Annotation
[1] LS (copy?), DLC-RTL. See Lincoln to Lane, July 17, and to Carney, July 21, supra. On July 31, General Blunt wrote Lincoln:
``I have learned . . . that Thomas Carney, Governor of Kansas, has recently filed with you charges against myself. . . . Justice . . . demands that these charges should be investigated. . . . I know that he never intended that there should be an investigation . . . but expected to . . . get rid of me upon his own representation. . . . I have denounced him publicly as a thief and a liar. . . . I have no hesitation in saying that a greater thief and corrupt villain than Thomas Carney does not live, and all that he lacks to make him a finished scoundrel is his stupidity and want of brains. . . . He has furthermore been aided in his crusade against me by the commanding general of this department . . . a general inferior to me in grade and rank, who enjoys a reputation among the soldiers of the west for cowardice and imbecility. . . .
``My private grievances shall not interfere with the public interest. If the good of the cause requires it I will command 500 negroes, and my present command is not much more---a gay command for a major-general. . . . I have made repeated application for re-enforcements . . . . the enemy . . . are at least 12,000 strong . . . and are offering battle. I have not more than 3,000 effective men. . . . I am well convinced that there has been a determined purpose . . . to sacrifice this command by withholding re-enforcements in order . . . to get rid of me. . . .'' (OR, I, LIII, 565-67).
Blunt was relieved of his command at Fort Smith, Arkansas, by General Orders No. 118, Headquarters Department of the Missouri, October 19, 1863 (OR, I, XXII, II, 666).
[2]