2009-04
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/31/2009
War-date letter by Treasury agent Wm. P. Mellen, 4pp. 4to., ink, on Treasury Dept. Office of the General Agent stationery, Cincinnati, Oct. 1, 1864 to Sec. W. P. Fessenden. "I have just learned that Assistant Special Agent Wm. Burnett, of Natchez, Miss., is still in confinement under a military arrest without knowledge of the charges against him. Mr. Burnettt, is a son of the late Judge Burnett, and this is as much as can be said in favor of the family relations of any man in the West. Mr. Burnett, has always sustained as high a character for integrity in this City, as any man in it, and I cannot believe he has been guilty of any misconduct for which you would reproach him. I am ignorant as to what charges are made against him. He has not written to me on the subject, and I am informed by persons from Natchez that he is not allowed to communicate with any one. The facts as near as I can learn them are as follows: In the latter part of August, he learned that a Captain Oldin, A.A. Agent of General Brayman, Commanding at Natchez, had accepted a bribe for some official act, and he promptly communicated the fact o Major General Canby, or Dana. That upon investigation it was admitted by Captain Oldin, who was placed under arrest. That thereupon Captain Oldin made charge against Mr. Burnett. That he made arrangements with a lewd woman, named Wells, in Natchez, to go to Vicksburg, and make these charges against Mr. Burnett, to General Dana. That not knowing the character of Mrs. Wells, General Dana, ordered his arrest. That under this order the Custom House and Mr. Burnett's office were seized, together with all the records, money &c. and placed in the hands of the Military, and Mr. Burnett, was placed in close confinement, when he has since remained. That neither Mr. Burnett nor any one for was permitted to be present at the Custom House, nor to have any custody or control over the books or money, or to see that the same were properly accounted. If the officers of your Department can be thus treated, they will at least feel reluctant to give bonds, or to perform their duty independently. Yesterday a Mulatto woman of uncommon intelligence, whose truthfulness and honesty are well vouched for, came before me, and made the enclosed affidavit. As your officers are responsible to you, and are under bonds which make them responsible for the money & c., in their hands, I respectfully suggest that such an order be issued by the President, or Secretary of War, as will release Mr. Burnett, and prevent the recurrence of such an outrage in the future..." VG.
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