Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-22
HIS RECORD CLEARED.
Charges Against Member OF Picket'
Cnmp Are Groundless.

CnmD Are UfOuHuitSH'
The explosion of two weeks ago In
Pickett Camp, caused by the Introduction
Of a resolution calling for general IN
vestigation of the war records of mem
bers. was examined last night at the
regular meeting of that body, and was
adiudged harmless, since the particular
member at whom It was aimed mace
statement and brought forward proofs
Of his service. which showed that his
record was one of which not only he, Du
the camp. might we'll feel proud.
since Mr.. Pumphrey first introduced
the resolution. the rumors which were
its foundation have been widely circu-
lated. and DR.. T. Il. Strsttons name was
mentioned as being one of those whose
record would not stand an investigation
No one was surprised, therefore, When
that gentleman rose to question OF per-
sonal privilege last night, stating that
ne was cognizant Of the rumors and
anxious to meet the issue.
Mr. McCurdy moved that Mr.. Pumphrey
should substantiate the charges made on
the night of February 7th lively de-
bate ensued and a motion that the camp
should resolve itself into a committee TO
hear charges against any Of the members
was adopted.
DIR. STRATTONS EXPLANATION.
DIR. Stratton then took the floor. He
said he wanted TO explain why he was
a member of the camp and his service
from the commencement TO the close of
the war. He had enlisted he said, In
MAY. 1861, as first sergeant OF Company B'
First Virginia Infantry. In September or
October, 1851. he received an appointment
from the Secretary of War to the medical
department. and remained at General
Hospital No. l until the nights around
Richmond He rejoined the regiment on
the dav of the fight at Frazier's farm.
Later ne returned on a pass TO Richmond.
In March. 1863, he rejoined the regiment
AT Kingston. ". c., and remained with IL
during the investment of Suffolk by Pick
EFT and Hood He left while the regi-
ment was at Petersburg during May or
June and Joined MOsby's command, ana
when the second company was formed he
was enrolled in II. DR.. Stratton here read
an extract from Williamson's "Mosby 5
Rangers In support of this. He was
captured I'm 1863 with Barnes and Har-
rorer. and ne read a letter from Mr. K.
NJ Harrorer treasurer OF the Confede-
rate Veterans Association, Of Washing
ton, which not only supports the state
ment made by DR.. Stratton, but speaks
of his conspicuous gallantry. He gave
the details Of his Imprisonment and
stated that he earned his release by es-
tablishing a sreail-pox hospital and at
tending the patients He was sent home
February q, l865. An incident of the
voyage was recalled, and letter from
Judge Pryor, OF New York, served as
corroboration. When Richmond was
evacuated ne went with the army to APP
pomattox Courthouse, but instead Of sur
rendering with General Lee he came
away from Rosser's Cavalry. A letter from
General Rosser bears this statement out,
and says that DR.. Stratton not only join
ed him. but rendered valuable service,
adding: "Your conduct was patriotic and
soldierly."
THE RESOLUTION DISCUSSED.
When DR.. Stratton resumed his seat
Mr.. Pumphrey asked that his resolution
should be read. When this had been
done he asked: whats the object OF
that resolution. It's against me as much
as any one" and then he asked that the
resolution should be discussed
Mr.. IOehr demanded that any charges
to be made should be mace before the
camp as it then sat. The commander
took a different view. He thought the
last clause Of the resolution reflected on
each and every member.
Mr. Pumphrey asked If something
should not be done to show that there
were no deserters in the camp. He was
called upon to name the man who had
made the statement 10 him. and he said
Mr. A. Jennings had told him i'm the first
place, but had refused TO give any name.
The commander expressed surprise that
81. md -
officer should make such charge and
then refuse TO name the man.
MIR. Pumphrey said he hoped the camp
would cite Mr. Jennings to appear and
disclose the name. or else expel him.
Mr.. McCurdy said the action of the
camp was unconstitutional, for 1t was
impossible 10 go behind an election until
charges had been preferred
Dr. Stratton asked that the camp
would hear Mr.. Robns's statement In
his behalf. Mr.. Robins said he remem-
bered that DR. Stratton had served with
the First Regiment. He had, in some
measure. been responsible for the report
refecting on his comrades record, but he
had made the statewents without thinK-
ing.
Mr.. Pumphrey asked Mr.. Robins II ne
had not told him that DIR. Stratton 'lu
did leave the Fair-Grounds with the regi-
ment. Mr. Robins replied In the afirma-
tive. but said he had answered without
giving the matter due thought
DIR. Stratton said he had no hard reel
ings against the two comrades. and asked
that Comrade owens Of Moshy's br'-
gade. and az present an inmate OF tne
soldiers Home. should be heard. Mr.
Owens said he had Joined Mosoy's COM
nand altar lar. Strattnn. hu4 hah ---'s