Annotation
[1] ADfS, DLC-RTL. See Lincoln's memorandum of January 31, supra. General Boyle replied on February 11, 1863, ``Your letter of the 1st inst., requesting information in regard to contributions assessed . . . by Col. J. W. Foster, of 65th Regt. Ind. Vols . . . was received on 7th inst. and forwarded to Col. Foster for report.
`` . . . the assessment . . . was made by Col. Foster without orders from me; but I approved it after it was done, and still approve it as right, just, and politic. . . . The contributions were required of avowed secessionists . . . and it was applied honestly to reimburse loyal Union citizens in part for their losses by rebel guerrillas. . . . As far as I am advised, Mr. President, I believe the matter should be left as it is, without any interference with it. . . .'' (DLC-RTL).
On February 20 Boyle enclosed a copy of Colonel John W. Foster's report of January 6, 1863, and a letter from Foster dated February 16, which reads in part:
``I am in receipt of the letter of . . . President Lincoln, with your endorsement . . . instructing me to report on the names contained in the paper submitted by Senator Powell.
``You will remember that I made full report of all my action in these matters at the time, giving in detail the condition of the country, the causes which led to my action, the amount levied, the manner in which it was distributed, and the effect which it had upon the community. This report has been read by yourself and Maj. Gen. Wright . . . and . . . fully approved.
``I desire that this report be sent to the President. It was made upon my honor as an officer, and by it I desire that I may be judged. The money levied has been . . . paid out . . . to the citizens of Hopkins County, who were the sufferers by the action of these very men and their friends, who ask the President for redress. . . .'' (DLC-RTL).