years previous to his en-
tering the army. have been told by those of
his own hate command, the I'D D. V. l., that he
is brave, and distinguished for coolness on all
OccasiOns-the last was conspicuous it is said, at
the battle of Shiloh.
From my knowledge of his sentiments upon
the subject of slavery, can say that no authori-
ty could compel him to return fugitive to
bondage The humanity aud proprety of re-
tanning these children with DIR. Wheaton had
been decided by Major General Hurlburt, then
commanding this department, whose order Gen.
Buckland was not at liberty to disregard.
The enclosed statement OfDr. Wheaton have
every reason to believe is true, and trust you
will give it an insertion in the Leader
DIR. Wheaton is known here as liberal, whole
sOuled Union man. He negotiated an import
ant contract for our Government, approved and
paid by Gen. Sherman when in command ofthis
department. l enclose copy of letter from
the Surgeon of the Dist Missouri Regiment,
which cOrrobOrates what l have said in relation
to him.
personally know something of the Doctor
and his lady Could you have seen these little
girls about DIR. Wheaton house. as have done
and heard their sweet voices singing national
airs, and heard them answer questions, you
would have been satisfied that the Doctors
daughter, or some one, had been diligent in
teaching them golden lessons.
To discuss the question whether or not they
can be slaves, their father being in the Federal
army, or whether there is any legal slavery in
Tennessee, is no part of my present purpose
My observation is that the Institution, to all in
tents and purposes, in this locality, is Dead and
will shortly be placed beyond resurrection, as
shown by the late election in this State
Though do not wish to appear in print, still
the facts stated are at your disposal, which. ]
feel assured, will be used in way that will con-
tinue to vindicate your character as a right
midded gentleman.
Your friend and obedient servant.
| F " RTNGHAM