Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-05-17
AM uPRIGHT OFFIoER.
"Reminiscences of Osiah
TattnalI and his Integrity.

An ''ex-naval store keeper,"i in a commu-
nication TO the Atlanta Consultation, says:
"Seeing how very often committees are
appointed at Washington to investigate the
different departments, when charges of dis
honesty have been alleged; particularly in
connection with the contingent fund, under
Mr.. Sherman's administration, has led me
to contrast the conduct OF the present Off
GERS with those Of the old school, in former
years, and to show how great is that con-
trast as to honesty. Allow me to mention
two incidents occurring during the war be-
tween the States. Commodore Josiah TAFT
nall, was In charge Of a station where was
naval store keeper. One New Years day
we paid the old hero calls, as was our duty
as officers in the navy. 1t was very cold
day and the old gentleman was suffering
with his wounded arm, and his servant was
epdeavoring to make a fire with some green
pine poles, the only fuel he bad. His family
was without wood or fire. (Fuel was very
scarce and difficult TO get.) l went to the
navy wharf (where | had several hundred
tons for the use of the different gunboats),
and ordered ton of coal taken to the Com
modore's residence, with instructions not to
let him know 1t. but he happened to be In
the ward when the coal arrived, aud asked
the WAGNER who sent It. He said had, aud
in very peremptory manner he was order
ed to take It back. The next day he called
at the store to see me, and demanded by
what authority l had sent public stores to
hts house. | endeavored to explain and re-
ferred to his suffering for want of wood and
fire, and concluded to send him some coal
for the comfort of himself and family.
We'll, sir, appreciate your kind feelings
for me and my family, hut IL you ever at
tempt such thing again will have you dis
missed from the service. l would freeze to
death before 1 would touch an ounce Of
coal belonging to the government. "On an
other occasion I was receiving a large
quantity of navy bread. 1t was very fine.
The Commodore saw it, and ssid i wish
you to loan me fifty pounds OF that
bread until | can get a baker to return it.
| sent Il TO him, and as soon as he could get
the f 1ur he got baker TO bake and return
the bread. Again had received some old
rye whisky from Pensacola navy yard made
In 1890 The old gentleman liked bis dram,
but never to excess. knew he would like
some, and l said to him, You are getting
old and feeble. and If you will take some of
this good Old whisky it will bene-
fit you.' mo, Sir said he; mot
a drop goes down my throat; it belongs
to the government, not to me. l will
issue an order for it to be sent TO the differ
ent hospitals for the sick and wounded
bad nesr 600 gallons, but not drop would
he touch or allow any one else to, except
upon a requisition from a surgeon, and l am
sorry TO say officers and doctors got sick
very often after that until It was all sent off.
What contrast between Josiah Tattnall, of
the Confederate States Navy, and John
Sherman, Secretary of the Treasury of the
United States, If the report of the commit
tee in his case be true.
81 was associated with Commodore TAFT
nall intimately several years during the war,
and do say, without reserve, he was the
most honest, truthful man l ever knew. l
believed he would have died before COM
hitting a dishonest act. l am afraid we
have but few such in official position In this
country left. Population and downright
stealing seems 70 be the order of the day,
particularly at Washington"