The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1905-11-16

1S00SAAOs -0AssAA~ sNoiAs sSAeo
--.Actins Rsar Admiral David D. Porter.
CommaudiTR Mississippi Squadron.
/ "Str: 9he following persons were
received On beard this vessel June IA.
1888: James Henry and William D.
Ark. (bat6lio) sharpshooters; Thorn
as CormaE dBserter from MAJ. I. +.
Harrison'stbatfery of light artillery. also
his wife, Inn0 Is, 1868: George Ferris,
deserter f1om Capt. Powers's detach-
ment OF aharyshooters. Thomas Cor
NAL witnessed tho hanging at Rich
mond. La. of the white Captain and
Gen. Taylor and command were drawn
up to witnesstthe execution. 1t is also
reported by this man that the Sergeant
who commanded q company Of contra
bands. and WHO was captured by Har-
rison's cavalry some weeks ago, was
also hung at Perkins's Landing.
II have the honor to be. sir, your
most obedient servant,
"E. X. Owen, acknowledgements"
Gen. Grant addressed the following
letter to Gen. Taylor:
Near Vicksburg. June 20, 1853.
Brig. Gen. r. Taylor. Commanding
Confederate Forces. Delhi. La.
General: Upon the evidence Of a
white man, a citizen OF the South,
learn that white Captain and some
negroes, captured at Milliken's Bend,
were hanged soon after at Richmond.
He also informs me that white Ser
geant, captured by Harrisons cavalry
at Perkins's plantation. was hung.
My forces captured some six or
eight. prisoners in the same skirmish,
war, Notwithstanding they were caught
fighting under the black flag, to no
quarter
II feel no inclination to retaliate for
the offenses Of irresponsible persons,
but IL 1t is the policy OF any General
intrusted with the command of any
troops to show no quarter or to pun
ish with death prisoners taken in battle,
will accept the issue. It may be you
propose q different line of policy to-
ward black troops and officers COM
handing them, to that practiced toward
white troops. II so, I can assure you
that these colored troops are regularly
mustered into the service Of the United
States. The Government and all off,
GERS serving under the Government are
bound to give the same protection to
these troops that they do to any other
troops
"Col. Kirby Smith, Of the United
States volunteer service. and Col. John
Riggan, Assistant Aid-de-Camp, u. s.
Army. go as bearers Of this, and will re-
turn any reply that you may wish ia
make.
Hoping there may be some mistake
in the evidence furnished me, or tina,
the act Of hanging had no official sane
ton, and that the parties guilty Of II
will be duly punished, I remain. your
obedient servant,
''U. 8. Grant"
Gen. Taylor replied as follows:
headquarters District Of West Louis.
lana. Alexandria, June e., 1853:
| "Maj.-Gen. u. 8. Grant, Commanding
United States Forces near Vicksburg
General: Your communication OF
the 22d instant. attributing to the troop.
of my command, upon evidence furn.
ished by q white man, certain acts dis.
graceful alike to humanity and to thu
reputation of soldiers. has just reached
me. In reply. I beg to say that re.
NAMED at Richmond and in its vicinity
for several days after the skirmish tx
which you tallude, and had any Officer
Or negro been hung the fact must have
come to my knowledge, and the &C
the pnnishment 1t deserved, The hang
ing. Of a white Sergeant by Col. /. F
Harrison's cavalry Is. am satisfied
likewise fabrication. shall, how
ever, cause this matter to be thorough
ly investigated. and should ! discover
evidence OF such acts having been per
Ipetrated the parties shall meet will
summary punishment. My orders a
all times have been to treat. all prison
erS witch every consid Grafton,
AS regards negroes captured II
arms. the officers Of the Confederate
States army are required, by an ordel